Country Name Start With Y To Visit: Knowing Yemen In The Midst Of Anticipating Tension
My heart feels heavy as I start penning down this article on country name start with Y.
Yemen, the only “country name start with Y” is expecting an all-out war after a period of fragile truce between the Internationally Recognized Government (IRG) and the Houthis.
Further, as a woman and on a day very close to International Women’s Day, I am once again worried about the impact on Yemeni women and girls, with the crisis being palpable.
Nevertheless, for sure, the anticipation of the terrorist attacks has shifted all our attention to Yemen again.
So, in this Dream and Travel Guide, we will talk about Yemen, its people, sports, the places to visit, and many other aspects.
Yemen: The Only Country Name Start With Y
| Capital: Sana’a Area: 527,970 km² Official Language: Arabic Population: 40,583,164 (2024) Population Density: 77/km² Main Airport: Sana’a International Airport Currency: Yemeni Rial Continent: Asia |
Yemen is a country in the Western Asia and it is located on the Arabian Peninsula. Further, it has the Red Sea to the west.
To its south, it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, it shares its border with Saudi Arabia, one of the countries that start with S.
Moreover, in the North East, it has Oman, the only country whose name starts with O.
The Geography Of Yemen: The Land Of Desert And Mountains
Also, home to around 200 islands, Yemen has a diverse geography, with mountains (the Sarawat Mountains), deserts, and coastal plains.
The highest point in the country is the Jabal An-Nabi Shu’ayb of the Harazi subrange of the Sarawat Mountains.
In addition, the eastern part of Yemen has the Rub‘ al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter. It is known for having the largest continuous stretch of sand and is also the fifth-largest desert in the world.
Again, one of the countries in Asia, Yemen, is known for its coastal charm, with a special focus on areas like the coastal region of Abyan, which harbors fishing villages and pristine beaches.
Furthermore, Yemen has active volcanoes like Jebel al-Tair. Jebel al-Tair exploded last in 2007.
So, if you are an explorer of geographical diversity, Yemen has a lot to offer. The table below lists the country’s best natural attractions and wonders.
| Natural Wonders and Attractions in Yemen | Why Visit? |
| Socotra Island | The Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea has a surreal landscape. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare plants like the dragon trees and desert roses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Wadi Hadramawt | Wadi Hadramawt offers a contrasting view with rugged cliffs and pleasing oases. It is also a living museum with mud brick buildings speaking of the rich history of the country. Don’t forget to take a camel ride here. |
| Al-Soudah Park | With lush greenery and stunning views of the mountains, Al-Soudah Park is the paradise of bird watchers. Camping, hiking, forest bathing, nature meditation, and picnics are popular here. |
| Al-Hajjar Mountains | Al-Hajjar Mountains stand out with their unique rock formations caused by geological processes for thousands of years. The mountains are also great for hiking, wildlife spotting and birdwatching. |
| Al-Mukalla Beach | Al-Mukalla Beach looks beautiful with golden sands and azure water. Further, you will find sea turtles, colorful fish, and a rich marine life here. |
| Al-Hudaydah Coast | Al-Hudaydah Coast is the best place to explore the marine diversity and coastal conservation of Yemen. Further, it is a brilliant destination for marine activities like snorkeling, deep-water fishing, surfing, etc. |
Moreover, this geographical diversity has shaped the culture and way of living in the country.
For example, volcanic eruptions are often seen as divine acts or linked to ancestral spirits.
Yemen Wildlife: Know The Country Name Start With Y
Western Yemen has the Arabian Highlands, the most biodiverse region in the country. The mountains in Yemen have the largest variations of plants in the Arabian Peninsula.
You will also find birds like the rare northern bald ibis, Yemen linnets, and Arabian Partridges here. Further, this region is home to rare mammals like the Hamadryas baboon and Arabian leopard.
Arabian leopards are also found in the volcanic regions of the country.
Furthermore, on the edges of the Rub al-Khali desert, you will find creatures like the Yemeni mouse, the Egyptian cobra, and the shield-tailed scorpion.
People And Culture Of Yemen: Country Name Start With Y
Today, people in Yemen mostly come from the Arabian Peninsula. However, Yemen has minority communities from Somalia and Egypt.
Most people in Yemen are Muslims, and they celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad with great fervor.
Further, Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Yemen also has the Great Mosque, which dates back to the 7th century, the time of Prophet Muhammad.
Yemenis are proud of their dedication to Islam, share strong family values, and nurture strong community bonds.
Also, Arabic is the official language of Yemen. However, local people here mostly converse in Mehri.
Sports In Yemen
Yemen still loves its traditional sports, such as Al-Tahtib (an Egyptian stick fighting game) and Al-Kabaddi. However, the country’s government has been proactively backing the sports industry’s growth.
Today, modern games like martial arts, basketball, volleyball, squash, and handball are popular in the country. Yemen also has a national cricket team.
However, soccer is the most popular sport here. The national soccer team represents the country in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) competitions.
Tourism In Yemen And The Places To Visit
Yes, the turmoil in Yemen continues, but that has not affected the resilience of the tourism industry. The country is committed to promoting its unique geological features and culture through tourism.
Further, UNESCO programs in the country are helping everyone associated with the country’s tourism industry enhance visitor experience.
For example, UNESCO arranged a five-day training program and promoted sustainable tourism in the Socotra Archipelago of Yemen from September 25 to 29, 2024.
| “It is important for us to learn from others’ expertise to enhance our sites. We have many sites with tourism potential, but they are not yet prepared. I request that UNESCO and its partners continue supporting tourism development on the island.” Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdullah, Representative, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) |
Moreover, programs like these highlight the importance of women in promoting sustainable tourism in the country.
| “Women can play a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development. I learned a lot in this workshop, especially about how to treat tourists and visitors to the island.” Mrs. Harouf Issa Saad, Women Handicraft Association |
Nevertheless, to get a clear picture of tourism in Yemen, we must focus on the places to visit in the country.
1. Sana’a
Sana’a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest continuously-lived cities in the world.
Yemen’s capital is a bustling hub of spices, textiles, and handicrafts. It also has iconic landmarks like Bab al-Yemen Gate and Al-Saleh Mosque.
2. Shibam
Shibam, or the Manhattan of the Desert, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its high-rise mud-brick buildings tell stories of Bedouin attacks.
Further, you can walk along the narrow alleys here to get insight into Yemeni urban planning.
3. Aden
Once a popular port city, Aden is now most famous for its beaches. Further, it has historic sites like the Aden Tanks and Sira Fortress.
4. Marib
Marib, with its ruins, is an archaeological wonder of Yemen. It was once the capital of the Sabaean Kingdom.
Today, you can visit ruins like the Great Temple of Awam and Marib Dam.
5. Taiz
Taiz is the Cultural Capital of Yemen. The iconic landmarks here are the Al-Qahira Citadel and Cairo Castle.
You will also love exploring the vibrant markets here.
6. Zabid
Zabid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yemen. It will take you back to the medieval ages when it used to be a prominent Islamic learning center.
It has the Great Mosque, and its beautiful buildings and narrow alleys attract history enthusiasts from all over the world.
Moreover, conservation efforts are going to protect this heritage city.
What Is The Future Of Yemen? A Country Name Start With Y
Persistent regional and domestic tensions have made Yemen’s future uncertain. So, despite having all the potential to be the next big thing in the Asian or Middle Eastern tourism market, the country fails to capitalize on the opportunities.
Further, as anticipated, if the Houthi attacks again break out by the Red Sea, the entire economy and human lives will be devastated in the country.
Only if the peace truce exists will the country’s economy, employment, quality of human life, trade networks, and transport grow.
Fortunately, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in Yemen has been instrumental in supporting Yemen through all crises and transitions since the uprising in early 2011.
However, Yemen now needs more hands joining the reconstruction process. Reconstruction is crucial for the country’s short—or medium-term growth.
It will also build the foundation of a peaceful, dignified and prosperous life of all Yemenis.
Is There Any Other Country Name Start With Y?
There is no other country name start with Y. However, countries like Germany, Hungary, Türkiye, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Norway have the letter Y in their names.
So, our travel trivia for the day ends here with hopes and heartfelt support for Yemenis who are being impacted by constant crisis in the country.
Above all, as a woman, I feel that the land of Queen Sheba, Yemen, gets to restore the dignity of its women and children at the earliest.
Still, Yemen, with its storied past, UNESCO World Heritage sites, biodiversity, and people, remains a country of exceptional physical and intangible beauty.
Visit Yemen and you will fall in love with the country. We wish you rihla sa’ida or a happy journey!
