The Republic of Yemen, commonly referred to as Yemen, is located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is situated at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to the south, and Oman to the northeast. Geopolitically, Yemen is often considered part of the Middle East region. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and Asia has historically made it an important center for trade and commerce, particularly due to its access to major waterways such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. With diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to deserts and coastal plains, Yemen possesses a rich cultural heritage and has played a significant role in the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the wider region.
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Yemen, officially known as the Republic of Yemen, encompasses an area of approximately 527,970 square kilometers (203,850 square miles) and has a population of around 30 million people. It is one of the most populous countries in the Arabian Peninsula. The capital city of Yemen is Sana’a, which is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 2,500 years.
The geography of Yemen is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes mountains, highlands, plateaus, deserts, and coastal plains. The western part of the country is dominated by the Yemeni Highlands, a mountainous region that rises sharply from the coastal plains along the Red Sea. Jebel An-Nabi Shu’ayb, located in this region, is the highest peak in Yemen and the entire Arabian Peninsula, reaching an elevation of 3,666 meters (12,028 feet) above sea level.
To the east of the highlands lies the vast Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, which is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, extending into neighboring Saudi Arabia and Oman. The desert terrain gradually transitions into the arid plains of eastern Yemen, where agriculture is limited due to the harsh climate and sparse vegetation.
In contrast, the coastal areas of Yemen along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden benefit from a more moderate climate and support agricultural activities such as the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and coffee. The coastal plains are also important for Yemen’s fishing industry, providing a vital source of livelihood for many coastal communities.
Yemen has a rich cultural heritage shaped by its long history of civilization, trade, and diverse influences from various civilizations, including the ancient civilizations of the Sabaean, Himyarite, and Hadhrami kingdoms. The country is renowned for its architectural marvels, including the mud-brick skyscrapers of Sana’a’s Old City, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique urban landscape and historical significance.
The people of Yemen are predominantly of Arab descent, and Arabic is the official language of the country. Islam is the predominant religion, with the majority of Yemenis adhering to the Sunni branch of Islam, while a significant minority belong to the Shia branch, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Yemen’s cultural heritage is also reflected in its traditional music, dance, cuisine, and handicrafts, which showcase a blend of Arab, African, and South Asian influences.
Yemen has faced numerous challenges in recent decades, including political instability, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and humanitarian crises. The country has been embroiled in a protracted conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and much of the country’s north, leading to a complex and devastating civil war. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and the collapse of essential services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Despite these challenges, Yemen remains a resilient nation with a rich cultural heritage and a proud history. Efforts to address the root causes of conflict and instability, promote reconciliation, and rebuild the country’s infrastructure and institutions are essential for achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Yemen.