Yemen
Republic of Yemen
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.18%
With a population of roughly 32.7 million, Yemen ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 527,968 km², translating to a density of 62 people per km². Its capital is Sana'a, and Arabic is the official language, while the Yemeni rial serves as the national currency.
Population
32,684,503
Area
527,968 km²
Density
62/km²
World Rank
#48
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 35.2 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 4.8 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 41.1% of the population is under 15, while only 2.5% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Sana'a
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Yemeni rial (﷼)
- Calling Code
- +967
- Top-Level Domain
- .ye
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 32,684,503
- Land Area
- 527,968 km²
- Population Density
- 62 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.18%
- Annual Growth
- +712,522 people
- Daily Growth
- +1,952 people
- World Population Share
- 0.40%
- Coordinates
- 15.00°, 48.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $634 classifies Yemen as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 17.3%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. The Gini index of 36.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
69.3 years
GDP per Capita
$634
Birth Rate
35.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
4.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
36.8%
Fertility Rate
4.59 births/woman
Infant Mortality
34.7 per 1,000
Unemployment
17.3%
Literacy Rate
37.1%
Internet Users
13.8%
Under 15
41.1%
Over 65
2.5%
Health Spending
9.7% GDP
Gini Index
36.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
13.4M
15-64 years
18.4M
65+ years
824K
Urbanization
Only 36.8% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Sana'a, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 16291.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
12.0M
36.8%
20.7M
63.2%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 69.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 34.7 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. Literacy stands at 37.1%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Yemen
Yemen has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Yemen is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Yemen participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 32,684,503 |
| 2030 | 35,489,253 |
| 2035 | 39,022,003 |
| 2040 | 42,575,577 |
| 2045 | 46,144,562 |
| 2050 | 49,727,296 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Yemen.
Largest Cities in Yemen
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Yemen by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Yemen?
The population of Yemen is approximately 32.7 million as of 2026, making it #48 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Yemen?
The capital of Yemen is Sana'a.
What languages are spoken in Yemen?
The main languages spoken in Yemen are Arabic.
How big is Yemen?
Yemen covers an area of 527,968 km² with a population density of 62 people per km².
Is Yemen growing or shrinking?
Yemen is growing at a rate of 2.18% per year, adding approximately 712,522 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Yemen?
The average life expectancy in Yemen is 69.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Yemen?
The GDP per capita of Yemen is $634.