DNO drilling for oil in Yemen using a land rig.

The high-rise architectures at Shibam, Wadi Hadhramaut (or Hadh…

Yemen

Country Information of Yemen

Yemen is a complex and strategically located country situated at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east, Yemen has a significant coastline along the Red Sea and Gulf of Ad...

Capital

Sana'a

Languages

Arabic

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Sanaa,Aden,Ibb,Ash Shiḩr,Ḩadībū

Major Cities

Ibb

What Expats Say About YemenBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Yemen. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Yemen

Life Expectancy

65.0

Population

29,825,968

Religions

Islam

99.1%

Ethnic Composition

Arabs3.7% [[Somali people

92.8%

Climate & Weather in Yemen

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Safety & Security in Yemen

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Asia Average

Moderate57/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Yemen

Asia Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Moderate

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Critical

Healthcare Quality

Critical

Emergency Response

Critical

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 191 (universal)

• Ambulance Response: 20-45 minutes (highly variable due to ongoing conflict)

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system, severely impacted by war

• Trauma Centers: Minimal specialized care in Sana'a and Aden

• Language Support: Arabic primary, limited English in major cities

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 191

• Medical: 191

• Police: 194

• Fire: 191

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~30 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Healthcare system critically damaged by prolonged conflict, 50% of medical facilities non-functional

Major Trauma Centers:

Sana'a, Aden

Language Support:

Very limited English support in emergency services

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Yemen

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Yemen

Photo Gallery of Yemen

20 photos • Click any image to view larger

Living Costs in Yemen

Extremely low cost of living with very affordable housing and basic necessities, though economic instability impacts purchasing power.

Crime & Safety in Yemen

High crime rates and significant safety concerns due to ongoing conflict, with substantial risks in urban and rural areas.

Safety Index: 38.40 | Crime Level: 61.60

Health System in Yemen

Limited healthcare infrastructure severely impacted by prolonged conflict, with minimal public health resources and limited medical facilities.

Quality Rating: 2.5/10

Advantages in Yemen

Rich historical and cultural heritage
Strategic location on Arabian Peninsula
Diverse landscape with mountains and coastal regions
Traditional Arabic hospitality and social connections

Disadvantages in Yemen

Ongoing armed conflict and political instability
Severe economic collapse and humanitarian crisis
Limited infrastructure and basic service disruptions
High unemployment and economic uncertainty

Government & Politics in Yemen

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Economic Overview in Yemen

Index

GDP

N/A

HDI

0.5

Quality of Life

32/100

-11 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

7/100

-35 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Yemen. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Yemen

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1000-4000 YER

Avg: 2500 YER

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

4000-20000 YER

Avg: 12000 YER

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

2000-3000 YER

Avg: 2500 YER

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

500-1000 YER

Avg: 750 YER

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

28620-80000 YER

Avg: 54310 YER

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

18000-60000 YER

Avg: 39000 YER

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

80000-180000 YER

Avg: 130000 YER

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

47700-150000 YER

Avg: 98850 YER

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

95.4-400 YER

Avg: 247.7 YER

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

1200-6200 YER

Avg: 3700 YER

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

20000-25000 YER

Avg: 22500 YER

Gasoline (1 liter)

286.2-1085 YER

Avg: 685.6 YER

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

11925-35775 YER

Avg: 23850 YER

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

5000-40068 YER

Avg: 22534 YER

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

2385-7500 YER

Avg: 4942.5 YER

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

357.75-1200 YER

Avg: 778.88 YER

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

150-1000 YER

Avg: 575 YER

Eggs (regular) (12)

429.3-2400 YER

Avg: 1414.65 YER

Local Cheese (1kg)

715.5-7155 YER

Avg: 3935.25 YER

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

5962.5-25000 YER

Avg: 15481.25 YER

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

715.5-5000 YER

Avg: 2857.75 YER

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

1400 YER

Avg: 1400 YER

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

7950-40000 YER

Avg: 23975 YER

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Yemen

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Yemen

Yemen's transportation infrastructure faces severe challenges due to ongoing conflict, with limited public transit options and a deteriorating road network. The country relies primarily on semi-formal minibus systems for urban mobility, while road transport remains critical for connecting rural settlements where over 70% of the population resides. Major highways are partially operational with security restrictions, and the aviation sector provides essential connectivity despite infrastructure constraints. Overall, Yemen's mobility landscape is characterized by accessibility challenges, high transportation costs, and infrastructure requiring significant rehabilitation.

Public Transport

Poor

Road Infrastructure

Poor

Public Transport

1.5/10

Yemen has no formal public transit system. Transportation consists entirely of semi-formal, privately-owned minibuses (paratransit) with minimal regulatory oversight. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems remain in conceptual planning stages with Technology Readiness Level 3-4 and Commercial Readiness Index 1-2, with implementation not expected before 2040.

Road Infrastructure

1.8/10

Yemen's 58,200 km road network is severely degraded, with 70% unpaved. Only 17,000+ km are paved, connecting major cities. Approximately 6,000 km of roads damaged during conflict with over 100 destroyed bridges. Road infrastructure damage estimated at $1.3 billion. Transport costs increased 145% due to fuel shortages and security checkpoints. Major highways like Sana'a-Aden partially operational with military checkpoints and permit requirements.

Internet Speed

1.2/10

Yemen has minimal internet infrastructure with severe connectivity challenges. Limited mobile phone and internet coverage, particularly on remote secondary roads. Conflict has disrupted telecommunications infrastructure, leaving many communities increasingly isolated. No current broadband speed data available due to infrastructure limitations.

Virtually non-existent; telecommunications infrastructure severely damaged by conflict

Airport Connectivity

3.2/10

Yemen has 45 airports including 9 major facilities, but operations are severely restricted by conflict. Sana'a and Aden airports serve as primary hubs with limited international connectivity. Most airports face operational constraints, security restrictions, and limited commercial service. Domestic connectivity exists but is unreliable due to security concerns and military operations.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no public transit system)
Bus Trip: Variable; semi-formal minibus fares determined by private operators, no standardized pricing
Taxi: N/A; limited formal taxi services; rates highly variable by region and security situation
High-speed Train: N/A (no rail network; Yemen has no operational railways)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment; infrastructure does not support advanced mobile networks

4G Coverage: Limited 4G coverage in major urban centers only; extensive rural areas lack connectivity

Mobile network infrastructure is severely limited and damaged by conflict. Coverage is concentrated in major cities with significant gaps in rural areas. Telecommunications infrastructure remains a critical vulnerability, with limited investment and ongoing damage from military operations.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

International Driving Permit (IDP) required for foreign nationals. Non-Yemeni licenses must be converted to local licenses for extended stays. Driving is on the right side of the road. Current security situation and road conditions make driving extremely hazardous; travel restricted in conflict zones and requires security clearance on major highways.

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Work & Business in Yemen

Yemen's work and business environment is severely challenged by ongoing conflict, economic fragmentation, and infrastructure destruction, resulting in high unemployment and limited opportunities. Key strengths lie in agriculture, trade, and a resilient private sector providing essential goods and employment to thousands despite adversity. Opportunities exist for locals in import/distribution and basic services, though entrepreneurs face instability, inflation over 30%, and disrupted ports/roads. Major sectors include agriculture, oil, and private commerce amid humanitarian reliance.

Employment Rate

35.0%

Low employment rate due to prolonged civil war, economic contraction, and infrastructure damage. High unemployment, especially youth; private sector like logistics firms employ 20,000 but overall job market is fragile with delayed salaries and service failures.[1][2][5]

Startup Ecosystem

12.0%

Minimal startup ecosystem hampered by conflict, no stock exchange, weak banking, and infrastructure erosion (1/3 roads destroyed). Limited funding, innovation hubs absent; private sector innovates for survival (e.g., cloud adoption) but no VC, unicorns, or supportive regulations.[1][2][3]

Average Salary Range

Salary data scarce amid crisis; government payments delayed, inflation >30%, YER devalued to 2,065/USD. Low purchasing power, cash-based economy; private sector offers some stability but non-oil sectors constrained by shortages, corruption.[2][3][5]

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

Visa required for entry; work permits needed due to instability. Applications via Yemeni embassies, but conflict disrupts processes; high security risks advised against travel.

Non-EU Citizens:

Visa and work permit mandatory; stringent due to war, fragmentation. Documentation includes invitations, health checks; timelines uncertain amid dual administrations (Sana'a/Aden).

Visa policy fragmented by conflict (Houthi/IRG control); no special programs like skilled visas or digital nomad options. Processes slow, risky; US FTO designation adds banking/compliance hurdles. Avoid non-essential travel per advisories.[2]

Business Registration

Timeline:

Several weeks to months amid fragmentation

Registration complicated by conflict, dual monetary systems, double taxation, corruption; no unified process across areas. Banking weak, no stock exchange; private firms adapt informally. World Bank notes poor business confidence, infrastructure barriers.[2][3]

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work laws; operates amid infrastructure failures (airports closed, power outages).

Remote work limited by destroyed digital/physical infrastructure, fuel shortages, cyber risks. Some private firms use cloud (e.g., Microsoft/SAP) for resilience, but prevalence low; no co-working or nomad culture due to insecurity.[1][2]

Key Industries

Agriculture

Oil & Gas

Trade & Import

Logistics

Banking & Finance

Food Distribution

Job Opportunities by Sector

Private Logistics & Distribution:

Resilient firms like largest importers hire 20,000 for essentials supply amid shortages. Demand for adaptable workers; stable pay in crisis but infrastructure challenges limit growth.[1]

Agriculture:

Key non-oil sector; opportunities in farming despite climate/economic stress. Low productivity but essential for livelihoods; vulnerable to disruptions.[2][4]

Trade & Commerce:

Informal trading amid port strikes; jobs in import/export of goods/food. High risks from Red Sea tensions, inflation; cash-based opportunities for locals.[5]

Banking:

Limited roles in commercial banks; restructuring ongoing but insolvency, compliance issues (FTO) constrain. Focus on essentials amid fragmentation.[2][3]

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Retirement & Senior Living in Yemen

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Legal & Administrative in Yemen

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Environment & Sustainability in Yemen

Yemen faces severe environmental and climate challenges compounded by protracted conflict. The country experiences critical water scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and increasing climate-related hazards including droughts, floods, and sea-level rise. GHG emissions declined 30% from 2012-2024 due to economic disruption, while climate vulnerabilities threaten health, livelihoods, and development across all 22 governorates.

Air Quality Index

Poor

3.5/10

Worsening trend

Yemen's air quality is severely compromised by conflict-related infrastructure destruction, fuel shortages, and industrial disruption. Limited monitoring capacity and ongoing instability prevent comprehensive AQI data collection. Widespread fuel scarcity and reliance on alternative energy sources contribute to poor air quality in urban centers.

Water Quality

Very Poor

2.0/10

Yemen faces critical water insecurity with widespread aquifer depletion and pollution. Unregulated groundwater extraction, resource mismanagement, and conflict-damaged infrastructure have severely compromised water quality and access. Climate change intensifies challenges through recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.

Water safety standards are severely compromised. Millions lack access to safe drinking water due to infrastructure destruction, aquifer contamination, and inadequate treatment capacity. Waterborne diseases pose significant health risks.

Recycling System

Yemen lacks comprehensive recycling infrastructure due to conflict-related institutional collapse and economic constraints. No formal national recycling system exists. Waste management focuses on basic disposal rather than circular economy principles.

Green Spaces

Yemen's ecosystems face severe degradation from conflict, overgrazing, and climate change. Mangrove forests and rangelands—critical natural defenses against flooding and drought—are rapidly disappearing. Protected area systems exist but lack enforcement capacity due to institutional weakness.

Forest Coverage: 1.0%

Yemen designates protected areas including coastal zones and biodiversity hotspots, but enforcement is severely limited by conflict and resource constraints. Ecosystem loss accelerates due to unregulated resource extraction and climate pressures.

Environmental Policies

Yemen's environmental policy framework includes NDC 3.0 commitments linking climate resilience, economic recovery, and sustainable development. However, implementation capacity is severely constrained by conflict, institutional weakness, and limited financing. International partnerships support climate action through GEF, Green Climate Fund, and bilateral donors.

Key Policies:

•NDC 3.0 Vision integrating climate resilience and peacebuilding
•Enhanced Rural Resilience in Yemen (ERRY) Joint Programme (2016-2025)
•Water resource management and ecosystem restoration initiatives
•Climate-smart agriculture and livelihood diversification

Renewable Energy: Yemen's renewable energy capacity remains minimal. NDC 3.0 emphasizes renewable energy development as part of economic recovery, but implementation faces severe constraints from conflict and limited investment capacity.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Yemen faces extreme natural disaster risk from climate-related hazards including flash floods, prolonged droughts, and sea-level rise. The combination of steep terrain, variable rainfall, and monsoon patterns creates conditions for destructive flooding and landslides. Conflict-damaged infrastructure eliminates early warning and response capacity.

Flash floodsProlonged droughtsSea-level rise and coastal inundationLandslidesWaterborne disease outbreaks

Climate Change Impacts: Yemen experiences accelerating climate change impacts: precipitation shows median increase of +2.76% with highest increases on Tihama coast and highlands (+5% to +10%), and Aden showing +9.70% increase. Sea level rise projects 0.2-0.4 meters by 2050 (3.3-4.5 mm/year currently). Western coastal areas show precipitation decrease of -6.25 mm/decade with Al Hodeidah declining -38.25 mm/decade. Temperature increases drive recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall, while destructive floods damage infrastructure and displace communities. These climate hazards compound conflict-related vulnerabilities, creating cascading humanitarian crises affecting millions of internally displaced persons.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

Yemen's NDC 3.0 Vision establishes integrated pathway linking climate resilience, economic recovery, sustainable development, and peacebuilding. Enhanced Rural Resilience in Yemen (ERRY) Joint Programme (2016-2025) demonstrates transformational model for recovery through ecosystem restoration, water resource management, and community-based adaptation. Partnerships with Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund, Government of Japan, and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation support scaling climate action.

Water Security and Ecosystem Restoration

Local initiatives across Yemen build resilience through ecosystem restoration, improved water resource management, and sustainable livelihood development. Programs address critical aquifer depletion and pollution through regulated groundwater extraction, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community water management. Mangrove and rangeland restoration efforts strengthen natural defenses against flooding and drought while supporting livelihoods.

Youth and Women-Centered Sustainability

Yemen's sustainability initiatives prioritize youth and women facing disproportionate climate impacts. Programs address erratic rainfall effects on rural farming viability, heatwave and flood impacts on urban services, and displaced youth's limited access to education and economic opportunities. Gender-responsive climate action integrates women's leadership in adaptation planning and resource management.

Wildlife & Nature

Arabian OryxVulnerable

Socotra Dragon TreeVulnerable

Arabian LeopardCritically Endangered

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Geography in Yemen

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb

Lowest Point

Arabian Sea

National Flag

Quick Facts for Yemen

Population

29,825,968

Currency

YER

Timezone

UTC+03:00

Calling Code

+967

Week starts on

sunday

Gini Coefficient

36.7 (2014)

Drives on the

right side

Location

Map coordinates not available for this location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Yemen

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services