Ten fun facts about Yemen

1. A Country of Strategic Importance

Yemen is a country of strategic importance, covering an area of 555,000 square km and bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, Oman to the east, and the Gulf of Aden to the south. This strategic location is of great importance to the world's oil supply, as it provides a key route for the transportation of oil from the Middle East to the rest of the world.

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2. The Unique Climate of Yemen

in the desert. Yemen is a country with a diverse climate due to its varying elevations and coastal location. In the mountains, temperatures can drop to freezing cold, while in the desert, temperatures can soar to a scorching 129⁰F in the summer. This wide range of temperatures makes Yemen a unique place to visit, offering a variety of climates and landscapes to explore.

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3. Yemen's Official Currency is the Yemeni Rial

In Yemen, the official currency is the Yemeni Rial, which is divided into 100 fils. The Rial has been the official currency of Yemen since the country's unification in 1990, replacing the South Yemeni Dinar and the North Yemeni Riyal. The Yemeni Rial is issued by the Central Bank of Yemen and is available in both coins and banknotes.

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4. A Unique Culture and Democracy

Until 1989, North and South Yemen were two distinct nations, each with their own unique cultures and traditions. However, in that year, the two countries united to form the Republic of Yemen, the only democratic republic in the Arabian Peninsula. This union has allowed the two nations to share their customs and beliefs, creating a vibrant and diverse culture that is unique to the region. The Republic of Yemen is now a thriving democracy, with a strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

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5. Yemen's Regional Dialects

In Yemen, the official language is Standard Arabic, however, there are several distinct regional dialects that are widely spoken. These dialects vary from region to region, and include Hadrami, Mehri, and Soqotri, among others. Each dialect has its own unique characteristics, such as pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, which make it distinct from Standard Arabic.

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6. A Country That Guarantees Freedom of Religion

Yemen is a country that guarantees freedom of religion for all its citizens, regardless of their beliefs. This is enshrined in the Constitution of Yemen, which states that Islam is the official state religion. However, this does not mean that other religions are not allowed; in fact, the Constitution guarantees the right to practice any religion of one's choice. This is a testament to the country's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.

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7. Yemen's Agriculture Drives Economy

In Yemen, agriculture is a major part of the economy, with 75% of the population engaged in it. The country produces a variety of crops, including tobacco leaf, barley, sesame, soybean, cotton, grain, coffee and corn. These products are essential to the livelihoods of many Yemenis, providing them with food and income.

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8. A Country With an Abundance of Natural Resources

Yemen is a country with an abundance of natural resources, including gold, silver, copper, chrome, iron, coal, natural gas, oil, gypsum and aluminum. These resources have been a major source of wealth for the country, and have been used to fuel its economy for centuries. In addition to these resources, Yemen is also home to a variety of minerals, including zinc, lead, and uranium, making it a valuable asset to the global economy.

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9. "1.75M Call Sanaa, Yemen Home"

Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, is home to an estimated 1.75 million people. It is the largest city in the country and is located in the western highlands of Yemen, at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Sanaa is a major cultural and economic hub in the region, and is known for its distinctive architecture, which includes many ancient mosques and towers.

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10. 47% food insecure, 1M kids malnourished

In Yemen, a staggering 47% of the population is food insecure, with a shocking one million children under the age of five suffering from acute malnutrition. This dire situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing civil war, which has caused a severe disruption to the country's food supply and has left many families struggling to access basic necessities. The situation is particularly dire for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition and are at risk of long-term health complications.

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