A Yaffle* of 20 Facts about Yemen

Want to boost your knowledge of the Middle East? Why not start with a yaffle* of 20 interesting facts about Yemen

1. Yemen is an Arab country in southwest Asia.
2. 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.
3. The international dialling code for Yemen is +967.

4. The coordinates for Yemen are 15.0000° N, 48.0000°
5. The terrain here is a glorious mix of coastal plains, rugged mountains and upland desert plains.
6. The total land area of Yemen is 207,286 square miles (536,869 square kilometres).
7. Yemen’s population was 28.5 million in 2018.
8. 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.
9. 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).

Aden, Yemen

10. The average life span in Yemen is 66.09 years (2017).
11. 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.
12. 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!

Flag of Yemen

13. The official language of Yemen is Arabic
14. In Yemen, the average wedding feast lasts for an incredible 21 days! That’s a lot of yummy food and memorable celebrations!
15. Interestingly, it is customary for Yemeni males to carry a ‘Jambiya’, or curved dagger, in public – the handle shows the social status of the individual whilst it is thought that the presence of such a weapon reduces the risk of brawls or fights.

Bab Al Yemen, City Centre, Sanaa, Yemen

16. Apparently, when dining out in Yemen, it is not common to tip after your meal! Extra spending money, then!
17. The official currency is called the Yemeni Rial.
18. Yemen grows fruits, grains, coffee, vegetables and pulses, catches fish and produces dairy products – sounds a delicious place to be!
19. Its industry consists of crude oil production, petroleum refining, cotton, textiles and leather goods.
20. Yemen also exports crude oil, coffee, dried fish and salted fish.

*Bonus fact! Yaffle: An armload of sticks or fish (also, a Green Woodpecker!).

Do you know any interesting or fun facts about Yemen? Share them in the comments section below!

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