Country Profile: Yemen
Yemen, located in the Middle East at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea. The country has a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, and arid deserts. Yemen's population is predominantly Arab, and it faces significant socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment and poverty levels exacerbated by ongoing conflict. Governed by a transitional government following years of civil strife, Yemen's economy relies heavily on oil and gas, but the reserves are declining, leading to economic instability.
Geography
Yemen is strategically located at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and it features a range of terrains from coastal plains to rugged mountains. The climate varies widely, with desert conditions prevailing in the east and a temperate climate in the western mountains.
- Total Area: 527,968 sq km
- Coastline: 1,906 km
- Highest Point: 3,666 m at Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb
- Land Boundaries: 1,601 km shared with Oman and Saudi Arabia
- Natural Resources: Petroleum, rock salt, marble, and fertile land in the west
People and Society
Yemen has an estimated population of over 34 million, with a youthful demographic; a significant proportion of the population is under the age of 15. The society is predominantly Muslim, with a mix of Sunni and Shia, and Arabic is the official language. Continuous social and economic challenges impact the population, which is facing rising poverty and food insecurity.
- Population (2025 est.): 34,505,496
- Urban Population (2023): 39.8%
- Median Age (2025 est.): 20.5 years
- Birth Rate (2025 est.): 29.07 births/1,000 population
- Life Expectancy (2024 est.): 68.2 years
Economy
Yemen's economy is classified as low-income and heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, with economic contractions due to prolonged civil conflict. The GDP per capita is among the lowest globally, and the country faces rampant inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity.
- GDP (2024 est.): $8.278 billion
- Real GDP per capita (2024 est.): $200
- Unemployment Rate (2024 est.): 17.1%
- Labor Force (2024 est.): 7.848 million
- Agriculture's Contribution to GDP (2018 est.): 28.7%
Government
Yemen operates as a transitional republic, with the capital in Sanaa. The ongoing instability has significantly affected governance structures, and the country has seen numerous changes in leadership and government composition since the civil war began.
- Government Type: Transitional
- Capital: Sanaa
- Current Leadership: Chairperson Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-ALIMI since April 2022
- Constitution Adopted: 16 May 1991
- Administrative Divisions: 22 governorates
Military and Security
Yemen has a complex military landscape, with various factions including the Yemeni Armed Forces and Houthi forces. The country faces ongoing security issues, including terrorism and internal conflicts, largely stemming from the civil war.
- Military Forces: Includes National Army, Air Force, Navy, and various militia groups
- Child Soldier Recruitment: Significant issue with commitments made to end practices by various factions
- Current Truce: Signed in 2022 to reduce hostilities
Energy
Yemen's energy sector is dominated by oil and gas, although the country's infrastructure has suffered from ongoing conflict. Access to electricity is relatively low, especially in rural areas.
- Electricity Access (2022 est.): 76%
- Installed Generating Capacity (2023 est.): 1.79 million kW
- Petroleum Production (2023 est.): 15,000 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Proven Reserves (2021 est.): 478.555 billion cubic meters
Environment
Yemen faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity and desertification. The country has limited natural freshwater resources, which exacerbates the food and water insecurity prevalent throughout the nation.
- Environmental Issues: Overgrazing, soil erosion, desertification
- Urbanization (2023): 39.8% of the population lives in urban areas
- Climate: Predominantly desert with varying conditions across regions
Transportation
Yemen's transportation infrastructure has been impacted by years of civil conflict, yet it still features a network of airports and ports that are vital for trade and logistics.
- Airports: 37 (2025)
- Merchant Marine: 30 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 10 (2024) including key locations like Aden and Al Mukalla
Communications
Yemen's communication systems are underdeveloped, with a small percentage of the population having access to the internet and limited fixed-line infrastructure.
- Mobile Subscriptions: 20 million (2023)
- Internet Users (2020): 14% of the population
- Fixed-line Subscriptions: 728,000 (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,505,496 (2025 est.) | Total estimated population |
| Area | 527,968 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $8.278 billion (2024 est.) | GDP at official exchange rate |
| Unemployment Rate | 17.1% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force seeking employment |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 2.987 million Btu/person (2023 est.) | Total energy consumption per capita |
| Birth Rate | 29.07 births/1,000 (2025 est.) | Number of births per 1,000 population |
| Life Expectancy | 68.2 years (2024 est.) | Average life expectancy |
| Electricity Access | 76% (2022 est.) | Percentage of population with access to electricity |
| Urban Population | 39.8% (2023) | Percentage of the population living in urban areas |
| Total Fertility Rate | 3.65 children/woman (2025 est.) | Average number of children per woman |
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