Where is Yemen Located?
Where is Yemen located on the map? Yemen is an independent nation located in Western Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Yemen on maps.
Yemen Location in World Map
Yemen is a republic and is located in the Middle East . The country borders Saudi Arabia in the north and Oman in the east. It is one and a half times the size of Germany. In the south of Yemen are the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, in the west of Yemen borders on the Red Sea. The length of the coast is 2400 kilometers. Thus a large part of the country can be found by the sea or on a coast. There are also some islands in front of the land area: These are the largest island of Socotra with an area of 3,600 square kilometers as well as the islands of Kamaran, Abdalkuri, Samhah, Cal Farum and Dorsa.
Location of Yemen on the map
Location Information of Yemen
Yemen is located in the Middle East, at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Red Sea to the west, and the Gulf of Aden to the south. Yemen’s strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula has historically made it a key player in regional trade routes.
Latitude and Longitude
Yemen is situated approximately between Latitude 12°N to 19°N and Longitude 42°E to 54°E. Its location in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula places it near both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, two critical bodies of water for global maritime trade.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Sana’a
The capital city of Yemen, Sana’a, is located in the western highlands of the country. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is renowned for its historic architecture, including ancient mosques and palaces. Sana’a is situated at approximately Latitude 15.3694° N and Longitude 44.1910° E. Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, Sana’a remains the center of government and administration, although much of the political activity has moved to other areas due to security concerns.
Major Cities
- Aden
Located in the southern part of Yemen along the Gulf of Aden, Aden is a historic port city and one of the country’s main economic hubs. It is Yemen’s second-largest city, with a rich colonial history under British rule. Aden is located at approximately Latitude 12.7794° N and Longitude 44.9780° E. - Taiz
Situated in the southwestern part of the country, Taiz is an important cultural and economic center. The city, located at Latitude 13.5794° N and Longitude 44.0206° E, is famous for its historical significance and its position in the highlands, making it a natural trade and agricultural center. - Mukalla
Mukalla is the capital of the Hadhramaut Governorate and an important coastal city located along the Gulf of Aden. The city is known for its proximity to the oil reserves in the region and serves as a key port for the country’s oil exports. Mukalla lies at Latitude 14.5511° N and Longitude 49.1292° E. - Al Hudaydah
A major port city on the Red Sea, Al Hudaydah is located at Latitude 14.8042° N and Longitude 42.9575° E. Historically, it has been crucial for Yemen’s trade and is one of the country’s most significant commercial centers. - Al-Mukha
Situated on the Red Sea coast, Al-Mukha, also known as Mocha, is famous for its historic role in the coffee trade. It is located at Latitude 13.2908° N and Longitude 43.1833° E.
Time Zone
Yemen follows Yemen Standard Time (YST), which is UTC +3. Yemen does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year. The country’s time zone aligns with several other nations in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Climate
Yemen experiences a diverse range of climates due to its varied topography, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous highlands.
- Coastal Climate: The coastal regions, including cities like Aden and Al Hudaydah, have a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, particularly in the summer. Coastal cities can see temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (104°F) in summer, with cooler temperatures in the winter months (around 20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F).
- Highland Climate: In contrast, the highland areas, including Sana’a and Taiz, experience a temperate climate with more moderate temperatures. Daytime highs can range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in the summer, while nights can be much cooler. Winter temperatures can dip to around 10°C (50°F) at night.
- Desert Climate: In the eastern regions of Yemen, including areas like the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the climate is arid and desert-like, with extremely high temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Rain is scarce in these areas.
Overall, Yemen’s climate varies greatly depending on the altitude and proximity to the coast, making it a country of diverse weather patterns.
Economic Status
Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, primarily due to ongoing political instability, conflict, and dependence on oil exports. The country’s economy has been severely affected by the civil war, which has disrupted trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Key Sectors of the Economy:
- Oil and Gas: Yemen’s economy has historically been heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, which account for a significant portion of the country’s GDP and government revenue. However, due to the war, many oil fields and infrastructure have been damaged, leading to a decline in production and export capacity.
- Agriculture: Agriculture is another key sector, employing a large portion of the population. Major agricultural products include qat (a stimulant plant), grains, coffee, and fruits. The country faces significant challenges in agricultural productivity due to water scarcity and ongoing conflict.
- Fishing: Yemen has access to both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and fishing remains a critical sector for local livelihoods and food security. However, the conflict has severely hampered fishing activities, especially in regions near contested ports.
- Remittances: Many Yemenis work abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and send remittances back to Yemen. These remittances play a crucial role in the country’s economy, supporting families and local businesses.
Challenges:
- Political Instability: The ongoing civil war between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and many more facing food insecurity and lack of basic services.
- High Poverty Rates: Yemen has one of the highest poverty rates in the region, with approximately 80% of the population in need of humanitarian aid.
- Infrastructure Damage: The war has resulted in significant damage to the country’s infrastructure, including transportation networks, healthcare facilities, and schools.
Despite these challenges, Yemen’s strategic location, particularly its proximity to major maritime trade routes, offers some potential for post-conflict recovery and economic development.
Tourist Attractions
Yemen has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, although tourism has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict. Despite this, some attractions still hold significance for those interested in the country’s history and culture.
1. Sana’a Old City
The Old City of Sana’a is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. It features traditional Yemeni architecture, with intricately designed buildings made from mud bricks and adorned with white gypsum. The city is famous for its ancient souks, mosques, and palaces.
2. Socotra Island
Known as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” Socotra Island is located off the coast of Yemen and is famous for its unique biodiversity. The island’s flora and fauna are found nowhere else in the world, including the famous dragon blood trees. Socotra is also home to pristine beaches and dramatic landscapes.
3. Shibam
Often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert,” Shibam is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mud-brick skyscrapers. The city’s distinctive architecture dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of the earliest examples of urban planning.
4. Al Mahwit
Located in the western highlands of Yemen, Al Mahwit is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, terraced fields, and traditional Yemeni villages. The area offers opportunities for hiking and experiencing rural Yemeni life.
5. Al Hudaydah
The city of Al Hudaydah is known for its bustling port and vibrant local markets. Its coastal location also makes it a gateway for exploring the Red Sea’s underwater biodiversity, although tourism here is limited due to the security situation.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Yemen require a visa. The visa application process is typically done through the Yemeni embassy or consulates. U.S. citizens are advised to consult with the Yemeni embassy for the most current visa regulations, as the security situation in the country may lead to changes in requirements.
- Tourist Visa:
A tourist visa is required for entry into Yemen, and the visa must be obtained prior to travel. U.S. citizens are typically asked to submit a valid passport, photographs, and an invitation letter from a sponsor in Yemen (such as a hotel or tour operator). - Business Visa:
For business travelers, a business visa is required, and applicants must show proof of their business activities in Yemen. This visa may require additional documentation, including a letter of invitation from a Yemeni company.
Traveling to Yemen is currently highly discouraged by the U.S. State Department due to the ongoing conflict and security risks. U.S. citizens should carefully review travel advisories and consider their safety before traveling.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance from Sana’a to New York City
The distance between Sana’a, Yemen, and New York City is approximately 11,500 kilometers (7,145 miles). Flight time typically ranges from 14 to 16 hours, depending on layovers. - Distance from Sana’a to Los Angeles
The distance between Sana’a and Los Angeles is approximately 12,000 kilometers (7,460 miles). Flights usually take about 15 to 18 hours, depending on the route and number of layovers.
Mountains
One can distinguish three great landscapes in Yemen. On the one hand, there is the plain on the coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. You can see that on the adjacent map. The levels are shown in green.
The landscape then rises, steeper in the west than in the east and flows into mountains. These mountains are very high, especially in the west, with mountains higher than 3000 meters. Here is also the highest mountain in Yemen, the 3760 meter high Jabal an-Nabi Shuʿaib, which translated means “mountain of the prophet”.
The rest of the country is criss-crossed by a highland with an average altitude of 2000 to 2500 meters. The wadis are typical of this region. These are rivers that only carry water during the rainy season and dry out outside of these times. Overall, the mountains take up a third of the country. Yemen is a total of 528,076 square kilometers and only sparsely forested.
Climate
The climate in Yemen differs from region to region and depending on the season. In the highlands in the west, for example, there is a lot of rain in summer. Otherwise, mostly hot desert climate determines the weather.
Three climate zones can be distinguished in Yemen. The climate in the coastal region of the Indian Ocean is subtropical. Here lies a desert called Tihama, and the temperatures can rise to over 40 degrees a day. In winter the temperatures don’t drop below 30 degrees either, so it’s always very hot here.
In the northern mountain regions, the temperatures are a little lower, but can also reach 30 degrees in summer. In the higher altitudes it can get cool to cold in winter and also freeze. The rainy season from March to April and July to September often brings with it heavy rain. Therefore, agriculture is also possible in these areas, which is mostly done as terrace cultivation.
In the desert it is almost always hot and dry and there is little or no rain. Here the temperatures can reach 45 degrees in summer. If there is no rain, the country and its residents face a difficult time.
Yemen Facts
| Size | 528,076 km² |
| Residents | 29.2 million |
| Language | Arabic |
| Capital | Sanaa |
| Longest river | no river, just wadis |
| Highest mountain | Jebel an-Nabi Shuʿaib (3,760 m) |
| Currency | Yemen rial |