Culture and Geography
Reviewed by: Editorial Staff
Yemen has a very old historical background dating as early as the ninth century BC. It was then under kingdoms such as Sabaean, Awsanian, Himyarite and so forth. Later, it was under the Ottoman Empire for almost five centuries, starting in the sixteenth century. It got its freedom from the Ottomans in 1918, and finally became a republic on 22 May 1990.
The residents are very strong followers of Islam, and thus, consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in public places. Yemenis are very hospitable to the visitors. Using henna for making floral and lacy patterns on hands and feet of women is an important part of the Yemeni culture and the Yemenis are quite adept in it. Traditional forms of dance and music are a popular source of entertainment for the citizens as well as the visitors.Yemen is located in the Middle-East, and it borders the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. It has an extremely diverse and a picturesque terrain that includes mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, coastal plains, highlands and much more. Its lowest point lies in the Arabian Sea while Jabal al Nabi Shu’ayb is its highest point of elevation.