10 Interesting Facts about Yemen

If you love to travel around the world, then reading one of these following facts about Yemen will probably help you know more about this country. Yemen is an Arab country located in Western Asia, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea to the south and Oman to the east. To get to know more about this country, here are the other facts about Yemen you may consider interesting.

Facts about Yemen 1: Jambiya

It is customary for Yemeni males to bring a jambiya (a short, curved dagger) in public. Not only does the handle of the jambiya show the social status of a person, but the dagger, by tradition, also helps keep people from picking fights with one another.

Facts about Yemen 2: Biblical Tales and Legends

Yemen is part of Biblical tales and legends. Noah knew it as “the land of milk and honey.” The Three Wise Men presented the infant Jesus with myrrh and frankincense from its mountains, and some claim it is the Queen of Sheba’s home.

Facts about Yemen 3: North and South Yemen

Yemen was once divided into North and South Yemen. South Yemen was a communist state, while its neighbor, North Yemen was republic. The country was unified in 1990.

Facts about Yemen 4: Wedding Traditions

For some countries, there’s also some traditions to hold a wedding ceremony traditions. Yemenis take much pride in their wedding traditions. An average wedding feast lasts 21 days.

Facts about Yemen 5: Republic in the Arab Peninsula

Yemen prides itself as the only republic in the Arab peninsula. The rest are kingdoms and emirates ruled by one family and one ruler.

Facts about Yemen 6: Qat Leaves

Chewing qat leaves is a social pastime. Locals would even give you a branch or two if you want to join them. The leaves act as a mild stimulant, similar to the effects of nicotine in cigarettes.

Facts about Yemen 7: Frankicense and Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are two luxury items that Yemen was known for. Nowadays, it is crude oil and coffee.

Facts about Yemen 8: Shared Taxi

Shared taxis are the preferred mode of transportation in Yemen. The Yemenis call it bijou, after the Peugeot cars used for cabs.

Facts about Yemen 9: Ultraconservative Muslim Country

Yemen is an ultraconservative Muslim country. Homosexual behavior is punishable by death, and it is forbidden to take pictures of women.

Facts about Yemen 10: Pens and Sweets

Tourists are expected to give pens (referred to as qalam or galam) for the local school. Sweets are also acceptable.

Those following facts about Yemen might make you want to visit the country. With all history, culture and things, this country is really beautiful and interesting to visit. Hope you found these Yemen facts really interesting and joyful to read.