Yemen

Explore the ancient architecture and vibrant culture of Yemen, the land of ancient wonders.

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Yemen in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

In recent years, Yemen has been facing a devastating crisis that has left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict in the country has led to widespread destruction, displacement, and a severe lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.

The situation in Yemen is often described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing hunger and disease. The conflict, which began in 2014, has escalated into a full-scale war involving multiple parties, including the Yemeni government, Houthi rebels, and a coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

As the fighting continues, the civilian population in Yemen continues to suffer the consequences. The lack of access to basic services and the destruction of infrastructure have further exacerbated the crisis, leaving many Yemenis struggling to survive in a country torn apart by conflict.

Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi

Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi

Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi is the internationally recognized President of Yemen. He has been in office since 2012 and has faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Houthi Rebels

Houthi Rebels

The Houthi Rebels are a group of Shia insurgents who have been fighting against the Yemeni government since 2004. They gained control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, leading to the current crisis in Yemen.

Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and has played a significant role in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. The intervention has been criticized for causing civilian casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country.

Humanitarian Aid Workers

Humanitarian Aid Workers

Humanitarian aid workers, both local and international, have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to the millions of Yemenis affected by the crisis. They face numerous challenges, including access restrictions and security risks.

1. Political Unrest

1. Political Unrest

In recent years, Yemen has been plagued by political unrest, with various factions fighting for control of the government. This instability has led to a humanitarian crisis in the country, with millions of people facing food and water shortages.

2. Saudi-led Intervention

2. Saudi-led Intervention

In 2015, a Saudi-led coalition launched a military intervention in Yemen in support of the government against Houthi rebels. The conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

3. Humanitarian Crisis

3. Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The country is facing widespread hunger, disease, and displacement.

4. Cholera Outbreak

4. Cholera Outbreak

In 2017, Yemen experienced a severe cholera outbreak, with over one million suspected cases reported. The outbreak was exacerbated by the country's crumbling healthcare system and lack of access to clean water.

5. Famine

5. Famine

Yemen is facing a severe famine, with more than 16 million people in need of food assistance. The conflict has disrupted food production and distribution, leaving many Yemenis without enough to eat.

6. Refugee Crisis

6. Refugee Crisis

The conflict in Yemen has led to a refugee crisis, with thousands of people fleeing the country in search of safety. Many Yemeni refugees have sought asylum in neighboring countries, while others have attempted dangerous sea crossings to Europe.

7. Destruction of Infrastructure

7. Destruction of Infrastructure

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the widespread destruction of infrastructure in Yemen, including hospitals, schools, and water treatment facilities. This has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the country.

8. Impact on Children

8. Impact on Children

The conflict in Yemen has had a devastating impact on children, with millions suffering from malnutrition, disease, and lack of access to education. Many children have been forced to become child soldiers or have been separated from their families.

9. International Response

9. International Response

The international community has called for an end to the conflict in Yemen and for all parties to come to the negotiating table. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide aid to those in need, but access to affected areas remains difficult.

10. Path to Peace

10. Path to Peace

Despite ongoing efforts to reach a peaceful resolution, the conflict in Yemen shows no signs of abating. The road to peace in Yemen remains uncertain, with millions of people continuing to suffer as a result of the ongoing crisis.

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In a Nutshell

  • Capital: Sana'a
  • Population: Approx. 30.5 million (2021)
  • Official Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Yemeni rial (YER)

Breaking Down the Country

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Timeline of Yemen

1000 BCE - 500 CE

Ancient civilizations flourish in Yemen, including the Sabaeans and Himyarites

630 CE

Islamic conquest of Yemen by the Rashidun Caliphate

897 CE

Zaydi Shia Imams establish the first Yemeni state in the highlands

1513

Portuguese capture the city of Aden

1538

Yemen becomes part of the Ottoman Empire

1839

British occupation of Aden

1967

North and South Yemen gain independence from Britain and the Ottoman Empire, respectively

1962-1970

North Yemen civil war between royalists and republicans

1967

South Yemen gains independence from Britain

1990

Unification of North and South Yemen to form the Republic of Yemen

2004-2010

Civil war breaks out between the government and Houthi rebels

2011

Arab Spring protests in Yemen lead to President Saleh stepping down

2014

Houthi rebels seize control of Sanaa, the capital of Yemen

2015

Saudi-led coalition launches military intervention in Yemen against the Houthis

2016

Cholera outbreak in Yemen worsens humanitarian crisis

2017

Assassination of former President Saleh by Houthi rebels

2018

United Nations broker ceasefire agreement in Yemen

2019

Yemeni government and separatists sign power-sharing agreement

2020

COVID-19 pandemic worsens already dire situation in Yemen

2021

Ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen

Vocabulary List

Sana'a
The capital city of Yemen is Sana'a.
Houthi
The Houthi rebels control parts of Yemen.
Arabian Sea
Yemen has a coastline along the Arabian Sea.
Aden
The city of Aden is an important port in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia
Yemen shares a border with Saudi Arabia.
Al-Qaeda
There are concerns about Al-Qaeda presence in Yemen.
Civil War
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for several years.
Hajjah
The province of Hajjah is located in northwest Yemen.
Qat
Qat is a popular stimulant plant chewed in Yemen.
Hodeidah
The port city of Hodeidah is a key battleground in the Yemeni conflict.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • Yemen is located in the Middle East on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Yemen has a population of approximately 30 million people.
  • The capital of Yemen is Sana'a.

  • Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East and one of the poorest in the world.
  • Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015.
  • Yemen is a predominantly Muslim country, with over 99% of the population practicing Islam.

  • Yemen has a rich history and is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Yemen's economy is heavily dependent on oil exports.
  • Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of food and medical assistance.

  • Yemen is known for its unique architecture, including the ancient city of Shibam.
  • Yemen was once known as Arabia Felix, or 'Happy Arabia', due to its fertile land and abundant resources.
  • Yemen is home to the island of Socotra, which is known for its unique plant and animal species.

  • Yemen's traditional cuisine includes dishes such as mandi, fahsa, and salta.
  • Yemen's flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black, with a green triangle on the left side.
  • Yemen has a tribal society, with many of its inhabitants belonging to one of the country's numerous tribes.

  • Yemen's traditional clothing includes the jambiya, a curved dagger worn by many Yemeni men.
  • Yemen has a high rate of child marriage, with over half of girls married before the age of 18.
  • Yemen's education system has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict, with many schools damaged or closed.

  • Yemen has a diverse landscape, including mountains, deserts, and coastal areas.
  • Yemen is known for its production of coffee, which is considered one of the best in the world.

Why It Matters

Geopolitical Significance

Yemen’s location at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula gives it strategic importance for global trade and security. It sits at the crossroads of major shipping routes, including the Bab el Mandeb strait, through which much of the world’s oil passes.

Historical Importance

Yemen is one of the oldest centers of civilization in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. It was a key player in the ancient spice trade and has been ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Ottomans, and British.

Modern-Day Role

Yemen continues to be a focal point for international attention due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. Its stability and security remain critical for the region and beyond, as it grapples with political unrest, terrorism, and economic challenges.

Yemen Games

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