Politics & Government Guide · YemenPolitics & Government Guide in Yemen
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Yemen remains a deeply fragmented state with no single authority controlling the entire country. The internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council governs from the south and east with backing from regional allies, while the Houthis maintain a parallel de facto government in the north, including Sana'a. Elections are stalled, institutions are divided, and the humanitarian and political crises remain severe.
Political Stability
Poor
Corruption Index
Poor
Democracy Index
Poor
Government Type
De facto divided state; internationally recognized presidential republic with a Presidential Leadership Council, and a rival Houthi-led de facto government in the north
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on Islamic law, civil law, and customary law; in practice, state authority is fragmented and judicial independence is weak.
Head of State
Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi(since 2022)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik(General People's Congress)since 2025
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Very Low
World Bank Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2025)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Big tent; historically dominant pro-government party
Islamist; center-right
Left-wing
Zaydi Shia Islamist; anti-Western
Southern separatist; nationalist
Voting Rights
Universal suffrage applies to citizens aged 18 and older, but in practice national elections have not been held across the country in recent years because of the civil war and territorial fragmentation.
Recent Developments
- The Presidential Leadership Council approved a new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik in May 2025.
- The Houthis continued to consolidate their parallel governing structures in Sana'a and other northern areas through 2024 and 2025.
- The United Nations and humanitarian agencies reported continued arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances by the Houthis in 2024 and 2025.
- The UN Security Council renewed the Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts in November 2025.
More Insights for your Move to Yemen
Comprehensive guides and data-driven analysis.
Budget & Expenses
Is your lifestyle affordable? From grocery prices to utility bills, see how costs compare to your home.
Read guideHealthcare
Navigate the healthcare system, insurance options, and medical access as an expat or digital nomad.
Read guideEconomy
Explore the economic landscape, job market trends, income levels, and financial outlook for expats.
Read guide