YEMEN
GEOGRAPHY
The Republic of Yemen lies in the South of Arabia (The Arabian Peninsula), south-west of Asia, bordered on the north by Saudi Arabia, on the south by the Arab Sea and the Gulf of Aden, on the east by the Sultanate of Oman and on the west by the Red Sea.
In view of its topographical structure, the Republic of Yemen is divided into five regions:
1. Mountain
2. Highland
3. Coastal
4. Empty Quarter
5. The Yemen Islands
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language of the country, with English being the most widely used second language.
CLIMATE
There are two long seasons: summer and winter. The temperature and humidity are high in the coastal areas during the summer months, while the climate is moderate during winter. Every now and then, the rainfall moderates the temperature over the coastal areas in summer. The mountain areas have moderate summers and cold winters all through the night and in the early morning, but for the duration of the day the bright sun rays raise the temperature making the weather very moderate in the mountainous regions of the country.
CURRENCY
The Yemeni Riyal is the official currency in Yemen.
One Yemeni Riyal (YR) is equal to 100 fils.
CAPITAL
Sanaa is the capital of Yemen and it lies at the western foot of Mount Nuqum. For many centuries this capital city of the Yemen Highlands has been its chief economic, political, and religious centre. The city’s name means “fortified place.”
ECONOMY
Yemen reported strong growth in the mid-1990s with the commencement of oil production although it is one of the poorest countries in the Arab world. In the past much harm has been done to the country’s economy by periodic declines in oil prices, but currently it enjoys high prices. designed to In an attempt to modernize and streamline the economy, Yemen is following an IMF-supported structural adjustment program, resulting in a considerable foreign debt relief and restructuring. International donors, meeting in Paris in October 2002, agreed on a further $2.3 billion economic support package. Yemen has worked to sustain firm control over expenditures and to employ additional components of the IMF program. A markedly high population growth rate and internal political dissension complicate the government's task. Diversification of the economy, encouragement of tourism, and more efficient use of scarce water resources are some of the efforts the government is putting in.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Wander through Sana'a, the modern capital and long an important stronghold along the trade route between Aden and Mecca. One of the oldest mosques in the Muslim world is in Sana'a. this mosque was constructed in the lifetime of the Prophet and enlarged in AD705.
The National Museum in Taherir Square in Dar al-Shukr (Palace of Gratefulness) contains engravings of pre-Islamic times, bronze statues, a beautiful mashrabia (cooling place for water) and several examples of folk art.
Rawdha some 8km (5 miles) north of Sana'a is a garden city famous for its sweet grapes, the mosque built by Ahmed ibn al-Qasim and the Rawdha Palace, now used as a hotel.
Amran- it lies on the edge of the fertile basin of Al-Bawn. The old clay city walls of pre-Islamic, Sabean origin surround the city.
Hodeida –is a modern Red Sea port where one can visit the fish market. The fishing boats here have been built from wood in the same way for hundreds of years.
An important institution for education in Zaydism is the al-Hadi Mosque. If you walk along the top of the city walls, you can get spectacular views of the city.
Thousands of years ago the ancient Mareb Dam was used to irrigate the surrounding land. The dam has a remarkable stonework, measuring 600m wide and 18m deep.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN YEMEN
Shopping- shop for souvenirs in Sana'a's 1,000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market, which is divided into 40 different crafts and trades. The spice market can prove a great experience. The other market for shopping is the Souk al-Nahaas selling embroidered head-dresses, belts and jambias (curved daggers).
The Wadi Wa'aar, lying between Sana’a and Sa'dah in the north can be visited to enjoy its subtropical climate. The huge mountain massif, the Sahara, rises out of the Wadi Wa’aar. Climbing by foot or by 4-wheel drive car to the top of this mountain is an exhilarating adventure.
There are several superb beaches that fringe the Indian Ocean at Little Aden, situated in the crater of an extinct volcano. Just lounge on the superb beaches and rejuvenate your flagging energies.
Hike and camp on Socotra Island; the island's remarkable landscape is home to a huge array of wildlife and plants.
Shibam, which is a pre-Islamic settlement, protected by the great fortification of Koukabanb is a great visit. To protect them from Bedouin attacks, the town's distinctive tall houses were made of mud bricks.
Walk amongst Yemen’s early crops of grapes in the strikingly fertile Sad'ah Basin.
The balmy Red and Arabian seas are great for diving as well as sailing.
The Hadda Mountain can be scaled and while at it, take in the charming villages dotted with orchards growing apricots, peaches, walnuts and almonds.
GETTING AROUND
Air
Yemen Airways (IY) runs services between Sana’a, Ta’izz and Hodeida. Flights from Aden are also available.
Road
There are approximately 5,000 kilometres (3125 miles) of asphalt roads and 20,000 kilometres (12,500 miles) of feeder roads. The conditions of the roads are deplorable and driving standards are fairly pathetic. Most roads are in a state of disrepair and the mountain roads principally hazardous.
The drive from Aden to Ta’izz takes about 3 to 5 hours. There is a road linking Aden and Sana’a otherwise the road network is generally limited to desert tracks. Using 4 wheel drive vehicles and a guide are almost a necessity. The traffic drives on the right in Yemen.
Bus
There intercity bus services are fairly regular in Yemen. In addition to the bus services, the General Authority of Tourism runs land cruisers and tourist coaches to all towns.
Taxi
The taxis in Yemen are recognizable by yellow license plates and taxi sharing is the most reasonable way of transport between cities. There are minimum charges within main the cities, however, fares should be negotiated beforehand for intercity journeys.
Car hire
In the main towns car hire is available and 4 wheel drives are recommended. Alternatively chauffeur driven cars are also accessible.
MAIN REGIONS OF YEMEN
Aden
Aden as a port goes back a long way in history, it is mentioned in the Biblical Book of Ezekiel (c. 6th century BC). The National Museum of Antiquities near Tawahi Harbour has a collection of pre Islamic artifacts.
Crater, the oldest part of the city, lies in the crater of an extinct volcano and is where the most antique constructions in Aden may be seen. In Ma’allah, the visitor can see customary Arab boats. To the south of Aden is Little Aden, which is also in the crater of an extinct volcano, this is an area of small fishing villages in sheltered bays, with many superb beaches fringing the Indian Ocean.
Sanaa
This area has been intensely refined for centuries and is the site of many of the major towns. Sana’a, the modern capital and long an important fortress along the trade route between Aden and Mecca, dates back to the 1st century and, according to popular legend, to early biblical days.
Taizz
The city of Ta’izz lies in the south. The old city has been all but swallowed up by the fast growing modern city around it but stunning old houses and mosques remain within the line of the 13th century city wall, which is still intact along the southern side.
ACCOMODATION
Hotels
Accommodation varies from ancient palace hotels and modern luxury hotels to funduks and tribal huts. To be on the safer side, book in advance and receive a written confirmation. Outside the main city centers, hotel facilities are limited.
Camping/Caravanning
Khokha and Mokha have campsites, the details of which may be obtained from local travel agents in Sana'a.
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