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Yemen

Al Yaman

Capital:Sanaa
Population:34.4M
Currency:Yemeni Rial (YER)
Language:Arabic
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Yemen.

Yemen Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

As Yemenis talk to each other the often touch each other. They talk loudly, repeat themselves often and interrupt each other. Schedules are loose and flexible.

Family

Land of Frankincense and Ancient Towers

Social Customs & Etiquette

Greetings

The official language is Arabic and typical arabic greetings are common. Marhaba is hello.

Personal Appearance

In hot coastal regions men wear lightweight shirts with and embroidered skirt called a futa and a straw hat or other head covering. In the cooler highlands men wear a shirt called a zanna with a jacket. A man's jambiyya (ceremonial dagger) identifies his clan which is sometimes worn tucked in the belt at his waist. Women wear bright colored cloth imported from India called sitaras and lots of jewelry.

Diet

Staples include rice, bread, vegetables, lamb and fish in the coastal regions. Lunch is the largest meal, It generally consist of chicken, lamb or beef with cooked vegetables, rice, flat bread soaked in buttermilk and covered with tomatoes, onions and spices. Breakfast is a light meal usually a bean dish called ful or scrambled eggs with tomatoes. The evening meal is called supper and is much like breakfast. Salta a meat broth with onions, tomatoes, eggs and hulba (an herb) is a favorite dish. Shourba bilsen, a soup made from lentils is also popular.

Sana’a

Family

Most families are large with more than seven members. Several generations may live together. Men and women are separated in public. Women keep themselves veiled and fully covered when anyone but family are present.

Dating Customs

Dating and Marriage in Yemen

Marriage in Yemen is a deeply significant social and religious institution, governed largely by Islamic law and longstanding tribal customs. The vast majority of Yemenis are Muslim, and marriage practices reflect both Sunni and Zaydi Shia traditions depending on the region.

Arranged marriages remain the predominant form of union in Yemen, with families playing a central role in selecting suitable partners. It is common for marriages to be arranged between families who share tribal affiliations, social standing, or regional ties. Romantic courtship as understood in many Western contexts is rare, and premarital interaction between unrelated men and women is generally discouraged or restricted.

Polygamy is legally permitted under Yemeni law, with men allowed to take up to four wives, provided they can demonstrate the financial and equitable capacity to support multiple households. However, polygamous marriages are more common in rural and tribal areas than in urban centers such as Sanaa or Aden.

Child marriage has historically been a serious concern in Yemen. The country lacks a nationally enforced minimum age of marriage, though a law setting the minimum at 18 was proposed and debated in parliament. In practice, girls have frequently been married as young as 15 or even younger, particularly in rural regions. International organizations have long flagged this as a human rights and public health issue, as early marriage is linked to higher rates of maternal mortality and limited educational opportunities for girls.

The mahr, or bride price, is a mandatory financial gift from the groom to the bride required under Islamic law, and in Yemen it can be substantial. Negotiations over the mahr are conducted between families and can be a lengthy process. Wedding celebrations are typically gender-segregated affairs, with men and women celebrating separately.

Divorce exists within the framework of Islamic law, with men retaining the right of talaq (unilateral divorce), while women may seek divorce through judicial channels. Women's access to divorce protections, however, remains limited in practice, particularly outside urban areas.

Recreation

Soccer is the most popular sport. For men chewing qat is a favorite pastime. Women's afternoon gatherings are known as tafritas.

Holidays

  • Unification Day

    5/22

    Independence

Dates of Interest

  • July - August

    Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calender. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.

How do people greet each other in Yemen?

Arabic is the official language and typical Arabic greetings are common; "Marhaba" means hello.

Good to know

  • Use "Marhaba" to say hello

What are the dining customs and typical foods in Yemen?

Staples include rice, bread, vegetables, lamb, and fish in coastal regions, with lunch as the largest meal of the day.

Good to know

  • Breakfast is light, often ful (a bean dish) or scrambled eggs with tomatoes
  • Lunch typically features chicken, lamb, or beef with cooked vegetables, rice, and flat bread soaked in buttermilk topped with tomatoes, onions, and spices
  • Supper, the evening meal, is much like breakfast
  • Try local favorites like salta (a meat broth with onions, tomatoes, eggs, and the herb hulba) and shourba bilsen (a lentil soup)

What social etiquette should I expect in Yemen?

Yemenis often touch each other while talking, speak loudly, repeat themselves, and interrupt one another, and schedules are loose and flexible.

Good to know

  • Expect physical contact and animated conversation
  • Don't rely on strict punctuality, as schedules are flexible

How should I dress in Yemen?

Dress varies by region: in hot coastal areas men wear lightweight shirts with an embroidered skirt called a futa and a head covering, while in the cooler highlands men wear a shirt called a zanna with a jacket.

Good to know

  • A man's jambiyya (ceremonial dagger) identifies his clan and is sometimes worn tucked in the belt
  • Women wear brightly colored cloth called sitaras, imported from India, and lots of jewelry

What is family life like in Yemen?

Most families are large, often with more than seven members, and several generations may live together.

Good to know

  • Men and women are separated in public
  • Women keep themselves veiled and fully covered when anyone but family is present

What do people do for recreation in Yemen?

Soccer is the most popular sport, while chewing qat is a favorite pastime for men.

Good to know

  • Women hold afternoon gatherings known as tafritas

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Yemen

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
Yemeni rial (YER)
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The interior highlands have two rainy seasons a year: the first in March and April, and a second with heavier rainfall in July and August. For the rest of the year, sunny, clear weather is the rule, with occasional dust storms. In winter, night temperatures in Sanaa can drop to 30°F, with sunshine and daytime highs of 70°F. Summer temperatures are moderate, with highs of 85°F, dropping to the low 60s at night. To the west in the Tihama (lowlands adjoining the Red Sea) where there is a mixture of African and Arab cultures, the weather is hot and humid for much of the year. Even in winter, daytime highs can be in the 90s. During the summer, torrential monsoons occur. Aden and the southern coast are similarly hot and humid, with summer temperatures frequently in the 100s. However, winter temperatures are far milder and more pleasant. The Hadhramaut and the interior desert regions extending east from Aden to the Omani border are hot and dry. To the east of the highland interior, the terrain slopes down to the sandy wastes of the deserts of inner Arabia, the famous "Empty Quarter."
Airports
44
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Bint al Sahn (Honey Cake)

Side Dish

Browse all 5 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Kingdoms

    1200 BCE – 628

    Yemen was home to the Minaean, Sabaean, and Himyarite kingdoms, which dominated the ancient spice and incense trade routes. These sophisticated states maintained extensive commercial networks stretching to the Mediterranean world. The region subsequently came under Ethiopian and Persian rule before the Persian governor of Yemen embraced Islam in 628 CE, ending the pre-Islamic era.

  2. Islamic & Zaydi Era

    628 – 1839

    Arab Islamic caliphates extended control over Yemen in the 7th century, and following the fragmentation of the Abbasid caliphate, Zaydi Imams established a durable theocratic order across northern Yemen. The Ottomans absorbed much of the region in the 16th century but were largely expelled by the 1630s, after which Zaydi Imams reasserted authority. In the south, the Kathiridi sultanate and other tribal confederations maintained distinct political structures alongside intermittent Ottoman encroachments from 1849 onward.

  3. Colonial Division

    1839 – 1918

    Britain captured the strategic port of Aden in 1839, administering it as part of British India and gradually extending protectorates over the surrounding tribal territories. The Ottomans simultaneously pressed their occupation of northern Yemen, though fierce tribal resistance confined effective Turkish control largely to urban centers. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 amplified Aden's commercial and strategic importance, deepening the geopolitical division of Yemeni territory.

  4. Divided Independence

    1918 – 1990

    The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 brought independence to North Yemen under Imam Yahya and his successors, while the south remained under British rule until 1967, when Marxist NLF guerrillas seized power and eventually proclaimed the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in 1970. A republican revolution overthrew the Imamate in North Yemen in 1962, sparking a civil war drawing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The two Yemeni states engaged in recurrent border conflicts and ideological rivalry through the 1970s and 1980s despite nominal agreements to pursue unification.

  5. Unified Republic

    1990 – 2014

    North and South Yemen merged on May 22, 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen under President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A southern secessionist uprising in 1994 was swiftly suppressed by northern forces, and a border agreement with Saudi Arabia was reached in 2000. The period nonetheless saw mounting instability, including Houthi insurgencies in the north, a resurgent southern separatist movement, and the growing presence of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

  6. Civil War & Crisis

    2014 – present

    Houthi forces seized Sanaa in late 2014 and advanced southward, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government. The conflict has produced one of the world's worst humanitarian catastrophes, with widespread famine, disease, and mass displacement. Yemen remains fractured among multiple armed factions, with no durable political settlement achieved.

Overview

Yemen was one of the oldest centers of civilization in the Near East. Between the 12th century BC and the 6th century AD, it was part of the Minaean, Sabaean, and Himyarite kingdoms, which controlled the lucrative spice trade, and later came under Ethiopian and Persian rule. In the 7th century, Islamic caliphs began to exert control over the area. After this caliphate broke up, the former north Yemen came under control of Imams of various dynasties usually of the Zaidi sect, who established a theocratic political structure that survived until modern times. (Imam is a religious term. The Shi’ites apply it to the prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali, his sons Hassan and Hussein, and subsequent lineal descendants, whom they consider to have been divinely ordained unclassified successors of the prophet.)

Egyptian Sunni caliphs occupied much of north Yemen throughout the 11th century. By the 16th century and again in the 19th century, north Yemen was part of the Ottoman Empire, and in some periods its Imams exerted control over south Yemen.

Former North Yemen
Ottoman control was largely confined to cities with the Imam’s suzerainty over tribal areas formally recognized. Turkish forces withdrew in 1918, and Imam Yahya strengthened his control over north Yemen. Yemen became a member of the Arab league in 1945 and the United Nations in 1947.

Imam Yahya died during an unsuccessful coup attempt in 1948 and was succeeded by his son Ahmad, who ruled until his death in September 1962. Imam Ahmad’s reign was marked by growing repression, renewed friction with the United Kingdom over the British presence in the south, and growing pressures to support the Arab nationalist objectives of Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser.

Shortly after assuming power in 1962, Ahmad’s son, Badr, was deposed by revolutionary forces, which took control of Sanaa and created the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR). Egypt assisted the YAR with troops and supplies to combat forces loyal to the Imamate. Saudi Arabia and Jordan supported Badr’s royalist forces to oppose the newly formed republic. Conflict continued periodically until 1967 when Egyptian troops were withdrawn. By 1968, following a final royalist siege of Sanaa, most of the opposing leaders reached a reconciliation; Saudi Arabia recognized the Republic in 1970.

Former South Yemen
British influence increased in the south and eastern portion of Yemen after the British captured the port of Aden in 1839. It was ruled as part of British India until 1937, when Aden was made a crown colony with the remaining land designated as east Aden and west Aden protectorates. By 1965, most of the tribal states within the protectorates and the Aden colony proper had joined to form the British-sponsored federation of south Arabia.

In 1965, two rival nationalist groups--the Front for the Liberation of Occupied South Yemen (FLOSY) and the National Liberation Front (NLF)--turned to terrorism in their struggle to control the country. In 1967, in the face of uncontrollable violence, British troops began withdrawing, federation rule collapsed, and NLF elements took control after eliminating their FLOSY rivals. South Arabia, including Aden, was declared independent on November 30, 1967, and was renamed the People’s Republic of South Yemen. In June 1969, a radical wing of the Marxist NLF gained power and changed the country’s name on December 1, 1970, to the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY). In the PDRY, all political parties were amalgamated into the Yemeni Socialist Party (YSP), which became the only legal party. The PDRY established close ties with the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and radical Palestinians.

Republic of Yemen
In 1972, the governments of the PDRY and the YAR declared that they approved a future union. However, little progress was made toward unification, and relations were often strained. In 1979, simmering tensions led to fighting, which was only resolved after Arab League mediation. The northern and southern heads of state reaffirmed the goal of unity during a summit meeting in Kuwait in March 1979. However, that same year the PDRY began sponsoring an insurgency against the YAR. In April 1980, PDRY President Abdul Fattah Ismail resigned and went into exile. His successor, Ali Nasir Muhammad, took a less interventionist stance toward both the YAR and neighboring Oman. On January 13, 1986, a violent struggle began in Aden between Ali Nasir Muhammad and the returned Abdul Fattah Ismail and their supporters. Fighting lasted for more than a month and resulted in thousands of casualties, Ali Nasir’s ouster, and Ismail’s death. Some 60,000 persons, including Ali Nasir and his supporters, fled to the YAR.

In May 1988, the YAR and PDRY governments came to an understanding that considerably reduced tensions including agreement to renew discussions concerning unification,

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1000 BCE

    A state centered around ancient trade routes rises.

    A state centered around ancient trade routes rises. It is called Saba, most of its power is based on agricultural wealth arising from the famous dam of Ma’rib, and the trade of frankincense. The citizens mostly practice a worship of idols.

  2. 395

    The Holy Roman Emperor Theodisius makes Christianity the new state religion.

    The Holy Roman Emperor Theodisius makes Christianity the new state religion. Christian reluctance to trade and use frankincense, upsets Saba’s trade and sends the state into decline.

  3. 575

    The Persians take control of a weakened Saba.

    The Persians take control of a weakened Saba.

  4. 628

    The Persian governor of Yemen converts to Islam.

    The Persian governor of Yemen converts to Islam, followed by the rest of his subjects. During this time, the first Yemeni mosque is built in Sana’a.

  5. 628 – 1962

    The Zayidi dynasty takes power in the north as a strict Islamic state.

    The Zayidi dynasty takes power in the north as a strict Islamic state.

  6. 1454 – 1967

    The Kathirids take power in the south.

    The Kathirids take power in the south and remain the dominant force in the region until 1967.

  7. 1500 – 1600

    Ottomans absorb part of Yemen into their empire but are expelled in the 1600s.

    Ottomans absorb part of Yemen into their empire but are expelled in the 1600s.

View full timeline (20 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • It was known to the Romans as "Arabia Felix" ("Happy Arabia") because of the riches its trade generated; Augustus Caesar attempted to annex it, but the expedition failed;

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Geography and Environment

The Republic of Yemen is located in the southern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to the south, and the Red Sea to the west. Its total area is about 204,000 square miles, the size of France. Sanaa, the capital, is located at an altitude of over 7,200 feet above sea level. Nearby is the highest mountain between East Africa and Iran, Djebel al‑Nabi Shu’ayb, 12,300 feet. To the west is the Tihama (lowlands adjoining the Red Sea).
Terrain
narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula
Climate
The interior highlands have two rainy seasons a year: the first in March and April, and a second with heavier rainfall in July and August. For the rest of the year, sunny, clear weather is the rule, with occasional dust storms. In winter, night temperatures in Sanaa can drop to 30°F, with sunshine and daytime highs of 70°F. Summer temperatures are moderate, with highs of 85°F, dropping to the low 60s at night. To the west in the Tihama (lowlands adjoining the Red Sea) where there is a mixture of African and Arab cultures, the weather is hot and humid for much of the year. Even in winter, daytime highs can be in the 90s. During the summer, torrential monsoons occur. Aden and the southern coast are similarly hot and humid, with summer temperatures frequently in the 100s. However, winter temperatures are far milder and more pleasant. The Hadhramaut and the interior desert regions extending east from Aden to the Omani border are hot and dry. To the east of the highland interior, the terrain slopes down to the sandy wastes of the deserts of inner Arabia, the famous "Empty Quarter."
Natural Hazards
sandstorms and dust storms in summer
Current Environmental Issues
very limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic

  • Arabic

Population

Population
34,449,825
Population in Major Urban Areas
SANAA (capital) 2.419 million; Aden 784,000
Nationality Noun
Yemeni(s)
Ethnic Groups
predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Yemen is among the lowest in the Arab world and reflects the devastating humanitarian toll of the country's prolonged civil conflict, which began in 2015. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Yemen stands at approximately 66 years overall, with women living slightly longer at around 68 years and men averaging roughly 64 years. These figures represent a significant setback from the modest but steady gains Yemen had achieved in the decades prior to the war. Between 1990 and 2014, life expectancy in the country rose by nearly a decade, driven by improvements in maternal and child healthcare, expanded vaccination programs, and greater access to basic medical services in urban centers. The conflict reversed much of that progress, and Yemen now ranks among the lowest globally for health outcomes in its income category. The ongoing war has severely degraded Yemen's healthcare infrastructure. Hundreds of medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and a large proportion of the country's health workers went unpaid for extended periods, causing many to abandon their posts. The collapse of the health system has allowed preventable diseases to resurge, including cholera, which produced one of the largest outbreaks in recorded modern history. Acute malnutrition, particularly among children under five, has contributed to elevated mortality rates and shortened lives across the population. The United Nations has repeatedly classified Yemen as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing emergency levels of food insecurity. Maternal mortality remains a serious concern, with a high number of women dying from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth due to the lack of functioning obstetric care. Infant and under-five mortality rates are similarly elevated compared to regional neighbors, compressing the overall life expectancy figure. Yemen's under-five mortality rate remains well above the average for the Middle East and North Africa region. Rural populations face the greatest challenges, as geographic isolation, destroyed infrastructure, and displacement have limited access to whatever medical services still operate. Internally displaced persons, numbering in the millions, face acute vulnerabilities that further reduce their life expectancy relative to the national average. Ongoing hostilities have also made the delivery of humanitarian aid unpredictable, leaving gaps in essential medical supply chains. Without a sustained peace agreement and large-scale reconstruction of the health sector, demographers and international health bodies project that Yemen's life expectancy will continue to lag behind neighboring countries for years or even decades to come.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
high
Infant Mortality Rate
Yemen faces one of the most severe infant mortality crises in the world, a situation dramatically worsened by years of ongoing armed conflict, the collapse of the healthcare system, and widespread malnutrition. The country's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 44 to 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that nearly one in every 22 infants born in Yemen does not survive to see their first birthday. This figure places Yemen among the highest infant mortality rates in the Middle East and North Africa region. The causes behind this devastating statistic are deeply intertwined with Yemen's humanitarian emergency. Malnutrition is a leading contributor, with millions of children under five suffering from acute malnutrition, which weakens immune systems and makes infants highly susceptible to otherwise preventable infections. Diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and neonatal sepsis are among the primary direct causes of infant death. Access to skilled healthcare has deteriorated sharply since the civil war escalated in 2015. An estimated 50 percent or more of Yemen's health facilities are either non-functional or operating far below capacity. Many mothers give birth without the assistance of trained medical personnel, increasing the risk of complications during and immediately after delivery. Premature births and low birth weight — both linked to poor maternal nutrition and inadequate prenatal care — are significant risk factors for early infant death. Water and sanitation infrastructure has also been severely damaged, contributing to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect infants and young children. Yemen experienced one of the largest cholera outbreaks in recorded history beginning in 2016, further straining an already overwhelmed health system. UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have maintained vaccination campaigns and therapeutic feeding programs in accessible areas, helping to mitigate some of the worst outcomes. However, ongoing hostilities, blockades, and funding shortfalls continue to limit the reach of these interventions. Without sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, clean water, and maternal nutrition programs, Yemen's infant mortality rate is unlikely to see meaningful improvement in the near term.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Yemen is among the lowest in the Arab world and reflects the devastating humanitarian toll of the country's prolonged civil conflict, which began in 2015. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Yemen stands at approximately 66 years overall, with women living slightly longer at around 68 years and men averaging roughly 64 years. These figures represent a significant setback from the modest but steady gains Yemen had achieved in the decades prior to the war. Between 1990 and 2014, life expectancy in the country rose by nearly a decade, driven by improvements in maternal and child healthcare, expanded vaccination programs, and greater access to basic medical services in urban centers. The conflict reversed much of that progress, and Yemen now ranks among the lowest globally for health outcomes in its income category. The ongoing war has severely degraded Yemen's healthcare infrastructure. Hundreds of medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and a large proportion of the country's health workers went unpaid for extended periods, causing many to abandon their posts. The collapse of the health system has allowed preventable diseases to resurge, including cholera, which produced one of the largest outbreaks in recorded modern history. Acute malnutrition, particularly among children under five, has contributed to elevated mortality rates and shortened lives across the population. The United Nations has repeatedly classified Yemen as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing emergency levels of food insecurity. Maternal mortality remains a serious concern, with a high number of women dying from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth due to the lack of functioning obstetric care. Infant and under-five mortality rates are similarly elevated compared to regional neighbors, compressing the overall life expectancy figure. Yemen's under-five mortality rate remains well above the average for the Middle East and North Africa region. Rural populations face the greatest challenges, as geographic isolation, destroyed infrastructure, and displacement have limited access to whatever medical services still operate. Internally displaced persons, numbering in the millions, face acute vulnerabilities that further reduce their life expectancy relative to the national average. Ongoing hostilities have also made the delivery of humanitarian aid unpredictable, leaving gaps in essential medical supply chains. Without a sustained peace agreement and large-scale reconstruction of the health sector, demographers and international health bodies project that Yemen's life expectancy will continue to lag behind neighboring countries for years or even decades to come.
Infant Mortality Rate
Yemen faces one of the most severe infant mortality crises in the world, a situation dramatically worsened by years of ongoing armed conflict, the collapse of the healthcare system, and widespread malnutrition. The country's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 44 to 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that nearly one in every 22 infants born in Yemen does not survive to see their first birthday. This figure places Yemen among the highest infant mortality rates in the Middle East and North Africa region. The causes behind this devastating statistic are deeply intertwined with Yemen's humanitarian emergency. Malnutrition is a leading contributor, with millions of children under five suffering from acute malnutrition, which weakens immune systems and makes infants highly susceptible to otherwise preventable infections. Diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and neonatal sepsis are among the primary direct causes of infant death. Access to skilled healthcare has deteriorated sharply since the civil war escalated in 2015. An estimated 50 percent or more of Yemen's health facilities are either non-functional or operating far below capacity. Many mothers give birth without the assistance of trained medical personnel, increasing the risk of complications during and immediately after delivery. Premature births and low birth weight — both linked to poor maternal nutrition and inadequate prenatal care — are significant risk factors for early infant death. Water and sanitation infrastructure has also been severely damaged, contributing to outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases that disproportionately affect infants and young children. Yemen experienced one of the largest cholera outbreaks in recorded history beginning in 2016, further straining an already overwhelmed health system. UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations have maintained vaccination campaigns and therapeutic feeding programs in accessible areas, helping to mitigate some of the worst outcomes. However, ongoing hostilities, blockades, and funding shortfalls continue to limit the reach of these interventions. Without sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, clean water, and maternal nutrition programs, Yemen's infant mortality rate is unlikely to see meaningful improvement in the near term.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Yemen
Full Country Name
Republic of Yemen
Local - Long
Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah
Local - Short
Al Yaman

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: The presidency and governmental structure of Yemen have been in a state of significant transition and conflict since 2015. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI, who served as Vice President under longtime President Ali Abdallah SALIH, assumed the presidency in February 2012 following SALIH's resignation amid the Arab Spring uprisings. Al-HADI was recognized internationally as Yemen's legitimate president; however, his government was displaced from Sanaa in 2014–2015 by Houthi forces. In April 2022, al-HADI transferred presidential authority to a newly formed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), chaired by Rashad Muhammad al-ALIMI, effectively ending his individual tenure. The PLC serves as the internationally recognized governing authority, though its control over Yemeni territory remains contested. head of government: Prime Minister Maeen Abd al-Malik SAEED has served as head of government since October 2018, operating under the framework of the internationally recognized government. The cabinet functions in coordination with the Presidential Leadership Council following the 2022 restructuring of executive authority. cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister. elections: Prior to the ongoing conflict, the president was elected by direct popular vote for a seven-year term. The most recent uncontested presidential transition occurred in February 2012, when al-HADI ran unopposed in an election endorsed by the Gulf Cooperation Council as part of a political transition agreement. No free national elections have been held since the outbreak of the civil war in 2015. election results: Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI elected president in February 2012; percent of vote — al-HADI 99.8%, with the election conducted as a single-candidate referendum under the GCC-brokered transition deal.
Legislative Branch
Yemen's legislature, established under a constitutional framework last significantly amended in 2001, was structured as a bicameral body consisting of a Shura Council (111 seats; members appointed by the president) and a House of Representatives (301 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms). The last general parliamentary elections were held on 27 April 2003, in which the General People's Congress (GPC) dominated, winning 228 seats. Other results included Islah with 47 seats, the Yemeni Socialist Party (YSP) with 7 seats, the Nasserite Unionist Party with 3 seats, the National Arab Socialist Ba'th Party with 2 seats, and independents accounting for 14 seats. Elections scheduled for 2009 were postponed and never held. Since the outbreak of the civil war in 2014–2015, Yemen's formal legislative institutions have been largely non-functional. The House of Representatives has not convened in any meaningful capacity, and the country remains divided between the internationally recognized government, the Houthi movement controlling much of the north including Sanaa, and the Southern Transitional Council in the south. The Shura Council and House of Representatives nominally continue to exist under the recognized government but operate in a severely limited and fragmented manner amid ongoing conflict.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001
Independence
22 May 1990, Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]; previously North Yemen had become indep
National Holiday
Unification Day, 22 May (1990)

Capital City

Capital Name
Sanaa
Capital - geographic coordinate
15 21 N, 44 12 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the name is reputed to mean "well-fortified" in Sabaean, the South Arabian language that went extinct in Yemen in the 6th century A.D.

Military

Branches: Land Forces, Naval and Coastal Defense Forces (includes Marines), Air and Air Defense Force (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Yemeniya), Border Guards, Stategic Reserve Forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Sana’a

Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District

P.O. Box 22347

Sana’a, Yemen

Telephone: (967) (1) 755-2000

U.S. Citizen Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (967) (1) 755-2000 (press 0 for emergencies) or 737-789-261 (for emergencies involving U.S. citizens that cannot wait until normal business hours). Visa and routine passport questions will not be answered on this phone.

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Economy

Yemen remains one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, and its economy has been devastated by the civil war that began in 2014. Once reliant on oil and gas exports for the majority of government revenue, Yemen has seen production collapse due to the ongoing conflict, infrastructure damage, and the disruption of export terminals. GDP has contracted by roughly half since the war began, and the country faces what the United Nations has described as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with the majority of the population requiring humanitarian assistance.

The Yemeni rial has lost much of its value, fueling severe inflation and pushing basic goods out of reach for many households. The economy is effectively split between areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, headquartered in Aden, and those held by the Houthi movement in the north, each operating separate central bank functions and monetary policies. Food insecurity is widespread, and millions face acute malnutrition, with famine conditions reported in parts of the country.

Yemen's economic challenges are compounded by a high population growth rate, depleted foreign reserves, scarce water resources, and damaged infrastructure across the energy, transport, and health sectors. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping since late 2023 have further disrupted regional trade and complicated recovery efforts. International donors, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Western governments, continue to provide budgetary and humanitarian support, but sustainable recovery will depend on a durable political settlement, restoration of oil exports, currency stabilization, and long-term reconstruction investment.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Yemeni Rial (YER)
GDP — official exchange rate
$14,340,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-1%
Gini Index
33.4

Banknotes

Yemen Money - Front
Yemen Money - Front
Yemen Money - Back
Yemen Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$5,719,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
35.9%
External Debt
$5,859,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
14.3%
Economic Aid
$2,300,000,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance
$1,282,000,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
most people are employed in agriculture and herding; services; construction; industry; and commerce account for less than one-fourth of the labor force
Household Income — highest 10%
25.9%
Industries
crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cement
Agriculture Products
grain, fruits, vegetables, pulses, qat (mildly narcotic shrub), coffee, cotton; dairy products, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels), poultry; fish
Export Commodities
crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish
Export Partners
Thailand 19%, India 16.7%, China 15.3%, South Korea 12.4%, Malaysia 6.1%, US 5.4%
Import Commodities
food and live animals, machinery and equipment, chemicals
Import Partners
UAE 16%, Saudi Arabia 12.7%, China 6.2%, Kuwait 5.5%, US 4.7%

Energy

Oil Production
387,500 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
80,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
4,370,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
478,600,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
general assessment: since unification in 1990, efforts have been made to create a national telecommunications network domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay, cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity remains low by regional standards international: country code - 967; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti
Internet Country Code
.ye

News & Weather

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Climate Overview

The interior highlands have two rainy seasons a year: the first in March and April, and a second with heavier rainfall in July and August. For the rest of the year, sunny, clear weather is the rule, with occasional dust storms. In winter, night temperatures in Sanaa can drop to 30°F, with sunshine and daytime highs of 70°F. Summer temperatures are moderate, with highs of 85°F, dropping to the low 60s at night.

To the west in the Tihama (lowlands adjoining the Red Sea) where there is a mixture of African and Arab cultures, the weather is hot and humid for much of the year. Even in winter, daytime highs can be in the 90s. During the summer, torrential monsoons occur. Aden and the southern coast are similarly hot and humid, with summer temperatures frequently in the 100s. However, winter temperatures are far milder and more pleasant. The Hadhramaut and the interior desert regions extending east from Aden to the Omani border are hot and dry. To the east of the highland interior, the terrain slopes down to the sandy wastes of the deserts of inner Arabia, the famous "Empty Quarter."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Yemen?
The population of Yemen is approximately 34.4M.
How do people greet each other in Yemen?
Arabic is the official language and typical Arabic greetings are common; "Marhaba" means hello. Use "Marhaba" to say hello
What are the dining customs and typical foods in Yemen?
Staples include rice, bread, vegetables, lamb, and fish in coastal regions, with lunch as the largest meal of the day. Breakfast is light, often ful (a bean dish) or scrambled eggs with tomatoes Lunch typically features chicken, lamb, or beef with cooked vegetables, rice, and flat bread soaked in buttermilk topped with tomatoes, onions, and spices Supper, the evening meal, is much like breakfast Try local favorites like salta (a meat broth with onions, tomatoes, eggs, and the herb hulba) and shourba bilsen (a lentil soup)
What social etiquette should I expect in Yemen?
Yemenis often touch each other while talking, speak loudly, repeat themselves, and interrupt one another, and schedules are loose and flexible. Expect physical contact and animated conversation Don't rely on strict punctuality, as schedules are flexible
How should I dress in Yemen?
Dress varies by region: in hot coastal areas men wear lightweight shirts with an embroidered skirt called a futa and a head covering, while in the cooler highlands men wear a shirt called a zanna with a jacket. A man's jambiyya (ceremonial dagger) identifies his clan and is sometimes worn tucked in the belt Women wear brightly colored cloth called sitaras, imported from India, and lots of jewelry
What is family life like in Yemen?
Most families are large, often with more than seven members, and several generations may live together. Men and women are separated in public Women keep themselves veiled and fully covered when anyone but family is present
What do people do for recreation in Yemen?
Soccer is the most popular sport, while chewing qat is a favorite pastime for men. Women hold afternoon gatherings known as tafritas
What is the capital of Yemen?
Sanaa is the capital of Yemen and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Situated in a high mountain valley at roughly 2,300 metres above sea level, it has served as a political and cultural centre for centuries. The city's ancient walled quarter, known as the Old City of Sanaa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its distinctive tower houses decorated with geometric brick and alabaster patterns.
Where is Yemen located?
Yemen is located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, in the broader Middle East region. It occupies a strategically significant position at the mouth of the Red Sea, near the Bab el-Mandeb strait — one of the world's most important shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The country was known to ancient Romans as Arabia Felix, or "Happy Arabia," a testament to the wealth generated by its historic trade routes.
What countries border Yemen?
Yemen shares land borders with two countries: Saudi Arabia to the north and northeast, and Oman to the east. A formal boundary agreement between Yemen and Saudi Arabia was reached in 2000, helping to delimit a border that had long been a source of tension. To the south and west, Yemen is bordered by the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, giving the country a substantial coastline of strategic and economic importance.
What religion is practiced in Yemen?
Islam is the dominant religion in Yemen, practiced by virtually the entire population. The faith is divided between two major branches: Sunni Islam, followed by approximately 55% of the population, and Shia Islam (primarily the Zaydi school), followed by roughly 45%. This sectarian division has deep historical roots in Yemen and has played a significant role in the country's modern political conflicts, including the ongoing civil war involving Houthi forces, who are largely Zaydi Shia.
What is the currency of Yemen?
The official currency of Yemen is the Yemeni Rial, with the ISO currency code YER. The rial has experienced severe instability and depreciation as a result of the prolonged civil conflict that began in 2014–2015. The country's fractured political situation has also led to a de facto split in monetary authority, with competing administrations issuing currency separately, further complicating the economic landscape for ordinary Yemenis.
What language is spoken in Yemen?
Arabic is the official and overwhelmingly dominant language of Yemen. The spoken dialect, known as Yemeni Arabic, varies somewhat by region but is broadly intelligible across the country. In addition to the mainstream Arabic dialect, small communities in the Socotra archipelago and parts of the Mahra region speak ancient South Semitic languages, including Socotri and Mehri, which are part of the Modern South Arabian language family and predate the spread of Arabic in the region.
What is Yemen's geography like?
Yemen encompasses a dramatically varied terrain for a country of its size on the Arabian Peninsula. The landscape ranges from the rugged Sarawat mountain range in the west — where peaks exceed 3,600 metres — to the vast desert expanses of the Rub' al Khali in the northeast and a narrow coastal plain called the Tihama along the Red Sea. The remote Socotra archipelago in the Arabian Sea, part of Yemen's territory, is a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot famous for its otherworldly endemic flora, including the iconic dragon blood tree.
What is Yemen known for?
Yemen is known for several distinctive cultural and historical contributions. Yemeni coffee (qahwa) holds a special place in history — the port of Mocha gave its name to a globally recognised coffee style, and Yemen is considered one of the earliest sites of coffee cultivation and trade. The country is also renowned for its unique tower house architecture in cities like Sanaa and Shibam, the latter often called the "Manhattan of the Desert" for its ancient mud-brick skyscrapers. Yemen's rich tradition of silver jewellery, honey production from the Hadramawt region, and the ceremonial dagger known as the jambiya — worn by men as a symbol of status and identity — further define its cultural heritage.

Last reviewed 2026

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