More Information about Yemen

Yemen History

Between 2200 BC and the 6th century AD, Yemen was part of the Sabaean, Awsanian, Minaean, Qatabanian, Hadhramawtian, Himyarite, and several other kingdoms, which controlled the lucrative spice trade. It was known to the ancient Romans as Arabia Felix ("Happy Arabia") because of the riches its trade generated. Augustus attempted to annex it, but the expedition failed.

In the third century and again in the early seventh century, many Sabaean and Himyarite people migrated out of the land of Yemen to North Africa and the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula following the destruction of the Ma'rib Dam (sadd Ma'rib). In the 7th century, Islamiccaliphs began to exert control over the area. After the caliphate broke up, the former North Yemen came under the control of imams of various dynasties, usually of the Zaidi sect, who established a theocratic political structure that survived until modern times.

Egyptian Sunni caliphs occupied much of North Yemen throughout the eleventh century. By the sixteenth century and again in the nineteenth century, North Yemen was part of the Ottoman Empire, and during several periods its imams exerted control over South Yemen.

In 1839, the British occupied the port of Aden and established it as a colony in September of that year. They also set up a zone of loose alliances (known as protectorates) around Aden to act as a protective buffer. North Yemen became independent of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and became a republic in 1962.

In 1967, the British withdrew from Aden. After the British withdrawal, the former Aden became known as South Yemen. The two Yemeni countries were formally united as the Republic of Yemen on 22 May 1990.

Currency

The Yemeni unit of currency is the Riyal. The exchange rate is currently (January 2006) 195 Yemeni Riyals to one U.S. dollar, which means that one YR is less than one U.S. cent. Within Yemen, the YR may be freely converted into U.S. dollars and vice versa.

Language and Religion

The official language is Arabic and the vast majority of the people are Muslims. In the major cities, some English is spoken.

Weather

Yemen's coasts are warm and humid year round. The mountainous highlands of the north can be quite cool, especially in the winter months. It is not unheard for temperatures to fall below freezing. Yemen's mountainous areas also receive significant amounts of rain twice a year. Yemen's eastern desert areas are hot and dry during the day and cool at night.

Education

The Ministry of Education is responsible for all K-12 educational programs in country. The Ministry of Higher Education supervises academic tertiary programs, while the Ministry of Vocational Training provides oversight to community colleges and other technical programs not affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population. More detail is provided on the Educational System in Yemen.

Shopping

Sana'a's Old City offers visitors the opportunity to visit the most traditional suq (bazaar) in the Middle East. The suq boasts an array of traditional Yemeni products-such as jambiyyas (daggers), Jewish-designed silver jewelry, and other handicrafts-as well as fascinating architectural sights. Modern shopping areas and restaurants are found just outside the Old City, especially along Hadda and Zubeiri Streets.

Outside of Sana'a, shopping opportunities are limited. A few exceptions include the suq in Taiz and select tourist stores in the governorate (province) of Hadramaut. In the future, the port city of Aden plans to open a duty free shopping area, similar to what exists in Dubai. At all locales, bargaining is encouraged.

Sightseeing

Yemen is perhaps the richest country in the Middle East in historical and natural sights. A mountainous country with ancient villages and vast sea coasts, Yemen offers something for almost every visitor. Highlights include:

• • Sana'a's Old City

  • Wadi Dahr and the Imam's Rock Palace

  • Fortress village of Kawkaban

  • Terraced mountains and villages of the regions of Ibb, Al-Mahwit, and Manakhah

  • Tihamese town of Zabid

  • Beaches and colonial port of Aden

  • Al- Amariya Mosque in Rada'a