Yemen Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Yemen, state on the southwest tip of the Arabian Peninsula; 531,000 km², 28.5 million residents (2019).Yemen borders in the north to Saudi Arabia and in the east to Oman, and has a coast to the Arabian Sea in the south-east, the Gulf of Aden in the south and the Red Sea in the west. Yemen also includes the islands of Sokotra in the Arabian Sea, Perim in the strait Bab-el-mandeb and Kamaran in the Red Sea. The borders of Saudi Arabia and Oman have not been definitively established. The capital is Sana (2.1 million residents, 2012).

Country facts

al-Jumhuriyya al-Yamaniyya / Republic of Yemen
Country abbreviation: YE
Area: 531 000 km²
Population (2019): 28.5 million residents
Capital: Sana
Main language: (high) Arabic
State: Republic
Head of State: Abd Rabbuh Mansur al-Hadi
Head of Government: Muin Abd al-Malik Said
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 944
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 960
Currency unit: 1 riyal = 100 fils
Currency code: YER
Country number (telephony): 967
Internet Domain Name: ye
Time difference compared to Sweden: +2
National Day: May 22 (Republican Unification, 1990)

Nature

Land use: forest (4%), agricultural land (3%), other (93%)
Highest mountain: Hadur Shuayb (3,760 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 54 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.5%; birth number 31 ‰, death figure 6 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (40%), 15-64 (57%), 65- (3%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 64 years, women 68 years
Infant mortality (2019): 43 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 48 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.452 (place 178 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 37%
Most populous cities (2012): Sana (1.9 million residents), Aden (760 900)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (20%), industry (12%), service (68%)
Exports (2017): US $ 384 million
Main export product: crude oil, coffee
Main exporting countries: Egypt, Thailand, Belarus
Imports (2017): US $ 4,079 million
Main import products: food, machinery, chemicals
Main Importing Countries: United Arab Emirates, China, India
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography of Yemen

Location

Yemen is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, and the Red Sea to the west. It also shares maritime borders with the Arabian Sea to the south. The country occupies an area of about 527,968 square kilometers (203,850 square miles), making it the 49th largest country in the world. Yemen’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa has historically made it a key point for trade and cultural exchange, particularly through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and ultimately the Arabian Sea.

Topography

Yemen’s landscape is highly diverse, consisting of coastal plains, mountains, deserts, and fertile valleys. The western part of Yemen is dominated by a mountain range, the Sarawat Mountains, which run parallel to the Red Sea coast and form the backbone of the country’s geography. These mountains, which reach elevations of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), are important for agriculture, as the highlands are relatively cooler and more fertile than the arid plains.

The central and eastern parts of Yemen are covered by vast deserts, including the Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, which is one of the largest continuous sand deserts in the world. To the north and northeast, Yemen shares the harsh desert terrain with Saudi Arabia. In contrast, the southern coast of Yemen is marked by coastal plains, including the Tihama plain along the Red Sea. These plains are home to some of Yemen’s major cities, including the port city of Hudaydah.

Yemen’s rugged landscape is a significant feature in its cultural and economic life, providing natural barriers that have led to regional isolation and the development of distinct local cultures. The country also has several islands in the Red Sea, such as Socotra, which is known for its unique biodiversity.

Natural Resources

Yemen is rich in natural resources, particularly in terms of oil, natural gas, and minerals. The country has large deposits of petroleum and natural gas, which are crucial to its economy. Yemen is an oil-producing nation, and the discovery of oil in the 1980s played a significant role in the country’s development. Yemen also has substantial reserves of minerals, including gold, copper, and other precious metals, although these resources remain underexploited due to ongoing conflicts and lack of investment in the mining sector.

Additionally, Yemen has fertile land, especially in the highlands, which supports agriculture, including the cultivation of wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables. Coffee, which is one of Yemen’s most famous exports, was historically grown in the highlands and has long been a part of the nation’s economic and cultural fabric.

Climate of Yemen

General Climate

Yemen’s climate is generally arid and semi-arid, with vast variations depending on altitude and proximity to the coast. The coastal areas of Yemen experience a hot, humid climate due to the Arabian Sea, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the summer months. The southern port cities such as Aden and Mukalla are known for their high humidity, especially in the monsoon season from June to September.

In contrast, the highland regions experience a more temperate climate, with cooler temperatures and higher precipitation, especially during the rainy season from March to September. The cooler climate in the highlands allows for the cultivation of a variety of crops and contributes to a relatively high population density in these regions. The capital city, Sana’a, lies in these highlands, and its mild climate has historically made it a desirable place to live.

Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in Yemen is sparse, particularly in the central and eastern desert regions. The southwestern parts of the country, including the highlands, receive the most rainfall, with the wettest months being from March to September. This seasonal monsoon brings rains that are essential for agriculture, especially in areas that rely on traditional irrigation methods such as terracing.

The Tihama plains along the Red Sea coast also receive significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season, although the quantity is not enough to support year-round farming in these arid regions. Drought is a recurring problem, exacerbated by climate change and water mismanagement, and is particularly severe in the arid areas of the east.

People of Yemen

Population and Ethnic Composition

Yemen has an estimated population of around 30 million people, though the ongoing conflict and displacement have made accurate population estimates difficult. The population is ethnically homogeneous, with Arabs making up the vast majority. The Arab identity is strongly tied to the historical and cultural roots of the region, which have evolved over thousands of years. There are also small minorities of Afro-Arab and South Asian descent, primarily in port cities like Aden, where trade routes have historically attracted diverse populations.

The majority of Yemenis live in rural areas, with urban centers such as Sana’a, Aden, and Taiz serving as cultural and economic hubs. Despite the strong cultural cohesion, there are regional differences in dialects, customs, and traditions, largely due to Yemen’s rugged geography, which has fostered distinct communities in the mountainous and desert regions.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Yemen, and it is spoken by nearly all Yemenis. The dialects of Arabic vary significantly between regions, with the dialect spoken in the capital Sana’a being considered the standard or formal Arabic of the country. In the south, the dialects are influenced by historical ties to the British and other neighboring regions, while the northern regions may have some differences, especially in rural areas. In addition to Arabic, some small communities in southern Yemen speak languages such as Mehri and Soqotri, which are part of the South Arabian language family.

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Yemen, with nearly all of the population identifying as Muslim. Yemen is divided between two main branches of Islam: Sunni Islam, which is followed by the majority of Yemenis, and Zaydi Shia Islam, which is practiced by a significant minority in the northern parts of the country, particularly in the Sa’dah region. Zaydi Shia Islam has a long history in Yemen and is distinct from the Twelver Shia Islam practiced in Iran and other parts of the Shia world.

Religious identity plays an important role in Yemeni society, influencing politics, social norms, and daily life. Religious institutions are central to education, especially in rural areas, and the country has a rich tradition of Islamic scholarship. There are small Christian and Jewish communities, though their numbers have dwindled significantly in recent years due to emigration and social pressures.

Economy of Yemen

Oil and Gas

Yemen’s economy has long been reliant on the oil and gas industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue. The discovery of oil in the 1980s transformed Yemen’s economic landscape, and it became an important player in the global oil market. However, Yemen’s oil reserves are limited, and production has declined in recent years due to underinvestment, aging oil fields, and the impact of conflict. The oil industry remains a vital part of the economy, but Yemen is now facing the challenge of diversifying its economic base.

Agriculture

Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of Yemen’s rural economy. The fertile highlands of Yemen, where farming has been practiced for centuries, produce a wide variety of crops. Coffee, which originated in Yemen, remains one of the country’s most iconic exports, though it has faced challenges from global competition and local agricultural difficulties. Other important agricultural products include wheat, sorghum, barley, millet, and various fruits such as dates, pomegranates, and citrus.

The Tihama region, known for its humid climate, produces crops such as sugarcane, maize, and cotton. However, agricultural productivity in Yemen is severely limited by water scarcity, poor infrastructure, and the lack of modern farming techniques. The country has long relied on irrigation, with some ancient systems still in use today, but over-extraction of groundwater has led to a decline in agricultural output.

Industry and Manufacturing

Yemen’s industrial sector is underdeveloped, with manufacturing limited to small-scale industries such as food processing, textiles, cement, and chemicals. While the country has the potential for industrial growth, this sector has been hindered by inadequate infrastructure, political instability, and limited access to global markets. The potential for oil refining and natural gas processing also exists but has yet to be fully realized due to ongoing conflict and a lack of foreign investment.

Services and Tourism

Yemen’s service sector includes banking, telecommunications, and retail, though it remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of the world. The tourism sector, which has great potential due to Yemen’s rich historical sites, such as the ancient city of Shibam, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City of Sana’a, and the island of Socotra, has faced severe challenges due to political instability, security concerns, and the ongoing civil war. Yemen’s stunning natural landscapes, including its unique islands and mountainous regions, have great potential for ecotourism, but the tourism industry remains virtually nonexistent at present due to safety concerns.

Government of Yemen

Political System

Yemen is a republic, though its political system has been deeply affected by civil war and instability in recent years. The government is officially a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The country has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Shura Council. However, the political system has been in disarray since the outbreak of the civil war in 2014, which has led to a fragmented government and ongoing power struggles between rival factions.

Political History

Yemen’s modern political history has been marked by division and conflict. The country was split into two states, North Yemen and South Yemen, until 1990 when the two entities united. The unification was not smooth, and tensions between the two regions persisted throughout the 1990s. The unification process faced challenges of integration, including economic disparities, political differences, and regional tensions. Yemen faced a civil war in 1994, which resulted in the reaffirmation of northern dominance.

In recent years, Yemen has experienced a devastating civil war between the internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, and Houthi rebels, who have received support from Iran. The war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, widespread displacement, and the destruction of much of Yemen’s infrastructure.

Governance Challenges

Yemen faces several governance challenges, including corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of effective governance in large parts of the country. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated these issues, leaving large parts of the population without access to basic services, including healthcare, education, and clean water. The war has also contributed to the collapse of the economy, making it difficult for the government to provide for the needs of its citizens.

Culture of Yemen

Traditional Music and Dance

Music is an important aspect of Yemeni culture, with each region having its own unique styles and traditions. Yemeni music is characterized by its use of the oud (a stringed instrument), the qanun (a type of zither), and various percussion instruments. Folk music, often accompanied by dancing, plays a significant role in social gatherings and celebrations, such as weddings and festivals. Traditional dances are also widely practiced, with men often performing sword dances and women participating in more fluid, rhythmic movements.

Art and Craft

Yemen has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, with many items such as jewelry, textiles, pottery, and woodwork reflecting the country’s long history and cultural influences. The art of silver jewelry making is highly developed, with intricate designs often used for personal adornment and as symbols of wealth and status. Traditional crafts such as weaving and carpet making are also prominent in Yemeni culture.

Cuisine

Yemeni cuisine is characterized by a mix of Arab, African, and Indian influences. Traditional dishes often feature lamb, chicken, and fish, as well as rice, wheat, and lentils. The national dish of Yemen is mandi, a rice dish served with meat and vegetables, often cooked in a tandoor. Salta, a thick vegetable stew, is another popular dish. Yemen is also famous for its coffee, which is an important part of social life and culture.

Festivals and Celebrations

Yemen celebrates several religious and cultural festivals, the most significant being Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, both of which mark important events in the Islamic calendar. These festivals are celebrated with feasts, prayers, and family gatherings. Yemen also celebrates the anniversary of the revolution that led to the establishment of the Yemeni Republic in 1962. Traditional festivals often include music, dance, and theatrical performances, with regional variations reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage.