Yemen
Capital
Sana'a (Houthi-controlled), Aden (internationally recognized govt.)
Population
~33 million
Currency
Yemeni Rial (YER)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Arabic
- Religion
- Predominantly Islam (split between Sunni Shafi'i and Shia Zaydi)
- Climate
- Mostly desert; hot and humid coast, temperate mountains, extremely hot desert east
Culture & History
Known for: its ancient civilizations (Sabaean kingdom), ongoing devastating civil war involving regional powers, being a historical origin point for coffee, and unique architecture (Sana'a Old City - UNESCO)
Also famous for: Socotra island (unique biodiversity), frankincense and myrrh trade history, Qat chewing habit, humanitarian crisis
Food: Saltah (meat stew - national dish), Mandi (rice and meat), Fattah
Brief History
Ancient kingdoms, Ottoman/British influence, North and South Yemen unified 1990, Houthi rebellion escalated into civil war 2014