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Republic of Yemen

Location and Area:

Yemen is an Islamic Arab country located in the southwestern of Arabian Peninsula, in the southwestern of Asia.

It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Sultanate of Oman to the east, Arabian Sea to the south and the Red Sea to the west.

It has many islands alongside the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, the largest one of all is the island of Suqutra, around 150 km away from Yemeni nearest coast.

Ancient geographers used to call Yemen "Arabia Felix". In the Old Testimony it was mentioned as the south and it was said that Yemen’s name was attributed to (Aiman Ben Ya’arob Ben Kahtan). In the Arabic cultural heritage and as the Yemenis themselves, its name derived from the Arabic word (Yuomn) which means the blessedness or welfare and this agrees with the name of the ancient name Arabia Felix.

On the other hand, some of the Arab historians said it is called Yemen because it is located in the right direction of Al-Ka’aba. All in all, its present name is “the Republic of Yemen “

Geographical Features and Topography:

Yemen has got a very spectacular topography ranging from high mountains to mysterious dunes desert and from fertile flatlands to more than 2000 km of breath-taking beaches on the Arabian Sea in the south and Red Sea in the west.

The geographical features are divided into five divisions as the following:

The Coastal Region is more than 2500 km extended alongside the Red Sea in the west, the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean in the south and the Arabian Sea in the east.

This region includes the governorates of Aden, Hodeiddah, Lahj, Abyan, al-Maharah and parts of Hadramout.

The Mountainous Region

It begins in the north and extends southward to the area called Bab Al-Mandab, where it makes a turn eastwards alongside the Arab Sea, ending in Al-Mahara. The mountains highest ranges from 1000 meter to 3600 meter above sea level.

The mountainous region contains several valleys such as:

Valleys, whish pour its waters in the Red Sea, like Wadi Haradh, Wadi Moor , Wadi Sordod ,Wadi Siham ,Wadi Rasian Wadi Zabeed and Wadi Moza’a .

Valleys, which pour its waters in the Gulf of Aden and the Arab Sea, are Wadi Tuban, Wadi Bana, Wadi Ahwar and Wadi Hudramout.

Valleys, which pour its waters in the desert, are Wadi Khap, Wadi Algoof and Wadi Athnah in addition to Wadi Harreap and Wadi Jerdan and others.

This region includes the governorates of Sana’a, Hajja, Al-Mahweat , Sa’ada , Dhammar, Al-Bidha , Al-Dhale and Taiz.

The Region of Eastern Plains:

It is consisted of sedimentary rocks and lies at the eastern and the northern of the mountainous region and it spans is adjacent to it. It reaches its maximum highest at 1000 meters and waters drop to it from the mountainous region.

This region includes the governorates of Al-Mahara, Al-Jawf, Shabbwa, Hadhramout and parts of the governorate of Sa’ada.

The Region of Al-Rub’o Al-Khali (Empty Quarter)

It is the Yemeni desert region without plants and characterized by its moving dunes sands. In the past, the Al-Rubo’ Al-Khali used to be called the largest Yemeni desert or Al-Ahqaf desert.

The Yemeni Islands:

There is a large number of the Yemeni islands spread alongside the Red Sea and the Arab Sea. Yemeni islands are characterized by unique topography and spectacular environment.

The Red Sea includes the largest number of the islands which constitutes an archipelago alongside the Yemeni beach.

The Island of Kamaran is the largest and the most important one in the Red Sea, it is inhabited by people and rare animals. There are also the islands of Baklan, Al-Tir, and Al-Fashet in the north of Kamaran and in the south of it there are the islands of Zuqar and the archipelago of Hunish which includes the Greater Hunish and the smaller Hunish, while the island of Meyoun controls the Strait of Bab Al-Mandab and it splits it.

There are also several small islands; the important of them are the islands of Abdul-Kori, Al-Akhawin, Samhah and Derrssah.

In the Arabian Sea, Yemeni islands spread close to each other, the largest and the most famous one of all is the Island of Suqutra.

Suqutra is a 3625 km². It is located in the Indian Ocean, some 450 km south of the Yemeni economic city of Aden but it is a part of Hadramout province of Yemen.

With estimated population of 45,000, Suqutra Island has three geographical terrains: the narrow coastal plains, a limestone plateau permeated with karst caves, and the higher mountains reaches to 5000 feet.

The climate is generally tropical desert, with rainfall being light, seasonal (winter) and more abundant at the higher ground in the interior than along the coastal lowlands.

The monsoon season brings strong winds and high seas making marine transportation from June to September inaccessible.

However, in July 1999 a new airport opened in Socotra.

The long geological isolation of Socotra and its fierce heat and drought have combined to create a unique and spectacular endemic flora.

Surveys have revealed that more than a third of the 800 or so plant species of Socotra are found nowhere else. Botanists rank the flora of Socotra among the ten most endangered island flora in the world.

One of the most striking of Sucutra's plants is the dragon's blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), which is a strange-looking, umbrella-shaped tree. Its red sap was the dragon's blood of the ancients, sought after as a medicine and a dye.

The island also has a fairly rich bird fauna, including a few types of endemic birds, such as the Suqutra Starling Onychognathus frater, the Socotra Sunbird Chalcomitra balfouri, Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis and Socotra Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus.

Fourteen mammal and 175 bird species that live today on the island have been recorded as endemic species. Being virtually isolated from the rest of the world for a long period, Suqutra remains one of the most fascinating places on earth.

Its unique character with greatest Biological diversity makes Socotra a potential candidate for designation as one of the new 7 wonders of nature.

Suqutra Island has been recently nominated to become one of the new 7 wonders of natural monuments. The competition is adopted by the Swiss foundation new7wonders.com to choose the most wonderful natural landscapes all over the world.

Minister of Tourism Nabil al-Faqih stated that Suqutra Island has been chosen to participate in the competition of the New 7 Wonders of nature run by the Swiss foundation "New7wonders" via the Internet.

Al-Faqih said that the ministry had finished necessary procedures to register Suqutra on the nominations list of the Swiss foundation for rivaling on the list of new 7Wonders of nature.

Hadramout's governor Abdullah Hajir affirmed that the nomination of Socotra to become one of the new7wonders of nature would create more opportunities for tourist investment and development.

Climate:

Yemen is one of the countries of the largest cellular radiation due to the sun’s perpendicular upon it around the year but the diversity of its geographical features gives rise to diversification in its climate.

In the coastal regions, the climate used to be hot and moist in the summer whereas in the winter it is often moderate.

In the inner and mountainous region, the climate usually ranges from cool in the winter to moderate in the summer, the moderate climate also prevails in the slopes and plateaus regions where the average of temperature ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius in summer whereas it goes down to fall below zero in winter.

The average of moistness may reach up to 80 percent with an average of rainfalls ranges from 300 to more than 1000 mm per a year .The climate, which prevails in the eastern region, is widely different since it is characterized by drought and the temperature there exceeds 40 degrees Celsius in summer, while it goes down to 10-15 degrees Celsius in winter.

The rainfalls rate doesn’t exceed the average of 50 –100 mm, particularly at the bounds of Al-Rubo’ Al-Khali (the Empty Quarter). Between the above two climate regions lies the central region which spans from the north and the east of Sana’a to the bounds of Marib.

The entire area of Yemen’s territory has come under the influence of the torrential winds which are coming from the east; it is also influenced by the air’s downfalls in the west which used to be accompanied by rains in summer season.

The Population:

The Republic of Yemen has nearly 23 million people (according to the latest census conducted in 2007).

Language:

Arabic is the official language of the country with English being the most widely used as a second language.

Religion:

Islam is the official religion of the whole country except a small minority of Jews.

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(

Visas:

The visitor can get entry visa to the Republic of Yemen from the Yemeni Embassy or Consulate in his country and payment of a minimal Consular fee. Prospective visitors from countries with which Yemen has no diplomatic or consular representation, an extendible 96-hour transit visa from the port of entry can be obtained.

Upon arrival, the visitor is given one-month residence permit. There is no need to register at police stations or to apply for an exit visa during the scheduled one-month period.

Ports of Entry:

Visitors can enter Yemen via its airports, i.e., Sana'a, Aden, Rayan in Hadhramaut and Taiz International Air- ports.
By Sea: through the seaports, i.e., Hudaidah port, Mokha port on the Red Sea, port of Aden on the Gulf of Aden, Mukalla and Nashton ports on the Arab Sea.

By land: Yemen has three passageways: two in the north: Haradh and Albuqa'a entry points from Saudi Arabia. The third inlet is Habrot on the eastern border with the Sultanate of Oman.

Currency:
The Yemen currency is the Yemen Rial consisting of l00 fils, issued in bank notes and coins. Bank notes are available in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, l00 and 50.

Coins come in denominations of 20, l0 and 5 Yemeni Rial. The exchange rate is now quite stable, 200 YR to 1 US dollar. The visitors can exchange most international currencies in exchange establishments or banks, which are available all over Yemeni towns.

Health Codes:

An International Vaccination Certificate is required from citizens of countries, which are listed in the World Health Organization (WHO), except children less than one year old.

Official Working Days and Hours:

Working hours in governmental offices are: Saturday to Wednesday from 8.00 am to 3.00pm. Thursday is a rest day and Friday is the weekly holiday. The private sector working hours are: Saturday to Wednesday 8.00 am–12.00 noon and 4.00 pm – 7.00pm. • Thursday: 8.00 am-1.00 pm. Friday is the weekly holiday. The market place is open almost all day long up to the early hours of night.


Official Holidays:

- Eid Al-Fitr (Breakfasting Feast), from 29th of Ramadhan until 3rd of Shawal.
- Eid Al-Adha (Haj Feast), from 9th – 13th Thu-al-Hajah.
- Hijra New Year (Anniversary of the Holy Prophet Emigration on the 1st of Muharram), one day.

- Labor Day (1st of May), one day.
- National Day (22nd of May), one day.
-26th of September (Revolution Day), one day.
- 14th of October. (Revolution Day), one day.
- Thursday and Fridays, weekend.

Banking Services:

Modern and reliable Banking services are available in most cities. Major cards are available, and honored in larger hotels, and banks.

Electricity: 220 Volts, 50-60 Hz.

Telecommunications:
A modern Telecommunications network that provides worldwide direct access telephone calls, facsimile service, and internet service covers all the Yemeni land.

Health care:
Public, and private hospitals, and pharmacies are spread around the country. Most provide around –the –clock services.

Accommodations:
Tourist hotels are available in all major cities, and many secondary cities, with service levels ranging from one-star to five stars. Some hotels are local subsidiaries for international hotel chains.

Travel and tourist services:
There are many tourist agencies operating under license from the local authorities. They organize tours around the country. They also provide tour guides speaking different languages, and rent out cars for those interested.

Airport procedures:

Immigration forms are given to you on the plane and have to be handed at passport control. Customs officers check the luggage closely for alcohol, videotapes and magazines that contain sex pictures.

As a foreigner and a tourist, you will be treated in special way everywhere in Yemen. From the airport, there are taxis but no regular bus service to town. Normally, tourist offices organize transportation for their tourists, but if you take a taxi it will not cost more than US$ 10 from the airport to any area in Sana’a or Aden.

Inside the city there are three options:
1-Taxies that will cost you only US$ 1 for short distances of less than 15 minutes, there are taxies with meters.
2- Small buses (Dabab) Dababs run in fixed routes around the city, picking up and dropping off passengers in demand. You will need to speak Arabic, or use sign language. Fares are approx US$0.20.

3-Hiring a car there are some car rental offices where you can hire a car. An international driving license is required. Prices start from US$ 40 per day.

Transportations:
Air transportation is available to most big cities on a local level. International flights are available to Sana'a, Aden, Hodeidah, Mokalla and other airports. Yemenia maintains direct international serves to major cities in Europe, India, and the Middle East.
Most Yemen visitors arrive at Sana'a International Airport and then proceed with Yemenia to other cities.Ground transportations between smaller cities are cheapest by collective taxi but more comfortable by having a private taxi.

Small groups tend to travel in four-wheel drive vehicles with driver provided by many different companies. A private transport and an experienced driver give the visitor more freedom to explore remote places and manage the time as preferred. In addition, the cost of a reliable transportation and the driver is worthwhile.

Inside the cities, usually there will be a buses or minibuses that is very cheap. But it serves from and to certain places. Another option for transportation is taxis, which are available everywhere down the street. Some tourists prefer to rent a car, which is not a bad idea. You would need an international driving license and a make sure to maintain all the important papers for the car that shows that ownership of the car and an authorization for driving it from the cars rental agency.

Some agencies offer an experienced driver who will take care of everything about the car and may help you get to know important places to see. Some of them work as tour guides. "As one travels through the regions of Yemen, from the hot coastal plain of the Tihama to the cool mountain villages of the central highlands and to the remote valleys of the Hadramout there is such a diversity of landscape, architecture, and vegetation that it is like moving from one country to another. Yet, the impression of Yemen as a land of contrasts is deceptive.

There are common strands of identity running through the fabric. The fiercely individualistic character of each place and its people reveals itself gradually not as a discordant factor in essence but as the way of the country as a whole.

The common identity of Yemen does not exist necessarily in a sense of uniformity or consensus of opinion but rather in the vigorous defense of the small unit, be it family or tribe or village. A unified cultural heritage characterizes Yemenis who have diversity of expression."

Traveling in the country:

To appreciate Yemen’s considerable natural beauty, one has to leave the city and explore the countryside. While the main roads are well surfaced and traveling them is a comfortable experience, taking to the rugged mountain tracks in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle is an adventure well worth the effort.

The serpentine mountain roads offer breathtaking views into Wadis lined by countless man-made terraces. Visit the barren eastern mountains with their fascinating rock formations and be awed by the encroaching desert’s sand dunes. Dive into the clear waters of the Red Sea or the Indian Ocean or explore the tropical flora and fauna of the lower "Wadies" or valleys with their clear monsoon streams and unique settlements and culture.

And if you like the off beat, do not miss the experience of crossing the desert "Ramlat Assaba’atyin" on the southern corner of the Rub’a-alkhali, between Marib and Shabwa, the shortest way to the famous Wadi Hadramout. You can follow the ancient Gold and Incense Road along the edge of the desert.

In Marib you can visit the old great Marib dam, The Queen of Sheba temple and the remains of ancient civilizations. To enjoy the varied scenery, explore mysterious historical sites, marvel at the architecture, and most of all meet the people, many of whom maintain their original ways of life, is an unforgettable experience.

Wherever you go, children will appear curious, boisterous, and sometimes annoying, you do not need to give them any thing, just small smile and show some good humor and they will love you.

Photography:

Men and children (male & female) are willing to have their pictures taken, but are more cautious with women. Photographing women, even if veiled, is considered very rude and risky. Also be careful not to photograph military sites, airports or harbors, which are restricted security areas.

Despite the restrictions, Yemen is a photographer’s paradise. Some of your shots of traditional activities, like plough with the help of a donkey or grinding sesame with a camel, have potential historic value, because the old ways, now still widely observed, are destined to become things of the past.