Overview of Yemen

Profile

Bordering the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, Yemen encompasses diverse natural environments from inland highland mountains to dry coastal plains, and the globally significant Socotra Islands with endemic species. Known since ancient times as 'Arabia Felix' (Happy Arabia), it is dotted with ruins of ancient civilizations including the Kingdom of Sheba. The current Republic of Yemen was formed in 1990 through the unification of north and south, but since 2015 has been experiencing civil conflict, facing significant humanitarian and economic challenges. Considered one of the birthplaces of coffee, the port of Mocha is renowned among coffee enthusiasts worldwide. While it boasts rich traditional culture and distinctive architectural beauty, travel and business require utmost attention to safety concerns.

Official name: Republic of Yemen
Common name: Yemen
Numeric code: 887
Alpha-3 code: YEM
Alpha-2 code: YE
Population: Approximately 34.45 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 67 people/km²
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam (Sunni, Zaydi Shia)
National anthem: United Republic (النشيد الوطني اليمني)
Calling code: +967
Internet TLD: .ye

History

After flourishing through ancient spice trade, it underwent Ottoman and British rule before achieving north-south unification in 1990. Civil conflict has continued since 2015.

The prosperity beginning with the Kingdom of Sheba (circa 1000 BCE) was called 'Arabia Felix' by Romans for its role in trading frankincense and myrrh. During the Islamic period, Zaydi Imamate regimes and external powers alternately controlled the region. In the 19th century, the north was controlled by the Ottoman Empire and the south by the British Empire, with the north becoming independent as a kingdom in 1918. Following 1960s revolutions, the north became a republic while the south became the Marxist People's Democratic Republic, achieving unification on May 22, 1990. Post-unification, tribal and sectarian conflicts continued, and the Arab Spring in 2011 led to the collapse of the long-standing regime. Since 2015, civil war has intensified with clashes between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces, with peace negotiations occurring intermittently.

Geography & climate

Along the Red Sea lies the lowland Tihama, followed by western mountain ranges reaching 3,000m elevation, the Hadramawt plateau spreading inland beyond the highlands, and the Rub' al Khali desert in the northeast, characterized by dramatic topography with significant variations in elevation and moisture. Offshore Socotra Island has an isolated ecosystem.

Mixed arid zone (tropical desert) and mountain steppe climate

Area: Asia / 527968 km²
Capital: Sana'a (Provisional government seat: Aden)
Largest city: Sana'a
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Saudi Arabia, Oman

Natural resources

Petroleum, Natural gas, Limestone, Gypsum, Gold, Copper, Nickel, Marble, Marine resources, Sidr honey, Frankincense, Dragon's Blood resin

Politics

Government: Republic (Semi-presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER)

GDP (nominal): 140 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 705 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Yemen Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arab Yemenis, Soqotri, Mahri, Akhdam (Muhamasheen), Small number of Yemeni Jews

Life expectancy

66.0

Literacy rate

54.1

National sports

Football, Futsal, Taekwondo, Boxing, Weightlifting, Athletics