Yemen is one of the world's most ancient countries and played an important part in Middle Eastern trade, supplying the ancient world with such exotic items as frankincense, myrrh, spices, condiments and other luxury items. The southwestern coastal strait known as Bab El-Mandeb, which links the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea, was an important trade corridor for about 3,000 years.
Population
19.349 million (2003 est.)
Area
527,970 sq km
Ethnicity/ Race
Arab
Major Languages
Arabic (official), English
Religion
Islam
Capital City
Sanaá
Major Cities
Aden, Al-Hodeidah, Al-Moukalla, Taiz
Currency
Yemeni Rial (YR), One YR = 100 fils; 1 Yemeni dinar = 26 riyals. $1 = 167 YR (apptox.)