Where is yemen on a map?

By HotBotUpdated: July 19, 2024

Geographical Location of Yemen

Yemen, officially known as the Republic of Yemen, is a country located in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Geographically, it occupies a strategic position at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen 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.

Coordinates and Size

Yemen's geographical coordinates are approximately 15.5527° N latitude and 48.5164° E longitude. Covering an area of about 527,968 square kilometers (203,850 square miles), Yemen is the second-largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, following Saudi Arabia.

Neighboring Countries and Bodies of Water

The neighboring countries and bodies of water that define Yemen's borders are:

• Saudi Arabia: To the north, Yemen shares a long and often contentious border with Saudi Arabia. This border extends for about 1,307 kilometers (812 miles).
• Oman: To the east, Yemen shares a shorter border with Oman, which stretches for approximately 294 kilometers (183 miles).
• Red Sea: To the west, Yemen has a coastline along the Red Sea, which is a critical maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.
• Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea: To the south, Yemen's coastline extends along the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, providing access to critical international shipping lanes.

Capital City: Sana'a

The capital city of Yemen is Sana'a, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located at an altitude of about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, Sana'a is situated in the western part of the country. The city's coordinates are approximately 15.3694° N latitude and 44.1910° E longitude.

Major Cities and Regions

Yemen is divided into several governorates, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the major cities and regions include:

• Aden: A major port city located in the southern part of Yemen along the Gulf of Aden. Aden is an important economic hub and has a significant historical background.
• Taiz: Located in the southwestern part of Yemen, Taiz is known for its cultural heritage and is often referred to as the cultural capital of Yemen.
• Al Hudaydah: A major port city located along the Red Sea coast, Al Hudaydah plays a vital role in Yemen's maritime trade.
• Hadhramaut: This region in eastern Yemen is known for its historic cities, such as Shibam, which is often called the "Manhattan of the Desert" due to its tall mudbrick buildings.

Topography and Climate

Yemen's diverse topography includes coastal plains, mountainous regions, and desert areas. The western part of the country features highlands with rugged mountains, while the eastern part consists of arid desert landscapes. The climate varies significantly from one region to another:

• Coastal Areas: The coastal regions along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden experience a hot and humid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the summer months.
• Highlands: The highland regions, including the area around Sana'a, have a more temperate climate, with cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall.
• Desert Areas: The desert regions in the eastern part of Yemen, such as the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), experience extreme heat and very little precipitation.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Yemen boasts a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:

• Old City of Sana'a: Known for its unique architecture, the Old City of Sana'a features intricate buildings made of rammed earth and mudbrick, adorned with elaborate geometric patterns.
• Historic Town of Zabid: Once an important center of Islamic learning, Zabid is renowned for its historic mosques and traditional houses.
• Old Walled City of Shibam: Often referred to as the "Manhattan of the Desert," Shibam is famous for its tall mudbrick skyscrapers that date back to the 16th century.

Strategic Importance

Yemen's strategic location at the junction of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has made it a focal point of international maritime trade for centuries. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow passage between Yemen and Djibouti, is one of the world's most significant chokepoints for oil transportation. Control over this critical maritime route has historically attracted the interest of various global powers.

Contemporary Issues

In recent years, Yemen has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises. The ongoing civil war, which began in 2014, has severely impacted the country's infrastructure, economy, and population. Despite these challenges, Yemen's rich cultural heritage and strategic importance continue to draw the attention of the international community.

The location of Yemen on the map reveals a country with a rich history, diverse geography, and significant strategic importance. Whether one is drawn to its ancient cities, stunning landscapes, or its pivotal role in global trade, Yemen's position in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula makes it a unique and intriguing part of the world.

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