Nestled at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is a land of ancient history, rugged landscapes, and rich culture. From its bustling markets and lively cities to its stunning natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Yemen offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. However, the country has also faced significant challenges in recent years, including conflict and humanitarian crises. Despite these difficulties, Yemen remains a land of resilience and hope, with a deep-rooted sense of hospitality and community. Join us on a journey to discover the beauty, complexity, and resilience of this country.
1-5 Fun Facts About Yemen
1. Three guys from Yemen sued NASA for trespassing on Mars. They claimed their ancestors owned the planet 3,000 years ago. Watch out, Elon Musk. They are coming for you next 🙂
2. In 1980, a meteorite that fell on a Russian military base in Yemen was found to have originated from Phobos, one of Mars’s moons. This rare meteorite contains a mineral called Florenskiite that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
3. Off the coast of Yemen, there’s a 1400 sq mile island that’s like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. It’s so alien that they call it “the most alien place on earth.” And get this – 37% of the plant species on the island are unique to that area. So if you’re looking for an otherworldly vacation, this might be your spot.
4. Yemen was one of only seven countries to vote against the setting up of the International Criminal Court, along with China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar, and the United States of America.
5. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen have not had a leader who has completed secondary school to date.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Yemen
6. Sheba, an ancient kingdom mentioned in the Quran and Hebrew Bible, is believed to have been in modern-day Yemen.
7. Shibam, a city located in the district of Shibam, is home to the world’s oldest skyscraper city. Known as the “Manhattan of the Desert,” and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
8. Arabic is the official language of Yemen.
9. And the Yemeni Rial is the currency used in the country. 1 US dollar worth 250.30 Yemeni Rial.
10. Socotra, an isolated island located 355 kilometers (220 miles) from mainland Yemen, is home to unique plants and animals that are adapted to the hot, harsh, windswept island. The island is recognized as a world natural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since July 2008. The dragon blood tree, also known as the Dracaena cinnabar grows on this island.
11-15 Shocking Facts About Yemen
11. Khat is so popular that around 40% of the country’s water supply is used to irrigate it. And families spend a good chunk of their income (about 17%) on it too.
12. According to a World Bank estimate in 2000, khat, a drug popular in Yemen, accounted for 30% of the country’s economy.
13. Yemen was once known as the “Happy Land” in the past.
14. But it is now considered the poorest country in the Middle East.
15. Yemen is facing one of the largest-humanitarian crises in the world, with 60% of the population experiencing food insecurity and 76% requiring humanitarian aid.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 15 Interesting Yemen Facts For Kids.
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