Republic of Yemen

A celebration of Yemen’s land, people, cities, and unshakeable resilience at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

Location & Area

Yemen sits at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east, with long coastlines along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean to the south. With ~555,000 km² of land and stewardship of the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, Yemen commands one of the world’s most important maritime gateways.

Population

Estimated at 34.4 million (2023), Yemen’s population is notably young—over 60% are under 25. This youthful profile is a wellspring of potential for future growth while also posing challenges for jobs, services, and skills development.

Climate

Highlands & Interior

Hot summers, cool to mild winters; fertile uplands support much of the country’s farming.

Coastal Plains

Hot and humid summers with milder winters along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea coasts.

Eastern Deserts

Arid zones with extreme heat and scarce rainfall.

Key Sectors

Agriculture

Largest employer—grains, fruits, vegetables, sorghum, legumes, coffee, qat, tobacco.

Fishing

2,000+ km of coastline on two seas; fisheries offer strong diversification potential.

Oil & Industry

Historically key for exports & revenue; disruptions persist but sector remains pivotal.

Services & Trade

Retail, logistics, informal commerce; ports are economically critical.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Damage to roads, bridges, airports, and ports; rehabilitation underway with support.

Energy

Limited grid capacity; partial operation at Marib; solar common for households.

Water & Sanitation

Coverage declined; wells, tankers, and solar pumps are widespread stopgaps.

Telecommunications

Outdated infrastructure; low internet penetration and high access costs.

Public Facilities

Hospitals, schools, government buildings widely damaged; gradual rebuilds.

Overall

Recovery hinges on peace and sustained investment across sectors.

Major Cities

Sana’a

Historic center of commerce, governance, and services.

Aden

Strategic port; shipping, refining, and free-zone activity power its economy.

Hodeidah

Red Sea gateway handling a large share of essential imports.

Mukalla

Hadramawt capital—fishing, trade, light industry; supports regional oil activity.

Outlook

Yemen’s location, fertile highlands, rich fisheries, and hydrocarbons offer a base for recovery. Priorities: rebuild essential services and infrastructure; enable private-sector growth; diversify beyond oil; and invest in youth. Peace and sustained support unlock the potential.

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