[[Asia]] | [[https://www.google.co.za/maps/place/Yemen/@14.4303733,27.2021671,3359961m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x1603dbac7c34bc5f:0x92f129377eae77ae!8m2!3d15.552727!4d48.516388!16zL20vMDF6ODh0?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D]] ### Culture - **Architecture:** Yemen is famous for its unique "mud-brick skyscrapers." This ancient style of multi-story urban planning is most iconic in cities like **Shibam**, where buildings reach up to seven stories high despite being made of earth. +1 - **Qat Culture:** The chewing of **Qat**, a mildly narcotic leaf, is a central social ritual for Yemeni men and women. It takes place in the afternoons and is the primary setting for discussing politics, business, and local news. - **Coffee Heritage:** Yemen is the original home of the **Mocha** coffee bean. While Qat has displaced many coffee farms, Yemeni coffee remains world-renowned for its distinct chocolatey and earthy profile. - **Ramadan 2026:** Yemen is currently observing the holy month of **Ramadan** (which began February 18/19). In a time of war and food insecurity, the communal breaking of the fast (Iftar) remains a vital act of survival and solidarity. ### Language - **Official Language:** **Arabic**. - **Regional Varieties:** Yemeni Arabic has several distinct dialects. In the south and east (Hadhramaut), the dialect is closely related to the Arabic spoken in East Africa due to centuries of maritime trade. ### Important Landmarks - **Old City of Sana'a:** A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rammed-earth and burnt-brick houses decorated with white gypsum patterns. - **Socotra Archipelago:** A "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean," this island is home to the alien-looking **Dragon’s Blood Tree** and hundreds of plant species found nowhere else on Earth. - **Shibam Hadramawt:** Often called the "Chicago of the Desert," it features 16th-century mud-brick high-rises. - **Dar al-Hajar (The Rock Palace):** An iconic five-story palace built atop a natural rock needle just outside Sana'a. - **Seera Castle:** A historic fortress in Aden that overlooks the harbor and has been a site of significant military activity in recent months. ### Major Historical Events 1. **Unification (1990):** North and South Yemen merged to form a single republic, though tensions between the two regions have persisted for decades. 2. **The Civil War (2014–Present):** Sparked when Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sana'a. The conflict escalated into a regional proxy war involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 3. **The Southern Campaign (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026):** A massive military shift occurred just weeks ago. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), which sought an independent South Yemen, launched an offensive in December 2025. However, a Saudi-backed counteroffensive in January 2026 led to the **collapse of the STC's territorial control**, including the return of the capital city **Aden** to the central government. +1 4. **New Government (February 6, 2026):** In a move to stabilize the south, a new 35-member government led by **Shaya al-Zindani** was formed. The Cabinet held its first official meeting in Aden just two days ago, on February 19. +1 5. **U.S. Policy Shift (February 13, 2026):** The U.S. government officially terminated **Temporary Protected Status (TPS)** for Yemenis in America, declaring that conditions no longer meet the legal requirement for protection—a move that has sparked significant international debate. ### Major Exports The economy is currently struggling with 18.5% inflation and stagnant GDP growth. - **Crude Petroleum:** Historically the largest export, though production is severely hampered by the ongoing conflict and damage to infrastructure. - **Gold:** A significant export to regional hubs like the UAE. - **Fish:** Despite the war, Yemen’s long coastline allows for the export of seafood, primarily to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. - **Industrial Chemical Liquids:** A smaller but consistent part of the industrial export sector. ### Important People - **Rashad al-Alimi:** Chairman of the **Presidential Leadership Council (PLC)**. He is the internationally recognized head of state and recently announced a state of emergency to regain control of southern provinces. - **Shaya al-Zindani:** The newly appointed **Prime Minister** (as of February 2026). He is currently in Aden attempting to restore government services and launch a reconstruction program. - **Abdul-Malik al-Houthi:** The leader of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah), who controls the most populous regions of the north, including Sana'a. - **Hans Grundberg:** The UN Special Envoy for Yemen. He is currently briefing the Security Council this month on the "dire humanitarian situation," with 23 million Yemenis now in need of aid