Where to Go - Middle East / India

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Yemen

Population: 17,479,206

Literacy rate: 38%

Life expectancy at birth: male –58.1 yrs, female –61.64 yrs

Infant mortality rate: 70.28 deaths/1,000 live births

Population growth rate: 3.36%

GDP growth rate: 4%

GDP per capita: £500

Unemployment: 30%

Inflation: 10%

Climate: mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east.

Time: GMT + 3.

Electricity: 220/230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Websites: Arab Net has about the only website we can find at http://www.arab.net/yemen/index.html

Until 1990, this was two countries – Aden and Sana’a. Aden was Marxist and USSR oriented while Sana’a was more inclined to the west. Both countries have been marked by chronic instability. This is a region that has not been fully globalised – tribal values still hold sway. There are said to be three or four times as many guns in the country as people. Some of the local ancient buildings have been pockmarked by the locals brushing up their marksmanship.

The British Foreign office still advises against travel here, but also says that, if you must go, don’t go to Abyan, Marib, Saada, Al Jawf or Al Mahra. As all these places are outside the capital, perhaps it would be as wise to stay there and not go wandering around.

The Yemenis are said to be kind, pleasant and hospitable people, but they do have a penchant for kidnapping. This is not a fully stable country. Its position was not improved when during the Gulf War, it chose to support Iraq. The consequent repatriation of Yemeni emigrant workers from Saudi Arabia and the loss of sorely needed Saudi aid did not help things at all.

The climate can be overwhelmingly hot and humid along the Red Sea coast, but is much better in the mountains. Some parts of the interior are surprisingly fertile and crops are grown. The desert part is dangerous not only for the climate, but also for kidnappers and bandits.

Make very careful investigations as to current conditions before travelling.

Entry requirements

While people work on tourist visas, it is illegal.

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid and Yellow Fever.

Tax and Insurance

No tax. Get insurance of all types.

Gap Year Programmes

Click here to find gap year programmes and placements in Yemen

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