Country Profile: Yemen

Yemen is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, sharing its borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. With a population of approximately 32 million, it faces significant challenges, including ongoing civil conflict and a struggling economy largely dependent on dwindling oil reserves. The country has a rich cultural heritage, yet it grapples with issues like poverty, food insecurity, and a transition to stable governance following years of turmoil.

Geography

Yemen's geography features a strategic position on the Bab el Mandeb strait, linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The country covers an area of 527,968 square kilometers and has a diverse landscape, including coastal plains, rugged mountains, and deserts. Its climate varies from hot and humid along the coast to extraordinarily dry in the eastern desert regions.

1,906 km of coastline.
1,601 km of land boundaries with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
44.4% of land used for agriculture (2023).
6,800 sq km of irrigated land (2012).
Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb, the highest point at 3,666 m.

People and Society

Yemen has a population of approximately 32.1 million, with a youthful demographic where over 34% are under 15 years old. The predominant ethnic group is Arab, and Arabic is the official language. The majority of Yemenis are Muslim, with 99.1% identifying as such, comprising both Sunni and Shia sects.

32,140,443 estimated total population (2024).
14% of the population were internet users (2020).
68.2 years is the life expectancy at birth (2024).
39.8% of the population live in urban areas (2023).
1.02 males per female in the total population (2024).

Economy

Yemen's economy is classified as low-income and heavily impacted by civil war, with oil and gas resources being a primary revenue source, although reserves are decreasing. The economy suffers from high inflation, massive poverty, and food insecurity, with agricultural production being a significant sector alongside the oil industry.

$18.719 billion GDP (PPP) estimated for 2024.
17.1% unemployment rate (2024).
28.7% of GDP from agriculture (2018).
32.4% youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) in 2024.
20.05% of GDP from remittances (2023).

Government

Yemen is currently in a state of governance transition, following years of conflict and political instability. The capital is Sanaa, and the country operates under a mixed legal system combining Islamic law, Napoleonic law, and English common law. The government structure includes a Presidential Leadership Council established in 2022 for shared governance.

Sanaa is the capital city.
22 governorates are administratively managed.
18 years is the minimum voting age.
0% female representation in the House of Representatives.
Transitioning from former President Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI to a leadership council.

Military and Security

Yemen's military consists of several branches, including the Yemeni National Army and various security forces. The ongoing conflict has led to numerous defections and the presence of various armed groups, complicating national security. The focus remains on opposing Houthi forces and combating terrorism.

18 years is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service.
Forces include the Yemeni National Army and various militias.
Houthi forces are heavily armed with acquired military equipment.
70% of Yemen’s military forces defected during the conflict.
2022 truce halting most fighting, although tensions remain.

Energy

Yemen's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing substantially to its electricity generation. However, the country faces significant challenges, including access to electricity, with only 76% of the population connected. Renewable energy sources are gradually being utilized.

76% electrification rate overall (2022).
1.79 million kW installed electricity capacity (2023).
83% of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).
15,000 bbl/day petroleum production (2023).
10.286 million cubic meters of natural gas production (2023).

Environment

Yemen faces critical environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and desertification. Urbanization rates are increasing, yet issues such as soil erosion and inadequate drinking water supplies continue to plague the country.

39.8% urban population as of 2023.
2.1 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
4.837 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
8% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2016).
265 million cubic meters municipal water withdrawal (2022).

Transportation

Yemen has a developing transportation infrastructure with a variety of ports and airports to support trade and connectivity. The country has made efforts to enhance its civil aviation sector and maritime capabilities.

37 airports by 2025.
30 ships in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
10 major ports, including Aden and Al Mukalla (2024).
Significant reliance on merchant shipping due to limited road networks.

Communications

Yemen's communication infrastructure has been impacted by civil conflict, with a modest number of internet users and limited fixed line subscriptions. The country does have state-run broadcast media and expanding mobile cellular access.

20 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
14% internet penetration rate (2020).
728,000 fixed line subscriptions (2022).
486,000 broadband fixed subscriptions (2022).
Multiple state-run media outlets for broadcasting.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,140,443	Estimated for 2024
Area	527,968 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$18.719 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	17.1%	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption Per Capita	2.987 million Btu	Estimated for 2023
Birth Rate	23.4 births/1,000 people	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	68.2 years	Estimated for 2024
Adult Literacy Rate	54.1%	Estimated for 2023
Urban Population	39.8%	Of total population (2023)
Electrification Rate	76%	Total population (2022)