Want to boost your knowledge of the Middle East and increase your chances of winning the next geography quiz? Why not start with a yaffle* of fun Facts about Yemen?
1. Where is Yemen?
Yemen is an Arab country in southwest Asia.
It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east. It also has a coastline along the Arabian Sea to the southeast, Gulf of Aden to the south and the Red Sea to the west.
2. Here’s what to dial.
The international dialing code for Yemen is +967.
3. Grab to coordinates!
The coordinates for Yemen are 15.0000° N, 48.0000°
4. The terrain in Yemen really varies.
The terrain here is a glorious mix of coastal plains, rugged mountains and upland desert plains.
5. It’s bigger than you may imagine.
The total land area of Yemen is 207,286 square miles (536,869 square kilometres).
6. Around 30 million people live in Yemen!
Yemen’s population was 33.7 million in 2022.
7. Qat got your tongue?
Locals often chew ‘Qat’, a leaf that has stimulating effects similar to amphetamine. This is enjoyed socially, often starting after lunch with men and women in separate rooms.
8. What’s the capital of Yemen?
The capital is Sana’a; it covers an area of 2,144 square miles (5,552 square kilometres) and has a population of 3.937 million (2012).
9. The life expectancy here is reasonable.
The average life span in Yemen is 63.75 years (2021).
10. It’s dry and hot here – from mile to mile!
The desert climate experienced here brings mostly hot and humid weather, with the western mountains affected by seasonal monsoons, whilst the deserts are extraordinarily dry and hot.
11. Yemen is brimming with history.
Architectural and history buffs alike will love the Old Walled City of Shibam. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 16th century city consists of many dried mud buildings, some of which are 11 stories high!
12. What do people speak in Yemen?
The official language of Yemen is Arabic.
13. Weddings in Yemen are a very big deal.
In Yemen, the average wedding feast lasts for an incredible 21 days! That’s a lot of yummy food and memorable celebrations!
14. Save money on tips!
Apparently, when dining out in Yemen, it is not common to tip after your meal! Extra spending money, then!
15. Change up for the Rial.
The official currency is called the Yemeni Rial.
16. What does Yemen produce and export?
Yemen grows fruits, grains, coffee, vegetables and pulses, catches fish and produces dairy products – sounds a delicious place to be!
Its industry consists of crude oil production, petroleum refining, cotton, textiles and leather goods.
Yemen also exports crude oil, coffee, dried fish and salted fish.
*Bonus fact! Yaffle: An armload of sticks or fish (also, a Green Woodpecker!).
FAQs about Yemen
Is Yemen a safe country to travel to?
Sadly, while Yemen is a fantastic country to explore, it is subject to conflict, making it dangerous to travel across from abroad. There has been war waging in Yemen since at least 2015.
Do people in Yemen have access to the internet?
Yes, but it’s very slow - they have a max speed of 4 MB per second. That’s pretty slow compared to Liechtenstein, who has the fastest internet on the planet at 199.2 MB per second!
Is Yemen part of Africa?
It’s up for debate, but it technically forms part of Asia and the Middle East.
Do you know any fun facts about Yemen? Share them in the comments section below!
