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Administrative division Constitution Entry regulations Geographical
division Holidays Ramadan
Alcohol Currency Entry ports and places Handicapped and children
Location Religion
Climate Distances Flight connection Health regulations Official working
hours Traditional handicrafts
Clothing Electricity Food History Photography Transportation
Location
The Yemen Republic is located in the south-west corner of the Arabian
Peninsula (Southwest Asia). It is situated between the 12th and the 20th
northern latitude and between the 41st and 45th eastern longitude. The
Yemen is bordered by Saudi Arabia in the North, by the Arabian Sea and
from the Gulf of Aden in the South, by the Sultanate of Oman in the East
and by the Red Sea in the West.
Short historical overview
The ancient history of Yemen can be divided into two main periods. The
first era begins in the first millennium BC and ends with the decline of
the eastern cultural centers towards the end of the pre - Christian era
. This was time during the rise of the frankincense and myrrh trade
which the Southern Arabian kingdoms - Sheba, Maeen, Qataban, Ausan and
Hadhramaut - had monopolized. The frankincense route, one of the most
ancient trade routes, led from South Arabia to Ghaza in Palestine with
about a distance of distance of 3,400 km. This monopoly ended in the
first century when the land route was losing it’s importance and was
finally replaced by a direct sea route between Egypt & India.
The second era begins with the founding of the Himyarite Kingdom and the
rise of centers of civilization in the high plateau with it’s basins and
unconquerable mountains. It ends with the decay of these cultures i.e.
it lasts from the first to the sixth century A.D.. This was time when
the Islamic period started.
The Prophet was still alive when Islam came to Yemen. With the
conversion of Badhan, the Persian Governor of Yemen from 628 until 630
A.D., to Islam, many of the sheikhs and their tribes converted to Islam.
It was during this period that Al-Janad Mosque and the Great Mosque in
Sana’a was built . Active missionary work in Yemen only became possible
after the conquest of Mecca in 630 A.D.
Between the eighth and the fourteenth century Yemen was ruled by a
series of different dynasties in Sana'a, Zabeed, Saada, Djibla, Rada'
and Taiz.
In the mid fifteenth century the Mamelukes of Egypt lost power to the
Ottomans (Turks). During this period the town of Al-Makha (Moka or Mocca)
on the Red sea coast, became the most important coffee port in the
world.
The North/South division of Yemen took shape in the nineteenth century
when the British occupied Aden and established control over its
hinterland, restricting Ottoman influence to the North.
For much of the twentieth century, North and South developed in very
different ways; the North under the rule of hereditary Imams; the South
under British colonial rule or protection.
1962 - revolution in the North overthrew the Imamate and led, after a
civil war during the 1960s, to the consolidation of a republican system.
1967 - the withdrawal of the British from Aden eventually resulted in
the establishment of a communist state in the South. The northern and
southern parts of the country were in conflict for much of the 1970s and
1980s.
1990 - on 22 May the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) and the People's
Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY) were unified and became the Republic
of Yemen (ROY).
1993 - democratic elections (the first in the Arabian Peninsula) led to
a three-party coalition between the General People's Congress (GPC), the
Yemeni Socialist Party (YSP) and Islah (a mainly northern Islamic tribal
grouping). Disputes within the coalition resulted in an escalating
political crisis.
1994 - in spite of a conciliation agreement signed in March, a series of
military confrontations broke out, leading to a full-scale war between
northern and southern forces in May, caused by the separatist movement
of the Yemeni Socialist Party.
Unity was restored in July 1994, and in October President Saleh was
re-elected as President by the parliament in Sana'a and announced the
formation of a new coalition government comprising the GPC and Islah,
with the YSP and other smaller parties in opposition.
1997 - in the first election since the 1994 civil war, the ruling GPC
won 187 seats in the House of Representatives (301 member) in the
elections held on 27 April.
1998 - in October, Eritrea and Yemen accepted the ruling of an
international court in the Hague over the disputed Hanish islands in the
Red Sea.
2000 - Yemen and Saudi Arabia signed a treaty in June, resolving 65
years of dispute over land and sea boundaries.
2001 - first local election was held in February. Yemenis also approved
the extension of the President's and parliament's terms of office in a
referendum.
Constitution
The constitution was ratified on 16 May 1991.
Legislative powers are vested in the 301-seat House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives elects the president. The president governs
with the help of his prime minister and council of ministers. Voting
eligibility: 18 years.
Religion
Islam is the state religion and almost all Yemeni are Moslems except for
a small minority of Jews.
Entry regulations
Entrance visas for Yemen are available very easily from all Yemeni
embassies or consulates in your home country on payment of certain fees.
Where Yemeni diplomatic missions do not exist, visitors may get a
transit visa valid for 96 days - possibility to renew - at the entrance
port. Every official visitor to Yemen receives immediately after arrival
a permit to stay one month. Within this period you do not need to
register with the police or to get a departure permit. However, there
are departure taxes which all persons leaving - Yemeni or foreigners -
must pay at the port of departure.
You need a passport which is valid for six months after your application
and two photos. Maximum stay is one month. Price depends on the kind of
visa and your nationality:
60 US$ for a tourist visa single entry
Your visit to the country has to be done within three months of your
application.
Entry ports and places
It is possible to enter the Yemen through all international airports of
Sana’a, Aden, Al-Hodeidah, Al-Rayan and Taiz. Furthermore someone may
enter through the seaports of Al-Hodeidah, Al-Makha on the Red Sea, Aden
on the Gulf of Aden and Al-Mukalla and Nashtun on the Arabian Sea. Also
it is possible to enter through the three places of entrance: Haradh and
Al-Buq‘ in the North (border to Saudi Arabia) and Habrut in the East
(border to Oman).
Currency
The currency in the Yemen is the Rial. One Rial is 100 Fils. The Rial is
available in bank notes and coins. There are 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50,
20, 10, 5, and 1 Rial bank notes in circulation. There are also 10, 5,
and 1 Rial coins. Every visitor may change the money at the bank or at
official money exchangers.
Credit cards (only American Express and Visa Card) and traveler cheques
(also in banks) are only accepted in the big hotels. Therefore, visitors
need cash money.
The US$ and the Euro have the best exchange rates and the money
exchangers prefer new and notes. Small American Dollar notes are needed
for buying souvenirs and giving tips for services.
Health regulations
It is a requirement for visitors to Yemen - who are coming from certain
countries (registered by international health organizations) - that they
have an accepted vaccination certificate for epidemic diseases. Children
under the age of one year are excluded.
Advisable precautions:
Vaccinations against Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio are recommended, also
anti-malaria prevention - (Malaria has been endemic in Tihama - coastal
region).
Bilharzias is widespread and gastric upsets common.
Visitors should be careful about the strong sun and the extreme changes
of the altitude during traveling through the country. Therefore the
traveler should have protective sun lotion, chap stick and mineral
tablets in his bag.
It is recommended to drink only purified water. Mineral water is
everywhere - even in the remote areas available.
Handicapped and children
Due to the long distances and the warm climate handicapped and children
should only come in the winter season. Furthermore it is recommended
that travelers accompanied by handicapped or children should take the
assistance and help by local tour operators.
Following hotels have elevators, special ramps and rooms at the ground
floor:
Sana'a - Hotel Taj Sheba (5 Stars), Hotel Sheraton (4), Hotel Shahran
(4),
Hotel Hilltown (2), Hotel Hadda (3)
Aden - Hotel Gold Mohur (5), Hotel Aden (4), Elephant Beach Resort (4)
Taiz - Hotel Shamsan (3); Marib - Hotel Bilqis (4); Hajjah - Hotel
Ghamdan (2)
Sayun - Hotel Qasr Al-Hawtah (4); Hotel BMC (3), Hotel Samah (3), Hotel
Al-Salam (2)
Al-Mukalla - Hotel Holiday Inn (5), Hotel Hadhramaut (4)
Hostels - in Shibam (North/South), Al-Mahweet, Manakha, Al-Hajjarah
Only the big hotels (4 and 5 Stars) give special discounts for children:
- children under 2 years are free on food and accommodation.
- children under 6 years are free on accommodation only and have 50%
discount on food.
- children under 12 years have 50% discount on accommodation only.
Transportation
All main cities are connected by roads, therefore collect taxis and
busses are going daily to these cities. Furthermore the local airline
company Yemenia serves following destinations in the country: Sana'a,
Aden, Taiz, Al-Hodaidah, Al-Mukalla, Sayun,
Al-Ghaidhah, Ataq and Soqotra Island.
In the cities travelers may find collect taxis to almost any place in
Yemen, the charge is YR15 (March 2002). All taxis have yellow plates.
Who wants to rent a private taxi should inform the driver about time
(empty leg or waiting time). It is also for the locals usual to bargain
the price in advance. The taxis of the big hotels have fixed rates based
on time and distance.
Furthermore tour companies are offering cars with experienced drivers,
this service is much recommended for travelers who want to go to remote
tourist destinations and areas.
Hertz and Europcar have also branches in Sana'a and Aden.
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Distances in km
Dhamar Ibb Djiblah Taiz Aden Habban Al-Mukalla Al-Ghaydah Maysoona
(Oman)
Sana'a 100 196 202 256 452 787 1072 1386 1750
Dhamar Yarim Damt Aden Habban Bir Ali Al-Mukalla
Sana'a 100 133 147 346 681 846 966
Dhamar Rada' Al-Baidha Habban Bir Ali Al-Mukalla
Sana'a 100 142 268 505 670 790
Amran Hajjah Al-Hodaidah Huth Shaharah Saada
Sana'a 50 127 301 126 193 242
Thula Shibam Kaukaban Al-Tawilah Al-Mahweet Manakha Al-Hodaidah
Sana'a 55 50 57 107 137 209 250
Manakha Al-Hodaidah Bait Al-Faqih Zabeed Al-Khokha Al-Makha Taiz
Sana'a 123 226 280 312 361 421 490
Marib Shibam Sayun Tarim Al-Hajjarain Khoraibah Al-Mukalla |
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Sana'a 180 620 640 685 577 624 790
Traditional handicraft
There are a lot of traditional handicraft industries in Yemen with many
different branches and professions - existing for generations. You may
notice their beauty and their charm especially when you see the quality
of the art work in such as fields of architecture, the jewelry
production, traditional weapon production, weaving production, stone and
clay pottery, leather production and the production of articles made
from palm leaves. All the products of these industries are available in
the traditional markets of the towns, villages and in all the different
provincial weekly markets.
Most important markets:
Saturday - Amran, Al-Mu'arras
Sunday - Al-Raudha, Wadi Dhabab, Manakha, Saada
Thursday - Khamees Bani Saad
Friday - Bait Al-Faqih, Souq Al-Talh (Saada)
Climate
The climate in Yemen is various and depends on the different altitudes
of the regions.
There are no distinctive limits between the seasons. Generally there are
two main seasons (summer and winter). During summer the climate is hot
with high humidity dominating in the coastal area.
In winter the climate in the coastal area is relatively moderate.
Occasional rains in the summer are caused by the monsoon coming from the
Indian Ocean. These rains decrease the high temperatures in the coastal
area during the summer.
The weather in the mountain area is moderate in summer and relatively
cold in winter. During winter it becomes especially cold in the night
and in the early morning, with pleasant sunny days.
Clothing
Because of the mild and warm climate it is recommended to bring light,
loose cotton clothes with you. Women and men should cover their upper
arms and legs. Furthermore everybody needs solid footwear and head cover
because Yemen is a mountainous country.
In the winter months, during night and in the early morning the
temperatures in the mountain areas are relatively cold. Therefore, a
pullover or a jacket should be included in your baggage.
Food
Yemeni food is strong influenced by the Turkish, Indian and Arab
cuisine. Here are the main traditional dishes:
Starters
Zahaweg Sana'ani - a spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, hot green
pepper and spices
Zahaweg Jobn - a spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, hot chilly,
spices and Yemeni goat cheese
Shafoot- crepe bread made from millet with yoghurt, mint, hot green
pepper and herbs
Helba - a fondue made from meat bouillon with eggs, rice or vegetables
and fenugreek mixed with herbs
Bent Assahn - pizza pastry covered with honey and black sesame
Buraik - puff pastry stuffed with minced meat
Muddabaq - doubled pancake, inside roasted eggs with tomatoes, herbs and
spices
Sabaya - bread covered with honey
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Soups
Shorbat Addas - lentil soup
Shorbat Khudhar - vegetable soup
Shorbat Borr - barley soup
Marag - bouillon made from mutton or goat meat
Main dishes
Hanid - lamb or goat meat covered with spices and banana leaves and then
grilled in clay oven under the earth
Kabsa - colored spicy rice mixed with lamb meat
Agdah - lamb meat cooked with vegetables, tomato sauce and spices
Mohkbazat Sayd - fish covered with a spicy tomato sauce grilled in a
clay oven
Fattah - bread mixed with bouillon, eggs and spices or mixed with dates
and bananas
Vegetable dishes
Foul - Soya beans cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot green pepper
and spices
Fasuuliah - white or red beans cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, hot
green pepper and spices
Mushakkal - mixed vegetables cooked or roasted with tomatoes and spices
Addas - lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices
Breads
Kiddam - a bigger roll made from different types of whole meal flour
Meluudj - pastry bread made from wheat and millet flour
Shaeer - pastry bread made from barley flour
Ruumi - small pastry bread made from maize flour
Kafua' Bilsen - roll made from lentils flour
Rooti - bread in a box shape made from wheat flour |
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Official working hours
The government offices are open daily from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. except
Thursday and Friday (weekend). Private institutions and offices are open
from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. except Friday. Almost
all private shops and stores are open during the day until late in the
evening.
Administrative division
Yemen consists of 19 provinces and its capital is Sana’a. Each province
is organized in several districts and each has several centers. The
provinces are Sana’a, Aden, Taiz,
Al-Hodeidah, Hadhramaut, Saada, Amran, Al-Djof, Marib, Al-Mahra, Shabwah,
Abyan,
Al-Dhale', Al-Baidha, Dhamar, Ibb, Lahdj, Al-Mahweet and Hajjah.
Geographical division
The Yemen could be divided according to its natural geography in five
regions: highland, high plains, coastal plains, the desert al-Rub' al-Khali
(The Empty Quarter) and Yemeni islands.
Photography
Yemen is an interesting, beautiful and extremely photogenic country.
Therefore it is recommended that you bring enough films - especially
slight films - with. It is only possible to buy films (slide films only
in Sana’a) in the big cities.
Electricity
The voltage in Yemen is 220v. Five star Hotels provide both options i.e.
110v or 220v. Travelers using electric or electronic equipment need also
adapters for the sockets, because there are different kinds of sockets.
Alcohol
Yemen is a traditional Islamic country, therefore alcohol is prohibited.
Visitors should respect this ethic value.
Every guest may bring with him one liter of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks
are only served in the big hotels, (Sana’a - Sheraton Hotel, Aden - Aden
Hotel, Gold Mohur Hotel, Taiz - Marib Hotel, Hodeidah - Ausan Hotel,
Ambassador Hotel and Bristol Hotel). It is recommended and requested not
to drink alcohol during the day tours.
Flight connection
Following airlines are coming to Yemen:
- Yemenia from Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, Milan
- Lufthansa from Frankfurt
- Royal Jordanian from Amman
- Egypt Air from Cairo
- Emirates from Dubai
- Gulf Air from Bahrain & Abu Dhabi
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month for the Muslim community. Everyone will fast
according to his health condition. Fasting means to neglect food, drinks
and all other pleasures between dawn and sunset in order to commit
oneself to God.
All daily activities like markets in the cities and in the countryside
will continue as usual. Therefore sightseeing is unrestricted. Even the
visitor will get the impression of the Arabian Nights because the
nightlife in the urban places will go on until sunrise. The official
institutions change its working hours: 11 am – 3 pm. It is recommended
for visitors not to drink, to eat and to smoke in the public.
But the hotels and the local rest and guest houses will provide all
services unlimited for the traveler's need.
Ramadan dates for the next years:
27.10. - 25.11.2003
16.10. - 14.11.2004
05.10. - 03.11.2005
24.09. - 21.10.2006
Holidays
Fixed dates:
1 Jan (New Year's Day), 1 May (Labour Day), 22 May (National Unity Day),
26 Sep (National Day), 14 Oct (Revolution Day), 30 Nov (Independence
Day)
Variable dates:
Al-Isra Eve, Eid Al-Fitr (3 days after Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (5 days
after Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) , Hijra New Year's Day, Prophet's
Birthday, Ascension of the Prophet
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