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Republic of Yemen
Location and Current Surface Area
Yemen is situated in the South of the Arabian
Peninsula, separated from Africa by Bab Al-Mandib. It stretches over more than
555,000 square kilometers. It is bordered on the east by the Sultanate of Oman,
on the north by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the south by the Arabian Sea and
the Gulf of Eden, and on the west by the Red Sea. The Republic of Yemen includes
many islands, such as Socotra, Meoun, Hnish Al-Kubra, Hnish Al-Sughra and other
small islands.
Climate
Yemen enjoys unique natural and climatic
characteristics which vary with the change of climate from one region to the
other. There are large differences between the mountainous and the coastal
regions, as well as among the mountainous regions themselves according to their
proximity to the coast, whether on the southern sea or the Arabian Sea, or their
nearness to the dry regions and Al-Rub' Al-Khali. Areas situated 60 kilometers
away from the sea and more than 2,000 meters above sea level enjoy mild weather,
picturesque scenes, abundant trees and diverse agriculture. Following to the
east is central Yemen with different climate from the mountainous regions, being
drier and less cold in winter, sometimes reaching below zero.
Yemen is characterized by various kinds of weather.
The coastal regions are very hot in summer, mildly cold in winter, with day
temperatures between 32-38 in the shade and 32-33 at night. These are called the
western and southern coastal regions which are 200 meters above sea level.
Temperatures fall two degrees less in areas between 200-800 meters above sea
level.
In the mountainous regions situated 800-1500
meters above sea level, temperatures in the summer are 27° during the day and
17° at night.
In areas which lie between 1500-2500 meters above
sea level, temperatures are 17° during the day and 7° at night, while they reach
sometimes below zero at night in areas located more than 2000 meters above sea
level.
Population
Population of the Republic of Yemen reached 15
million inhabitants, according to 1994 census. General population density is 28
per square kilometer, and the rate of population growth is 3.7%, one of the
highest rates in the region. 60% of the population live in rural areas while
population density increases significantly in cities, especially in Sanaa and
Aden. Despite the existence of large cities, especially the capitals of
provinces, and the development of population activities therein, most of the
population work in the agricultural sector which constitutes today, together
with the fishing sector, an important source of national income.
Economic divisions
The Republic of Yemen is divided into 17 provinces
beside the capital, Sanaa. These provinces are : Sanaa, Aden, Taiz, Hadhramaut,
Hodeida, Abyan, Ebb, Saada, Hajja, Marib, Jawf, Shabwah, Lahej, Baida, Mahwit,
Al-Mahra, and Dhemar.
Economic resources
Economic resources consist of the following :
1- Mineral resources :
Yemen's mountains and underground teem with
natural wealth, such as oil, gold, iron, precious stones, copper, etc.
Explorations for oil and natural gas show that Yemen possesses extensive oil and
gas reserves. Oil export started at the end of 1983 with 35 thousand barrels
daily while natural gas export will start in 1997. The government is exerting
intensive efforts with multi-national investment companies to extract other
minerals. Preliminary studies shows the presence of large reserves of copper and
other minerals.
2- Fisheries :
Yemen has long and rich sea coasts. Due to the
diversity of environmental conditions and ecosystems of the Yemeni coasts, the
quantity and types of fish vary between traditional fisheries on the coasts
where traditional fishing equipment are used, and the more advanced fisheries.
Annual fish production for the past five years (1989-1993) amounts to 691
thousand tons, out of which 565 thousand tons from the Gulf of Aden and the
Arabian Sea, and 126 thousand tons from the Red Sea. This production constitutes
only 30% of the fishing potentialities in Yemeni waters (i.e. from the reserve).
3- Agricultural resources :
Yemen has been renowned, since times immemorial,
for its fertile lands and excellent agriculture. Historians wrote extensively
about Yemen as the 'Arabia felix'. Its inhabitants were experts in the field of
agriculture and husbandry, making good use of water. Yemen was also famous for
its dams and barrages, the most famous of which is Marib Dam. Due to natural
factors and water scarcity, the growing of many staple crops has been dropped.
Great efforts are being exerted to develop agriculture. Area of agricultural
lands in Yemen is estimated at 1.63 million hectares. As for arable lands, they
reach 3.62 million hectares out of which 1.47 million hectares are actually
cultivated (according to 1990 estimates), which constitutes 41% of the lands
suitable for agriculture. As agriculture in Yemen depends on rains and ground
water, there arise many problems concerning agricultural production, which makes
the government support many agricultural projects in order to achieve
self-sufficiency, improve food production and benefit from the land's fertility.
Land in Yemen is divided into four main regions
with different methods of agricultural exploitation. They are :
- Coastal plains region
- Southern mountain slopes region
- Mountain basins (Qiman), which include very
fertile lands
- Internal and eastern plateaux (Hadhramaut
Plateau) known to be dry and hot. Hadhramaut is suitable for agriculture.
Historical development
Yemen, in pre-Islam eras, was famous for its
numerous civilizations and historical roots. It was mentioned in the Holy Quran,
which is an eloquent proof of the ancient historical roots of this distinct
civilization. The most important of these civilizations were :
1. Ma'in civilization
2. Sheba civilization
3. Himyar civilization
4. Ghatban civilization
5. Hadhramaut civilization
6. Awsan civilization
7. Jeba or Habban civilization
8. Sami' Hashed civilization
9. Araba' civilization
The most historically known among these
civilizations are Ma'ain, Sheba and Himyar civilizations.
These civilizations existed between 1500-800 B.C.
Some archeologists who discovered some monuments in Yemen claim that Ma'in
civilization had existed from the 14th century B.C. to the 8th century B.C.,
with Ma'in as its first capital and Garnhao, both in Yemen Jawff. Names of 28 of
its kings were discovered.
Historian Jawad Ali states that the famous
documents discovered in Jiza, Egypt, showed the existence of Ma'in and its
authority during the reign of the Ptolemies in Egypt. There used to be links
between the Ptolemies, Yemen and Ma'in when Yemen supplied Egyptian temples with
incense and Egypt hosted a Ma'ini community therein. The Ptolemies reigned from
323 B.C. to 21 B.C.
The State of Sheba 850-155 B.C.
Ma'in and Sheba were known to be one family
related to Abd Shams bin Yashjib bin Yarib bin Qahtan. Abd Shams used to have
many titles, one of which was "Ma'in and Sheba". Many descendents of this
Ya'ribi family successively ruled the State which was called "Ma'in" in the
earlier stages without the disappearance of the title "Sheba", while the title "Sheba"
was dominant at the later stages without the disappearance of the title "Ma'in"
as shown in the ancient documents.
The State of Himyar 115 B.C-525 B.C.
Himyar was Kahlan's brother and both were
descendents of Sheba bin Yashjib bin Ya'rib, or his immediate sons. By 115 B.C.
both Himyar and Kahlan had children to whom all inhabitants of Yemen relate.
From Himyar descendents came the Tababi'ah kings.
Social system of the Pre-Islam Yemeni State
The social system in the Pre-Islamic Yemeni States
was uniform. The state consisted of semi-centralized provinces linked to the
central government. Most of these states were more commercial than military,
with the exception of Himyar, which became military in reaction to the ambitions
of the Roman and Persian States.
The most famous Yemeni States (Ma'in, Sheba and
Himyar) had several international markets, scattered throughout Africa, Asia and
the Mediterranean. Yemen's strategic position helped the Yemeni States to extend
their commercial influence. Their social systems were dominated by the
cooperative, capitalist and feudal characteristics. Three types of taxes were
levied to replenish the ruler's treasury and support priests and temples as well
as sheikhs and dignitaries. The Yemen nation consisted of four classes :
1. Armed soldiers, to protect the regime;
2. Peasants to cultivate lands;
3. Craftsmen;
4. Merchants.
Each class had its clear-cut limits according to
well-known customs and agreements. In addition to these four classes, there were
the class of rulers, nobles, priests, scholars, sheikhs and dignitaries. This
fifth class was entrusted with counsel, supervision of work and legislation in
peace and war, as referred to in the Holy Qur'an :
"Ye chiefs ! Advise me in (this) my affair : no
affairs have I decided except in your presence." (An-Naml : Verse 32). Verily
the Word of Almighty God is Infinite Truth.
Five of the Abyssinian invasions on Yemen could
not go beyond Tihama and the Southern Coasts. The sixth reached Sanaa.
Historically, they were as follows :
- First invasion : 8th century B.C.
- Second invasion : 3rd century B.C., in collusion
with the Ptolemies
- Third invasion : 3rd century A.D., in collusion
with the Romans
- Fourth invasion : 4th century A.D., in collusion
with the Romans
- Fifth invasion : 5th century A.D., in collusion
with the Romans
- Sixth invasion : 6th century A.D., in collusion
with the Romans
The Yemeni people were able to repel these
invasions. Invaders failed to subjugate Yemen militarily. During the sixth
invasion, the Yemeni Seif bin Zi Yazan asked the Persians for help. Persia
failed to rule Yemen, but they had a province in Sanaa in which, after the death
of Seif Bin Zi Yazan, they continued to clash with the Hamadanis up to the
advent of Islam.
The first recognized Yemeni reign to cover Yemen
in its general geographical setting and natural boundaries was the pre-Islamic
reign of the State of Himyar, which elected "Dhifar Yerim" as its capital. The
two States of Ma'in and Sheba might have laid the groundwork for a unified
Yemeni rule before Himyar.
Conversion of Yemenis to Islam
Yemenis converted voluntarily and massively to
Islam. The Holy Qur'an says : "When comes the Help of God and Victory, And thou
dost see the People enter God's Religion in crowds, celebrate the Praises of thy
Lord and pray for His forgiveness : For He is oft-returning (in Grace and
Mercy)" (Nasr). Commentators said that this Sura was revealed regarding the
conversion of Yemenis to Islam. Yemenis were at the vanguard of Islamic
conquests in the east and west as well as Andalusia. Amongst them were prominent
leaders, rulers, scholars, literary men and poets in different parts of the
Islamic world during the first three centuries in the history of Islam. With the
advent of Islam, the Yemenis united from the beginning of the Dawa. They
remained united during the era of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, the Ummayyad Reign,
and part of the Abbasside reign up to the reign of Abbasside Caliph Al Mamoun.
Since then, disturbances started in many parts of
Yemen in an attempt to gain self-rule. "Al-Ziad" Emirate was thus established in
Tihama, Yemen, and "Al-Yafer" Emirate was established in Najd, Yemen and
Hadramaut, both being linked with the centre of the Abbasside State in Baghdad,
only in name in order to give their government the legal form, especially "Al-Yafer"
Emirate which was considered the first independent Yemeni-managed Emirate.
During the rule of these two Emirates, came Imam
Al-Mahdi Yahia bin Al-Hussein bin Al-Qasim Al-Rassi from Al-Rass (a mountain in
Al-Hijaz) to Saada upon an invitation from Fateema Tribe, one of the tribes in
Bilad Saada. He established his rule in some of the northern parts of Yemen
where the Imams ruled some parts of Yemen for nearly one thousand years.
During the rule of the three States, the Fatimide
influence extended to Yemen, whose rule was represented there by Ali bin Al-Fadl
Al-Yemeni and the Mansour Al-Yemen, Hassan bin Zadan Al-Kufi. But Ali bin
Al-Fadl vanquished his colleague and all the states existing in Yemen during his
time. After his assassination, these States appeared once more at the time when
the rule of the Imams, which extended for more than one thousand years, was
declining in Bilad Saada or extending to include other regions in North Yemen
due to the circumstances surrounding it and the rivalry of other Yemeni States.
The Salihide State was converted to the Shiiah and affiliated itself with the
Fatimide State in Egypt. The State of Al-Najah who showed allegiance to Al-Ziad
affiliated itself with the Abbassides in Baghdad.
Ali bin Mohamed Al-Salihi, founder of the Salihide
State, was able to unify all Yemen during his rule only.
Then Yemen was again divided among the Salihides,
who came after him, their Shiite allies, Al-Hatim the Hamadanis in Najd Yemen
Sanaa and its surroundings, Al-Zarba'a in Aden and surroundings after their
conversion to Islam and Bani Ma'n, who used to be deputies of the Salihides. All
these were contemporaries of Al-Najah in Tihama, who were preceded by Al-Ziad
and succeeded by Al-Mahdi.
Then came the Ayubites, who conquered the Fatimide
State in Egypt and all the States and Emirates affiliated to it in Yemen and
elsewhere. The Ayubites in Yemen were succeeded by Banu Rasoul. During the rule
of the two successive Ayubite and Rasouli States, Yemen was united to some
extent, especially in the first days of the State of Bani Rasoul up to the
beginning of the rule of the militant king Ali bin Daoud bin Yusuf, cousin of
Ali bin Rasoul because of his being busy with the revolts against him staged by
his family and the army. From the era of the militant king, the rule of the
Imams started to expand and its influence grew in Yemen more than before. Imam
Al-Qasim bin Mohamed managed to unite Yemen after defeating the Turks and
confining them in certain regions in Yemen, thus extending his rule to many
parts of Yemen.
After them came Al-Taher, who succeeded to the
Rasoulis. They were in conflict with the Imams until Imam Sharafuddine came at
the era of the last king of Al-Taher (Amir bin Abdel Wahab), who extended his
State in Yemen and restricted the rule of the Imamas in the North. This induced
Imam Sharafuddine to seek the Memlukes' aid to defeat King Amir bin Abdel Wahab.
Then the Memlukes restricted the influence of Imam Sharafuddine in the North and
extended their influence in many parts of Yemen. But soon, the Turkish Sultan
Saleem vanquished King Qanswah Algouri, the Memluke King in Egypt and all the
regions which were under the Memluke rule, including Yemen where the Turks
extended their influence to many parts for the first time during the first half
of the 16th century, while the Imams retained some centres of influence in the
North.
The Turks' influence in Yemen declined in the 17th
century. Imam Al-Mutawakkil Ala Allah Ismail bin Al-Qasim managed, with the
support of the Yemenis, to drive Turks out of Yemen and unite it for some time.
Then the influence of the Imamah declined in the South after battles between the
two sides. The Turks returned to Yemen for the second and last time in the
second half of the 19th century and controlled many parts of it. The South
remained divided into small Sultanates, Emirates and Sheikhdoms till the British
came and occupied Aden on 19 January 1839. They were able to extend their
influence in all the southern regions of Yemen in several stages.
After a long struggle carried out by Yemenis,
Yemen's independence from the Ottoman Rule was achieved by Imam Yahia bin
Mohamed Hameeduddine, who established in the northern part of Yemen, after the
death of his father Imam Al-Mansour Mohamed, a state which he named "the Yemeni
Mutawakiliah Kingdom", while the southern part of Yemen remained under the
British colonial rule until independence in 1967.
Modern Intellectual life
Yemen stayed aloof from the immediate and
subsequent results which historians of thought and modern Arabic and Islamic
renaissance attributed to the renaissance era which started at the beginning of
the 19th century in Egypt and Al-Sham. In reality, the Yemeni Ijtihad school and
intellectual development blossomed in Yemen in addition to the reform and
renovation which affected the Yemeni scientific and literary renaissance and
reached its peak through two centuries of independence from the Ottoman rule.
The literary movement in Yemen did not cease, and the last who called for
Ijtihad and reform were the scholars Ibn Al-Ameer (1182H/1769A.D.), Sheikhul
Islam Mohamed Ali Al-Shoukani (1206H/1793A.D.) and other renowned scholars and
literary men who enriched the scientific, intellectual and literary thought.
Yemen libraries teem with the rich Yemeni heritage in the different fields of
thought, literature, poetry and history. Upon contemplating the diverse writings
of Yemenis, one is really surprised by their considerable volume.
Contemporay Yemen
During the rule of Imam Yahia on the northern part
of Yemen, many attempts to end the rule of Al-Hamiduddine family were staged but
they failed until the revolution of 26 September 1962. The revolution aimed at
ending backwardness and isolation, in addition to its six objectives
characterized by clear perspective and deep awareness, and determining with
precision and objectivity the features of the radical changes in Yemen's reality
in all aspects of life, socially, economically, developmentally, militarily and
politically. The northern part of Yemen became known as "The Arab Republic of
Yemen". The 26th of September Revolution also aimed at mustering up the national
forces to free the southern part of Yemen from British occupation. Through
purposeful struggle and great sacrifices, the independence of the southern part
was achieved on 30 November 1967 and the government of what is called "the
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen" was then established there. As the Yemen
people was one and the same in terms of territory, faith and people, national
forces worked to attain the goals of the 26th of September Revolution. Dialogue
started on Yemen unity as the inevitable fate of Yemenis. Dialogue continued
between the leaders of the two parts of Yemen for more than two decades until
the will of the people won and unity of land and man was achieved for the Yemeni
people. The unified State was called "The Republic of Yemen". This historic
event was celebrated on 22 May 1990 by the Arab and Islamic worlds. Yemen thus
became one, as in the past, and the time of partition was over. With this great
achievement and momentous event, Yemen became a democratic State with a new
Constitution which guarantees liberties, equality before the law and formation
of parties. A new experience started in Yemen, based on multi-party system and
free economy.
Foreign policy
Article 1 of the Constitution of Yemen stresses
that the Yemeni people belong to the Arab and Muslim nation and that Yemen is an
independent, sovereign and united country which constitutes part and parcel of
the Arab and Muslim Ummah. From this premise, Yemen is endeavouring to erect the
edifice of Arab cooperation and diligently supports Islamic action. Within the
international framework, Yemen seeks to adhere to the principles of positive
neutrality and non-alignment and consolidate solidarity with Third World
countries. It participates effectively in all international, Arab and Islamic
organizations, and is distinct for its credible Arab, Islamic and international
commitment within the limits of its national and human interests.
International activities
The Republic of Yemen is a member of the League of
Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations and
its specialized organs. Among these are ISESCO, ALECSO, UNESCO and other
organizations working in various fields. Being significantly active in the
implementation of many programmes of these organizations, Yemen is a
distinguished and effective member.
Currency
Yemeni Riyal is the currency of the Republic of
Yemen.
Banknotes : 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 riyals.
Education
After the 26th of September 1962 Revolution, the
political leadership attached paramount importantce to education, it being one
of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and one of the goals of the 26th
of September Revolution. Due to the increase in number of schools and
institutes, the development of educational renaissance within the framework of
the policies followed by the government and the available resources, and thanks
to the efforts exerted, Yemen witnessed a comprehensive educational renaissance
which provided, since the early sixties, opportunities for the enrollment of
more students, and opened greater numbers of literacy and adult education
centres.
The educational situation is as follows :
Male literacy rate : 13.4 %
Female literacy rate : 76.9 %
Average male and female literacy rate : 54.5 %
School enrollment of the 6-15 years age group
Male : 79.4 %
Female : 33.9 %
Average male and female enrollment : 75.4%
Enrollment at basic education level
Male (6-15 years) : 86 %
Female (6-15 years) : 54 %
Enrollment at secondary education level
Male (16-18 years) : 36 %
Female (16-18 years) : 9 %
Secondary education
According to the general education regulations,
secondary education is divided into : general (literary, scientific,
commercial), technical, agricultural and veterinary education. Secondary
education in Yemen is free of charge, guaranteed by the State.
State Universities
1- Sanaa University : Established in 1972, it
includes 8 scientific and literary colleges
2. Aden University
3. Taiz University
4. Hadhramaut University
Upon the invitation of the President of the
Republic, Lieutenant General Ali Abdullah Salih, to invest in the education
field, many investors and university teachers set to establish specialized
private universities. Their number reached six private universities at the
beginning of academic year 1995-1996, centered in Sanaa and Hadhramaut. Many
private schools were also established and started to spread all over the
country.
Important agricultural produce
Coffee has been one of the most important
agricultural produces in Yemen since the earliest times. It is one of the best
types of coffee in the world and is highly priced in the world markets. It is
grown in the vallies and ravines.
Coffee is grown in the mountains east of Yemen's
Tihama of Al-Maafir rocky mountains to the south, up to Frifa and Bani Malek
Mountains in Asir to the north. It is also grown in the southern mountains in
Yafi, Jahaf, Hasha, Sabra, Ebb and Oudein. The area in which coffee is grown
ranges between 60 and 80 kilometers. The excellent Yemeni coffee lent its name
to the best brands of coffee in the world (Moca). Yemen is also famous for its
vegetables and fruits, such as grapes, melons, water melons, bananas, papayas
and cereals such as maize, millet, pearl millet and wheat, and vegetables such
as tomatoes, potatoes, onions and many other kinds with special flavours. Long
and short-staple cotton and tobacco are grown in the coastal regions. Yemen also
produces honey which is famous for its various types, colours, benefits and
excellence.
Livestock
Livestock consists mainly of sheep, cattle, goats,
camels and thoroughbred horses.
Major industrial products
Crude oil, refined oil, textiles, light aluminium,
cement, fish canning and many other transformation industries are found in Yemen.
It is famous for its original handicrafts, craft industry, various leather
products, silver and gold works, incense and ceramics, and many other famous
craft industries.
Health
Health development went apace of other changes
taking place in the Republic of Yemen. State hospitals reached 81 with a
capacity of 9,169 beds. Health centres reached 97 with a capacity of 2,033 beds,
in addition to 278 centres without beds.
Number of Yemeni physicians is 2,445 up to 1994.
Number of non-Yemeni physicians is 345 up to 1994.
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