About Yemen
Yemen is an Arab state that was formed in the 2nd century BC. BC, with a rich history, ancient cities, palaces, with the beauty of minarets in the first rays of the sun, with incense and spices… In Yemen, you can get acquainted with cultural, historical and natural monuments, which are much more than in any other country Middle East. Many centuries ago, the “incense path” ran through Yemen. Later, the country turned into a huge coffee plantation: Yemeni mocha is the first coffee, the magical taste of which was experienced by the whole world. In the state, in addition, trade in jewelry, silver, leather goods, silks, carpets, and fabrics flourishes. Yemen is an agricultural country. Many lead a nomadic lifestyle. The “eighth wonder of the world” is found in it – the ruins of the temple of the Queen of Sheba, the first “skyscrapers” built of clay appeared, they collect wonderful honey, frankincense and myrrh. For tourists, Yemen began to open up quite recently. Everything attracts here: the unique architecture of each medieval city, the way of life that has not changed for hundreds of years, people who are friendly and original. Yemen is a country with its unexplored mysteries, the remains of ancient cities that were once the main trading centers. To understand the culture of the East, it is advisable to at least try to touch it!
Geography of Yemen
According to listofusnewspapers, Yemen, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman, washed by the Arabian and Red Seas, is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It is separated from Africa only by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a heavily loaded waterway. The state includes the islands of the Arabian Sea (the most impressive in the country – Socotra) and the Red Sea (Khanish, Kamaran, Perim and others). Yemen owns more than 200 islands Along the coast of Yemen, at a distance of 2400 km, a strip of semi-desert plains stretches. On the territory somewhere mountainous, somewhere desert country there are volcanoes – sometimes there are earthquakes. In drought, the rivers of Yemen dry up, with the exception of the Masila River in the east, which flows into the Arabian Sea.
Capital
Sana’a
Area
The area of Yemen is 527,970 km2. sq., occupies the 49th place in the world in terms of area.
Population
25 408 288.
Currency
The national currency is the Yemeni rial (YER).
Language
The official language is Arabic.
Visa to Yemen
To enter Yemen, Russians need a visa issued in Moscow at the consular section of the Embassy of the Yemeni Republic. It must be taken into account that those who have visas or entry marks from the State of Israel will be denied a visa. Visa processing – from two to seven days. Visa is single entry. “Entrance gate” – 1 month. The period of stay in the country is not limited by Yemeni law. A transit visa is issued when the visas of the states that are the final destination are affixed in the passport. When entering a country, the availability of a ticket back or to another country (transit) is checked. At the border, a passport with an entry visa and an immigration service card in Arabic or English are presented.
Weather in Yemen
In Yemen, hot and high humidity is a distinctive feature of the climatic conditions. In March – May and July – September – a period of short showers. October – February – warm and dry. The usual January temperature is + 14°С, June – + 27°С. However, the climate is determined by the altitude of the area. You can visit Yemen all year round, except June – July in the northern part of the country and coastal areas, and May – July in the southern, mostly desert part.
Currency exchange in Yemen
The national currency of Yemen is the Yemeni rial (YER). 1 YER = 100 fils. The exchange is carried out in banks from 8 am to 2 pm, hotels, large shops and in the bazaar in round-the-clock exchange offices. The best rate, as a rule, is with private money changers. In small towns, sometimes there is no way to exchange currency for Yemeni rials at all. In Yemen, cash is preferred, although some large hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club). ATMs are located in the port area of Aden and in significant banks in the capital, and there are very few of them. Traveler’s checks can be used on air transport, in a hotel, in a large shopping center. Please note that you will not accept a torn, dirty, sealed or pre-1992 banknote. The exchange rate of the dollar to the Yemeni real on 10/05/2013 is 1 USD = 225.62 YER.
Electricity
Almost everywhere – 220/230 V, 50 Hz, but in some places in the outback – 110 V. In hotels – two types of power supply – 110 V and 220 V. Frequent current surges in the network. It would be nice to have a universal adapter with you or take it to the reception at the hotel.
Religion
The state religion and the basis for the local legislation of Yemen is Islam. Sharia law is the basis of all judicial decisions for all believers, and Muslims in this country are 99%, of which 52% are Sunnis, 46% are Shiites, including Zaidis and Ismailis. But Jews, Catholics, Hindus and representatives of other faiths live in the country, although their religions are limited.
Security
Yemenis are hospitable and friendly people. They respect foreigners, in particular, Russians. And if you know a little Arabic, for example, “shukran” (“thank you”), then you can find friends in this fabulous country. If you behave correctly, respect their norms of behavior and traditions, then there is no need to worry about safety. In a Muslim and conservative country, you need to dress more modestly, do not abuse shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops and tight trousers. If you see an armed man, do not be alarmed, weapons are a mandatory attribute of a real Yemeni man, especially in the outback. For the peace of mind of tourists, travel agencies offer reliable security. Everyone arriving on a tourist visa must obtain “permits” -permit (permits) from the tourist police in Sanaa, Mukkale, Aden, which are done very quickly, and which indicate the route, dates, means of transportation (taxi, bus or rented car). Sometimes there are kidnappings of tourists, terrorist attacks by a local al-Qaeda group, an international terrorist organization, clashes with rebel police. Violence and theft on the streets is extremely rare, but swindlers are everywhere. The hotels have safes, in the rooms or at the reception. You just need to be careful, careful and reasonable and not get involved in any adventures. The hotels have safes, in the rooms or at the reception. You just need to be careful, careful and reasonable and not get involved in any adventures. The hotels have safes, in the rooms or at the reception. You just need to be careful, careful and reasonable and not get involved in any adventures.
Health
Medicine in Yemen is paid. The level of health care leaves much to be desired: there are few doctors, medicines, especially in the periphery. You need to beware of intestinal infections, wash your hands more often, especially before eating, drink bottled water and do not eat in untrustworthy places. In Yemen, there is a risk of catching malaria – you need to take with you creams and mosquito sprays (they are not here), repellents or drink preventive pills. But they have a toxic effect on the body, so they should not be abused. In order to protect against infection with schistosome, which enters the body through intact skin, you can not swim or go into fresh water. Pharmacies in Yemen are located everywhere, medicines are sold without a prescription.
