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Index / Demographics
   Yemen /
Demographics
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Key figures
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Population:
23.8 million
Population density:
45 per square kilometre.
Median age:
17 years
Population growth
3.5%
Fertility
6.3 children/woman.
MENA rank: 22 of 22.
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Demographics
With comparison tables for all countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
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The population figures shown here combines the figures of North Yemen and South Yemen before their unification in 1990.
Population trends in Yemen is quite unique to the Middle East. While most countries have lower growth rates in the 2000's than the 20th century, Yemen is presently in a period of the highest growth rate ever. Following a moderate 7 times doubling through the 20th century, the growth rate as of 2009 is a staggering 3.5%. The background for this is a record high fertility rate of 6.3 children per mother. No birth control or family politics combined with improved health services has affected Yemen for some time, causing a median age of a record low 17 years. Yet, the correlation between births and deaths is not as high as expected, 5.5 births per death case. The explanation for this is a combination of relatively low life expectancy and the low median age.
All indicators suggest that the population explosion of Yemen will continue into the coming decades; some future projections suggest that the population will pass 100 million sometime after year 2040, other projections give a 2050 population at 76 million.
More information of demography is found in other Yemen articles about ethnic composition, first languages spoken and religious adherence. There is also information relevant to demographics under education and health.
| Year |
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Density
(per km²) |
Change |
| 1900 |
2,370,000 |
4 |
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| 1910 |
2,670,000 |
5 |
13% |
| 1920 |
3,000,000 |
6 |
12% |
| 1930 |
3,380,000 |
6 |
13% |
| 1940 |
3,820,000 |
7 |
13% |
| 1950 |
4,320,000 |
8 |
13% |
| 1960 |
5,090,000 |
9 |
18% |
| 1970 |
6,330,000 |
12 |
24% |
| 1980 |
8,200,000 |
16 |
30% |
| 1990 |
9,750,000 |
18 |
19% |
| 2000 |
17,500,000 |
33 |
79% |
| 2009 |
23,800,000 |
45 |
36% |
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