Yemen

1500s CE (Approx.): Yemen becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, beginning a period of colonial influence

1918 (May 22, Wednesday): The Kingdom of Yemen is established, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire

1962 (September 26, Wednesday): The Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) is formed after a revolution that overthrew the monarchy

1967 (November 30, Thursday): South Yemen becomes independent from British rule, forming the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen

1990 (May 22, Tuesday): North Yemen and South Yemen unify to form the Republic of Yemen

2000 (October 12, Thursday): The USS Cole bombing occurs in the Yemeni port of Aden, killing 17 U.S. sailors and escalating tensions in the region

2011 (February 11, Friday): President Ali Abdullah Saleh steps down after months of protests as part of the Arab Spring uprising

2014 (September 21, Sunday): Houthi rebels take control of Sana’a, marking the start of the current civil war

2015 (March 26, Thursday): Saudi-led coalition intervenes in Yemen’s civil war, initiating widespread airstrikes and conflict

2020 (March 21, Saturday): Yemen is hit by Cyclone Kyarr, causing widespread damage in coastal areas

2021 (October 1, Friday): Severe flooding caused by heavy rains in the northern provinces displaces thousands of people

Continent: Asia
Location: Middle East, Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, and the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the west and south
Capital: Sana’a
Language: Arabic
Currency: Yemeni rial (YER)
Population: ~32 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST)

Borders: Saudi Arabia, Oman
Landscape: Deserts, mountains, coastal plains
Major Rivers: Wadi Hadramaut, Wadi Sanaa, Wadi Jawf
Major Mountains: Jabal an-Nabi Shu’ayb (highest point), Haraz Mountains
Deserts: Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert on the border with Saudi Arabia
Lakes: Lake Al-Hodeidah
Volcanoes: Jabal al-Tair (volcanic island)
Highest Point: Jabal an-Nabi Shu’ayb (3,666 m / 12,030 ft)
Lowest Point: Qatabah (below sea level)
Climate: Mostly arid desert; coastal areas are hot and humid, while the highland areas experience cooler temperatures
Geological Features: Yemen has complex geological features, including mountain ranges and escarpments, volcanic activity in the Red Sea coastal area, and desert regions in the east

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Arab, with small groups of Afro-Arabs, South Asians, and others
Religion: Predominantly Muslim (with around 70% Shia and 30% Sunni)
Urban Population: ~35% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~3.5% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Ancient history, rich cultural heritage, architecture, and traditional crafts
Cuisine: Mandi, salta, kabsa, qat (a stimulant leaf), and coffee
Arts: Traditional music (qanbus, oud), intricate silver jewelry, and handwoven textiles
Sports: Football (soccer), handball
Popular Festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the annual Al-Mahra Festival
Notable Cultural Site: The Old City of Sana’a, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Economy Type: Developing economy, heavily reliant on oil exports
GDP: Approx. $25 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Oil, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing
Key Exports: Crude oil, petroleum products, coffee, fish
Unemployment Rate: ~30% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Oil-producing areas in the east, agricultural production in the highlands

Government Type: Republic, but currently embroiled in a civil war
Head of State: President Rashad al-Alimi (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (Shura Council and House of Representatives)
Constitution: Suspended due to the ongoing conflict
Political Parties: Several political factions, including the Yemeni Congregation for Reform, the Houthi movement, and others
Important Note: Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2014, with two primary factions battling for control, supported by international actors

Sana’a: The historic Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique architecture and markets
Socotra Island: Known for its unique flora and fauna, and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Shibam: Known as the “Manhattan of the Desert” due to its mud-brick skyscrapers
Aden: Port city with a mix of colonial and modern architecture, beaches, and historical significance
Al Mahwit: Mountain town with traditional Yemeni architecture and stunning views