Yemen

A Land of Ancient Kingdoms and Ongoing Struggles

Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is located in the southern Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. Rich in ancient history and tribal traditions, Yemen has faced political instability and humanitarian crisis in recent years, but its cultural heritage and resilient people continue to define its national identity.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Home to ancient civilizations like Saba (Sheba), Himyar, and Hadhramaut.

  • Introduced to Islam in the 7th century CE.

  • Historically divided into North Yemen (Ottoman rule) and South Yemen (British protectorate).

  • Unification occurred on 22 May 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen.

  • Civil unrest escalated into full-scale conflict from 2014, with rival governments and external interventions.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Yemen (الجمهورية اليمنية)
Capital Sana’a (de jure); Aden (temporary capital)
Official Language Arabic
Currency Yemeni Rial (YER)
Area Approx. 527,970 sq. km
Population Approx. 34 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
ISO Code YE
Internet TLD .ye
Calling Code +967
National Day 22 May (Unity Day, 1990)

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
Chairman of Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi
Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed
Government Type Transitional presidential council (since April 2022)
Legislature House of Representatives (partially functional)
Judiciary Dual systems under government and Houthi control

Yemen currently has two de facto authorities:

  • Internationally recognized government based in Aden.

  • Houthi (Ansar Allah) movement controls Sana’a and northern regions.

Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

Yemen is divided into 22 Governorates (Muhafazat), including the capital city. Each governorate is subdivided into districts and sub-districts.

Governorate Capital
Sana’a Sana’a
Aden Aden
Taiz Taiz
Al Hudaydah Al Hudaydah
Ibb Ibb
Hadhramaut Mukalla
Hajjah Hajjah
Al Mahwit Al Mahwit
Dhamar Dhamar
Al Bayda Al Bayda
Amran Amran
Al Jawf Al Hazm
Sa’dah Sa’dah
Marib Marib
Shabwah Ataq
Abyan Zinjibar
Lahij Al Houta
Al Dhale’e Al Dhale’e
Al Mahrah Al Ghaydah
Raymah Al Jabin
Socotra Hadibu
Sana’a City Sana’a Municipality

Local Government Structure

  • Governors are appointed by the central government or de facto authorities.

  • Local councils operate in governorates, districts, and villages.

  • Administrative functions vary significantly between government-held and Houthi-held territories.

  • Some areas (e.g., Hadhramaut, Socotra) have autonomous tendencies.

Leadership & Governance

  • The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) was formed in 2022 to unify anti-Houthi factions.

  • Power-sharing among political, tribal, and military leaders.

  • Houthi authority operates parallel judiciary, taxation, and security structures in north.

  • UN-backed peace talks ongoing for political resolution.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Fragmented security landscape:

    • Yemeni Armed Forces, Southern Transitional Council (STC), Houthis

    • Tribal militias and foreign military presence (e.g., Saudi-led coalition)

  • High levels of violence, terrorism threats (e.g., AQAP, ISIS remnants)

  • Emergency services limited; humanitarian access often restricted

Economy & Industry

  • Major sectors:

    • Oil and gas (pre-war main export)

    • Agriculture: qat, coffee, grains

    • Fishing, livestock, remittances

  • War has devastated the economy:

    • Infrastructure collapse, currency devaluation

    • Dependency on aid and humanitarian support

  • GDP (2023 est.): Approx. USD 19 billion

Education & Institutions

  • Many schools damaged or closed due to war

  • Literacy rate: ~70% (lower among rural and displaced populations)

  • Major universities (pre-war): Sana’a University, University of Aden

  • Education system highly disrupted, particularly in conflict zones

Healthcare

  • Health sector near collapse in many areas

  • Hospitals face shortages of medicine, staff, and electricity

  • Outbreaks: cholera, dengue, malnutrition

  • Support from WHO, Red Cross, MSF crucial in sustaining services

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Aden International Airport

    • Sana’a International Airport (limited use)

    • Socotra and Mukalla airports (controlled access)

  • Roads: damaged or insecure across many regions

  • Ports: Aden, Mukalla, Hudaydah (access varies by conflict lines)

Tourism & Attractions

  • Currently unsafe for general tourism

  • Heritage sites (some damaged):

    • Old City of Sana’a (UNESCO)

    • Shibam Hadramawt – the “Manhattan of the Desert”

    • Socotra Island – biodiversity hotspot

    • Zabid, Marib Dam – historical Islamic sites

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Rich in Islamic and pre-Islamic heritage

  • Strong tribal identity, traditional dress (jambiya dagger), architecture

  • Oral poetry, music (oud, Samrah dance), and folk tales remain vibrant

  • Cuisine: salta, mandi, fahsa, khubz, honey, coffee

  • Social life shaped by family, religion, and resilience amid hardship

Summary

Yemen is a land of immense history, unique culture, and heartbreaking conflict. While its political future remains uncertain, the spirit of its people and the richness of its heritage offer hope for a more peaceful, unified, and prosperous tomorrow.