37 Interesting Facts About Yemen That Will Surprise You

Yemen is a country located in the Arabian Peninsula.

It is mostly bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, Oman to the east, and the Gulf of Aden, as well as the Arabian Sea to the south. Yemen covers an area of 203,850 sq mi (527,970 sq km) and has a population of around 24 million people.

The major cities include Sana's, Aden, Taiz, Hodeidah, Ibb, and Mukalla. Yemeni cuisine revolves around rice, bread, fish, lamb, chicken, fruits, vegetables, and honey. The national dish of Yemen is Saltah, which is a stew made with meat or chicken, rice, onions, chili peppers, and tomatoes.

Islam is the official religion of Yemen. The majority of the population are Sunni Muslims, with a significant minority of Shia Muslims. Arabic is the official language of Yemen. English is also spoken by many people, particularly in urban areas. One US dollar (USD) is worth approximately 250 Yemeni rials (YER).

The first recorded civilization in Yemen was the Kingdom of Ma’in, which existed from around 1500 BCE to 300 CE. The Sabaeans, who ruled Yemen from around 1000 BCE to 275 CE, were a major trading civilization and controlled the Red Sea trade routes.

The Himyarites, who ruled Yemen from around 110 BCE to 520 CE, were Semitic people who converted to Judaism in the fourth century CE.

Islam first arrived in Yemen in the seventh century CE with the Arab conquest. The Rasulid dynasty, which ruled Yemen from 1229 to 1454, was one of the most prosperous periods in Yemeni history. In 1517, Yemen became part of the Ottoman Empire and remained under Ottoman rule until 1918.

Climate Of Yemen

Yemen aka Yemen Arab Republic, which is the largest country in the ancient world has the mountainous interiors, oldest cities with strict rules and covers the southern part of the Arabian Plate, some part of Arabian desert, Socotra islandandWindswept island upon Red sea.

The country has western and central highlands.

In comparison with the rest of the Arab world, Yemen stays lower in temperatures because of the height.

With high elevation the precipitation rate is also high,i.e., 5.12 in (130 mm) annually.

Even in summer people have rainy and temperate weather with a temperature of 69.8 F (21 C).

However, in winter the temperature sometimes decreases to 32.0 F (0 C). Tihamah has a tropical climate and the temperature stays around 129.2 F (54 C) with 50%-70% humidity.

In Aden during January the temperature stays at 77.0 F (25 C) and in June it exceeds to 89.6 F (32 C) but it does not surpass 98.6 F (37 C).

The estimated precipitation rate is 5 in (20.5 mm) annually in Aden.

The estimated precipitation rate of south Yemen is 20.5-29.9 in (520-760 mm).

In the areas of Ibb and Ta'izz in western highlands it is 39.4-59.1 in (1000-1500 mm) annually.

Sana'a was declared as the capital city of Yemen and annually it rains around 11.8in (300mm).

However, it does not rain in north Yemen and eastern sections for a prolonged period (nearly five years). Some places in north Yemen have started facing desertification.

In east Yemen, the humidity in Wadi Hadhramaut in June remains 35% and in January exceeds to 64%.

The lands in south Yemen are quite prolific in the Arabian peninsula and the place is named after Arabia Felix.

Population Of Yemen

The mainland Yemen population is relatively lower than most progressive countries globally. The United Nations data of 2020 had mentioned 29,825,964people.

However, the revised United Nations data of 2022 reported 30,957,268 people, which is 0.38% of the world population.

In 203,850 sq. mi (527,970 sq km) land area, Yemen has 146 people per mi2 (56 per Km2) population density.

38.4% or 11,465,414 people were mentioned as urbanized people in 2020.

It is speculated that the population can go up to 60 million by 2050.

The population majorly belongs to Arab ethnicity.

USCRI, mentioned in few parts in Yemen, hosted refugees and asylum seekers in 2007 from Syria, Iraq, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Economy Of Yemen

After the civil war the economy and critical infrastructure had been devastated.

Even prior to the civil war there were always conflicts and years of mismanagement and corruption that wrecked the whole country.

The depletion of oil and water resources became the toughest problem and it obstructed electricity, water, and health care.

After the war the inhabitants were in severe poverty and underdevelopment and required humanitarian aid.

Revenues on oil and natural gas reserves started declining in 2014, which led to unemployment, and shortages of basic requirements.

Despite the poverty, the government kept grinding people by sanctioning 15% income tax and 20% corporate tax.

The rapid inflation and political crisis made business owners lay off considerable workforces.

Socotra island became the port city and cultural organization upon Red sea.

Culture Of Yemen

Being a conservative country Yemen still has a varied distinctive culture, inspired from neighborly regions. Here we will get to know some more interesting facts about Yemen.

Yemen literature covers oral stories and poetry of folk literature and fiction or other theatrical accomplishments from modern writers. In '50s, Yemenite Jewish poetry tradition was mentioned.

The most played sports in Yemen is football and their national football team play AFC leagues and FIFA.

The massive rocks and mountains in the oldest cities in Yemen host various outdoor sports like trekking, mountain jumping or climbing, hiking and biking. The coastal areas accommodate water sports like scuba diving, sailing, surfing and swimming.

There is a Yemeni business culture wherein a plant named Qat aka Khat is used to make a juice to get amphetamine-like effect.

Abdul Wahab Noman written 'United Republic' was selected as the national anthem of Yemen. The culture of al-Ghina al-San'ani inSana'a is listed as Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Over time the works of local legends of Muslim religion like Ali Ahmed Ba Kathir, Abdul Aziz Al-Maqaleh, Wajdi al-Ahdal, and Mohammad Abdul-Wali were most played in Yemeni theaters.

Yemeni cuisine is widely praised and a little different from Middle Eastern cuisines. Chicken, goat, lamb and fish are relatively more used, beef is less popular and quite expensive.

Dairy products like Cheese, Butter are not that commonly used.

Their national dish is Saltah, which is basically maraq, brown meat stew, fenugreek froth and chili peppers, garlic, tomatoes and some herbs mix, named Sahawiq. It is served with rice or flat bread and vegetables. Potatoes or scrambled eggs are added sometimes.

Shakshouka became one of the many popular dishes in Yemen. It has eggs, peppers, tomatoes, meat, onion and some other herbs like cumin, chili peppers and turmeric.

Aseed, samak mofa, fatoot, mandi, thareed, shafut and kabsa are some commonly eaten food in Yemen.

FAQs

What are the traditions in Yemen?

Yemen celebrates Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

What was the land of Yemen known for?

For a prolonged period of time Yemen used to supply commodities like frankincense and myrrh, which is why this place has been recognized since long time.

Is Yemen rich or poor?

Yemen has the abundance of oil and gas, also it is agriculturally productive but still the place is considered as one of the poorest places globally.

What do people dress like in Yemen?

Nowadays with practical choice people in Yemen wear suits, shirts and t-shirts. However, traditionally it is thoobs (loose ankle-length garment with long sleeves) and futa skirts.

What is the main religion in Yemen?

With a lack of diversity almost the whole Yemen is populous with Islam.

How did it get its name?

The name Yemen came from 'ymnt', that defines south. The reason behind this is Yemen was initially spread between northern 'Asir in southwestern Saudi Arabia as well as to Dhofar present in southern Oman.