Yemen Population
Middle East & North Africa · 37th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
43,329,346
The population of Yemen is about 43,329,346 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 43.0 million for 2026 as a whole — 0.52% of the world's people.
Yemen is the 37th most populous of 217 countries and territories. Its population is growing fast — about 2.8% a year, roughly 3,347 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 71.0 million. That is 7.8 times its 1960 population of 5.5 million. Population density is 81 people per square kilometre. 37% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
43.0 million
Yearly change
+2.84%
World rank
37th
Share of world
0.52%
Density
81/km²
Land area
527,968 km²
Life expectancy
69.4 yrs
Births per woman
4.50
GDP per capita
$634
GDP
$21.6B
Population of Yemen, 1960–2050
Yemen population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 5,532,301 | — | 10 |
| 1970 | 7,065,279 | +2.75% | 13 |
| 1980 | 9,543,358 | +3.46% | 18 |
| 1990 | 13,887,862 | +3.92% | 26 |
| 2000 | 19,624,141 | +3.13% | 37 |
| 2010 | 26,754,387 | +3.19% | 51 |
| 2020 | 36,134,863 | +2.91% | 68 |
| 2024 | 40,583,164 | +3.03% | 77 |
| 2026proj. | 42,961,653 | +2.84% | 81 |
| 2030proj. | 47,667,662 | +2.52% | 90 |
| 2040proj. | 59,181,526 | +1.99% | 112 |
| 2050proj. | 70,976,403 | +1.69% | 134 |
Yemen vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 4.1 times as many people as Yemen. Bangladesh is 16.8 times more densely populated.
Yemen population: questions and answers
What is the population of Yemen in 2026?
About 42,961,653 (43.0 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is Yemen's population growing?
Yes, by about 2.84% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Yemen?
About 81 people per km², with a land area of 527,968 km².
What will the population of Yemen be in 2050?
About 71.0 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Yemen?
Aden and Sanaa.
What is the life expectancy in Yemen?
69.4 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.