The relationship between the tourists and
Yemen The Tourists head to Yemen for many reasons; the main reason is
because Yemen has a long history extending back for thousands of
years. Many civilizations have been birthed in Yemen. Other
tourists enjoy the Yemeni culture.
People in Yemen are friendly and the Yemeni culture is
interesting for many tourists. Some people like exploring Yemen
- its mountains, valleys, deserts, tribes, beaches, and cities.
Some tourists love shopping in the Yemeni markets; they find
exotic items and lovely antiques. They also enjoy the bargaining
there. Others like to go for a walk in the downtown areas and
have a chat with the people. Most of the people in Yemen are
welcoming and easy to make friends with.
Name:
Republic of Yemen
The National Flag:
The flag of the Republic of Yemen is rectangular in shape,
divided into three equal-dimensioned rectangles, of red, white,
and black colors consecutively from top to bottom.
Location:
The Republic of Yemen is located on the southwest corner of
the Arabian Peninsula, between latitudes.
12-20 north of the equator, and longitudes 14-54 east of
Greenwich.
Area:
The total area is 555,000 km2 excluding Ar-Rub-al-Khali.
Borders:
The country is bordered by Saudi Arabia in the north, the
Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the south, Oman in the east
and the Red Sea and the strait of Bab Al-Mandab in the west.
Country Dialing Code:
00967
Political System:
Parliamentary Democracy, with political pluralism and peaceful
transfer of authority.
Capital City: Sana’a is the main capital city; Aden is also the
economic and commercial capital of Yemen.
Population:
The population of Yemen was estimated at 21,456,188 in 2006.
Languages:
Arabic is the official language, there are also 2 other local
languages that are spoken in Yemen: Mahari spoken mainly in the
Governorate of Al-Mahara and Socotran spoken in the Island of
Socotra. English is widely spoken and is used extensively in
various transactions.
Currency:
Yemeni Riyal (YR). Visitors can exchange currencies in
exchange establishments spread all around Yemeni cities; also
there are many banks that accept Visa, MasterCard, Travels
Cheques, …etc.
Economic System:
Market Economy with liberalized trade and commerce, reliant on
supply and demand mechanisms. The economy promotes local and
foreign investment and provides incentives for growth-oriented
enterprises of the private sector.
Religion: Islam is the main religion, of which all Yemenis are
adherents, except for a small Jewish minority.
Climate:
The four seasons (autumn, winter, summer and fall) of the year
climatically overlap to the extent that it seems as thought
there are really two seasons. The climate varies with the
topography of the area. Summer begins in April extending to
September, with the climate moderate in the highlands and hot in
the coastal and desert areas and the Islands with some humidity
in the coastal areas, whereas the winter starts in October
extending to March, with the mountain highlands having a cold
climate and the coastal and desert areas and the Islands having
a moderate climate.
Traditional Industries and Handicrafts:
There are many traditional industries and handicrafts in Yemen
which have been handed down throughout the generations. Such
industries and handicrafts are characterized by their beauty and
attractiveness, particularly those associated with architecture,
ornaments and decoration, traditional weapons, clothes and
garments, earthenware and stoneware, leather products, and tools
and materials made of palm fiber and leaves, etc. Handicrafts
centers exist throughout the Republic and such products can be
sampled in the traditional markets of many cities and at the
weekly markets called 'Souks'.
Highest Point:
Jabal Al-Nabi Shu'ayb - 12,336 ft. (3,760 m)
Electricity:
220V, 50-60 Hz.
Land Divisions:
20 governorates, including: Sana'a, 'Aden, Taiz, Al-Hodaidah',
Ibb, Al Jawf, AlMahrah, Al Mahwit, 'Amran, Dhamar, Hadramawt,
Hajjah, Abyan, Lahij, Ma'rib, Sa'dah, ,Raimah', Shabwah, Al
dalea'a and Al-Baida
Environment:
Areas of environmental importance include Balhaf Burum coastal
area, Sharma and Jathmun coastal sites, Jabal Bura in the Tihama
foothills, and the Hawf Protected Area in Mahrah, an area of
plant diversity.The Socotra Archipelago is a UNESCO Man and
Biosphere Reserve. Socotra is particularly famous for the Dragon
Blood Tree, named after its blood red resin.
Architecture:
The old cities of Sanaa and Zabid and the walled city of Shibam
are World Heritage sites.
The Old City of Sanaa, situated in a mountain valley, has been
inhabited for over two and a half thousand years. Buildings
include mosques, hammams and multi-storey tower houses. The
Historic Town of Zabid, the capital of medieval Yemen, was a
centre of learning. Structures include mosques, military
buildings and the Islamic University.
The Old Walled City of Shibam dates from the sixteenth century.
An example of multi-storey urban planning, the highest building
has eight floors. Shibam is known as Chicago of the Desert or
Manhattan of the Desert
Geographical Divisions
In view of its topographical structure, the Republic of Yemen is
divided into five regions:
1. Mountain region with heights ranging
2. The Highland region
3. The Coastal Area
4. The Empty Quarter (Alrub AlKhali)
5. The Yemeni Islands.
