Yemen

World Book Index

Introduction

The Kingdom of Yemen, a nation steeped in rich history and cultural diversity, emerged from the shadows of colonial rule to establish its sovereignty in 1918, following its independence from the Ottoman Empire. The subsequent formation of the Yemen Arab Republic in 1962 marked a significant turning point, as did the British withdrawal in 1967, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of Southern Yemen. The unification of these two distinct entities in 1990 into the Republic of Yemen was a monumental event, symbolizing a new chapter in the nation's journey. However, this journey has been fraught with challenges, including ongoing conflicts that have shaped its contemporary landscape.

Neighboring countries

Djibouti - Eritrea - Oman - Saudi Arabia - Somalia

Geography

Area
Total: 527,968 sq km
Land: 527,968 sq km
Water: 0 sq km

Yemen's geography is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to fertile highlands. The climate predominantly features desert conditions, with hot and humid weather along the western coast, while the western mountains experience a temperate climate influenced by seasonal monsoons. In stark contrast, the eastern regions are marked by extraordinarily hot, dry, and harsh desert conditions. The country is endowed with natural resources, including petroleum, fish, rock salt, and marble, alongside smaller deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, and copper. The fertile soil found in the western part of Yemen supports agricultural activities, providing a vital resource for the population.

People and Society

Population
Total: 32,140,443 (2024 estimated)

Yemen's demographic landscape is predominantly Arab, complemented by Afro-Arab, South Asian, and European communities. The official language is Arabic, which serves as a unifying medium for communication across the diverse ethnic groups. The religious composition is overwhelmingly Muslim, accounting for 99.1% of the population, with the majority being Sunni (approximately 65%) and a significant minority of Shia (around 35%). The remaining 0.9% includes various religious groups such as Jewish, Baha'i, Hindu, and Christian, many of whom are refugees or temporary foreign residents. The population growth rate stands at 1.78% (2024 estimated), reflecting the dynamic nature of Yemen's society amidst ongoing challenges.

Government

Government type
In transition

Capital
Name: Sanaa

The executive branch of Yemen's government is currently led by the Presidential Leadership Council, with Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-ALIMI serving as the Chairperson since April 19, 2022. The head of government is Prime Minister Salim Salih BIN BURAYK, who took office on May 9, 2025. Yemen's diplomatic representation in the United States is headed by Ambassador Abdulwahab Abdullah Ahmed AL-HAJRI, who has been in position since July 24, 2025. The U.S. diplomatic mission is represented by Ambassador Steven H. FAGIN, who has served since June 1, 2022, although the U.S. embassy in Yemen has been closed since March 2015, with the Yemen Affairs Unit currently operating out of the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh.

Economy

Economic overview
Yemen's economy is classified as a low-income Middle Eastern economy, significantly impacted by the devastation of civil war, which has severely disrupted infrastructure, trade, and economic institutions. The economy remains heavily dependent on oil and gas, although reserves are diminishing. The country faces massive challenges, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, and high unemployment rates, compounded by soaring inflation. These economic difficulties have created a precarious situation for the population, necessitating urgent reforms and international assistance.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$18.719 billion (2024 estimated)
$18.908 billion (2023 estimated)
$19.294 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$200 (2024 estimated)
$200 (2023 estimated)
$300 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$384.5 million (2017 estimated)
$938.469 million (2016 estimated)
$1.867 billion (2015 estimated)

Exports - partners
UAE 28%, India 21%, Saudi Arabia 17%, Oman 7%, Malaysia 5% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Gold, fish, scrap iron, shellfish, industrial acids/oils/alcohols (2023)

Imports
$4.079 billion (2017 estimated)
$8.256 billion (2016 estimated)
$7.697 billion (2015 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 23%, UAE 15%, Saudi Arabia 11%, Turkey 8%, India 7% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Wheat, raw sugar, rice, iron bars, plastic products (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.470, ranking it 184th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 148th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 3.502. (more information)