The Basics
Country: Yemen
Where is it?: Yemen is in the Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Why do people go here?: Most people avoid Yemen because of Western media saying it’s full of terrorists. Whether it’s true or not, Yemen is ancient Arabia at its best. It’s hasn’t been touched much by the modern world and those intrepid travelers who make the journey are bound to be delighted.
What are the main entry points?: Yemen’s airport is connected to major airline around the Middl East and Africa. There are a few flights from Western Europe. It’s not worth your time (or life) to travel overland.
Currency used: Rial
Country Code for Phones: 967
Area codes for Major Cities: Sanaa 1
Religion: Muslim including Shaf’i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi’a), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu
Population: 24 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans
Government: Republic
Languages: Arabic
Travel Information
Major Cities: Sana’a
Attractions: Ma’rib, Shihara
Accomodation: None
Tourism Office locations and links: None
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Wadi Hadhramawt
Health Issues: dengue fever, cholera, Rift Valley fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: With its mountainous regions, the time to visit Yemen varies depending upon the location. Ideally, the months of April and May, and then September into early November are the best months for the whole country. You should, however, check weather conditions before going into the mountains.
Common Phrases: Yes: Away/Na’am, No: La, Thank You: Shukran, Hello: Ahlan, How are you: Izzayak? How much: Bi Kaam?, If God is willing, than it will happen: Inshaallah, Please: Min Fadilak, I don’t understand: Ana laa Afham
Specific Events/Holidays: Yemen is primarily an Islamic country so holidays dates vary from year to year. The many events are Ramadan, Eid Al-Adha and Mohammed’s birthday.
Getting Around: There are plenty of buses and taxis to get you around in Yemen. If distances are far, check on flights.
Good to know: More than 200 foreigners have been kidnapped over the last 10 years.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Yemen is the Sana’a International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Yemen travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
