Precipitation in Yemen is influenced greatly by elevation. The eastern lowland coastal regions and the northern desert areas average less than 5 inches (133 mm) of rainfall a year, while the southwestern highlands receive more than 16 inches (400 mm). Sometimes nearly 30 inches (750 mm) of rain falls in the highlands of western Yemen. At Aden, on the southern coast, January and July temperatures average 77º F (25º C) and 90º F (32º C), respectively. Daytime summer temperatures often exceed 100º F (38º C) and are commonly accompanied by 80 percent relative humidity. The highlands are appreciably cooler in the summer and can be cold in winter, with snow and frost not uncommon.

Since Yemen is endowed with a varied topography, the climate, in general, also varies, although there are no major seasonal differences. We can say there are two long seasons: summer and winter During summer, the temperature and humidity are high in the coastal areas, while the climate is moderate during winter. From time to time the rainfall, due to the monsoon, moderates the temperature over the coastal areas in summer. In the mountain areas, the weather is moderate in summer and cold in winter during the night and in the early morning, but the bright sun rays raise the temperature during the day making the weather very moderate in these parts of the country.

See Tourist Info.: Weather

In contrast to the generally barren character of most of the Arabian Peninsula, the highlands in the western portion of Yemen are remarkably fertile. Rainfall there is generally adequate and is distributed between two rainy seasons, and most of the agricultural land is cropped without irrigation. These highlands and intermediate elevations have good soils (in terraces and along the wadi valley floors), and the moderate climate permits the growing of large quantities of cereals (mainly sorghum) and potatoes. However, most of southern and eastern Yemen are devoid of vegetation. Among the exceptions are some cultivated patches along the Wadi Hadramout and some natural vegetation scattered along the southern coast and in the adjacent highlands, primarily thorn scrub and dwarf trees.

The administrative units of the Republic of Yemen consist of 19 Govern-orates and the capital secretariat, the city of Sana'a. Each Govern-orate is composed of a number of' districts and centers, the Govern-orates are as follows: Sana'a, Aden, Taiz, Hodeidah, Hadhramout, Sa'da, Al-Jouf. Marib, Shabwa, Abyan, Dhamar, Ibb, Lahj, Mahweet, Al-Mahara, Al-Baydha, Hajja, Amran, Al-Dhalia.

The flag of the Republic of Yemen is rectangular in shape, its width is one third of its length, divided into three equal-dimensioned rectangles, of red, white, and black colors consecutively from top to bottom.

The Emblem of Yemen is represented by a falcon unfolding both wings on the national flag and supported by a base on which the country's name "The Republic of Yemen" appears. There is a drawing on its chest depicting the Marib Dam and a coffee tree branch which constitute major symbols of Yemen.

The political system is based on the principle of separation between the branches of government The people are the holders and source of power, exercising it directly through referendum  and general election, and indirectly by means of Legislative, executive and judicial authorities, and through local elected councils. The system is also based on the multi-party political system which allows the  peaceful transfer of power.

As for the country's foreign policy, the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen confirms that the policy should be in line with the Charter of the United Nations, Human Rights, Covenant of the Arab league and international law. The Republic of Yemen endeavors to strengthen friendly links and cooperation with all peace loving states and nations on the basis of mutual respect. 

The Republic of Yemen has adopted an economic policy based on free economics. The market  mechanism  en the private sector giving it a major role in the development of' the country's economy. The economic policy ensures private ownership which cannot be forfeited except for public interest and then with fair compensation. The investment law has created many investment opportunities and provided incentive to local and foreign investment in all aspects of the economy.

Yemen has a developing, partly state, partly private-enterprise economy. The gross national product (GNP) is not growing faster than the population, and the GNP per capita remains one of the lowest in the Middle East.

The economy of Yemen is primarily agricultural. One-fifth of the gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from agriculture, which employs more than half of the labour force. The country is not self-sufficient in foodstuffs, however. In addition to sorghum and potatoes, the principal crops include dates, watermelons, wheat, grapes, barley, corn (maize), cotton, millet, and garden vegetables. Mocha coffee and khat (a narcotic stimulant), grown on irrigated land, are export crops. Pastures support sheep, goats, and cattle.
Yemen is relatively rich in mineral resources. Iron ore is mined and smelted at Mount Nuqum north of Sana'a, and additional iron-ore deposits are found in the north. Salt is mined at Salif, and deposits of other minerals also exist. Oil was discovered in the mid-1980s in the northeast in the Ma'rib-al-Jouf basin; there also are oil and natural gas reserves farther east in the Shabwah area. Industry and mining account for almost one-fifth of Yemen's GDP and employ 5 percent of the country's workforce. The Little Aden petroleum refinery (previously owned by the British) accounts for a major share of total industrial output. Other industries include the processing of foodstuffs and the manufacture of cement blocks, tiles, and bricks; textile manufacturing; rubber and plastic products; salt production; soft-drink bottling; and dairy plants. Electricity is generated entirely from thermal-power plants.

Yemen is a Muslim country and it is important that, as guests of the country, everyone should respect the local customs. Yemenis do not tend to dress modestly so shorts: skimpy tops and tight clothes should be eschewed, for either sex.

There are many traditional industries and handicrafts in Yemen, which have been handed down throughout the generations. Such industries and handicrafts are characterized by their beauty and attractiveness, particularly those associated with architecture, ornaments and decoration, traditional weapons, clothes and garments, earthenware and stoneware, leather products, and tools and materials  made of palm fiber and leaves, etc. Handicrafts centers exist throughout the Republic and such products can be sampled in the traditional markets of many cities and at the weekly markets called 'Souks'.

An International Vaccination Certificate is required from citizens of countries which are listed in the World Health Organization (WHO), except children less than one year old.

- Government:

Working hours in governmental offices are: Saturday to Wednesday 8.00 am –3.00pm. Thursday Friday is the weekly holiday.

- Business:

The private sector (business) working hours are: Saturday to Wednesday 8.00am – 12.00 noon and 4.00pm – 7.00pm. Thursday: 8.00;im- 1.00pm. Friday is the weekly holiday.

- Market:

The market place is open almost all day long up to the early hours of night.