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General Information about Yemen
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The mystery of the past and the
thrill of discovery remain to be experienced when traveling
different places in Yemen. However, modern accommodations awaits the
travelers in major cities like Sana'a, Aden, Taiz, Mukalla, Hodeidah
and others.
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Do you know:
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The main Yemeni export
earners are oil and gas.
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Arabic is the native
language and English is wildly spread.
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that Sana'a is said to
have been founded by Shem, the oldest son of Noah.
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that Mocha coffee got
it's name from the Yemeni port of Al Mukha.
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that the first
skyscrapers in history started in Shibam
in eastern Yemen.
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Arabic is the official
language in Yemen.
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Prince Nassem Hamed
the famous Boxer is originally from Yemen.
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Yemen has an area of
about 527,970 sq. km. and a coast line of about 2000
km.
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The Island of Socotra
in the Indian Ocean, formerly a British
protectorate, belongs to Yemen.
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The attraction of the Republic of
Yemen for the visitor is largely its striking scenery, spectacular
Islamic and pre-Islamic architecture and the deep sense of the past.
Tours are available within and around the major cities; inquire at
local travel agents for details.
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Taiz is the city of success. It's people
and natural resources add to it's fast developing industry.
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Sabir is the city in the clouds. Tourist
enjoy it's wonderful weather all the during the year as well as
hiking and camping in the fresh nature of Tihama mountains.
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Aden city is located on the southern coast of Yemen. It is the economical
capital of Yemen. Now with the opening of the new Free Zone in Aden
more and more companies and corporations are establishing their branches
there.
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Population
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20
million
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Location
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Yemen
is situated on the south western part of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Area
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528,000
sq km.
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Capital
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Sana'a
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International
Calling #
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(967)
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Ruling
Body
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President
of Yemen and government ministers
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Languages
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Arabic
is the official language, but English is widely spoken. German, French is
spoken by Hotel staff and tour guides sometimes.
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Religion
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Islam
, Mosques are spread all over Yemen.
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Currency
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Yemeni
Rails
(R.Y. 169.00 = US$) June. 2001
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Time
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G.M.T.
+ 3 hrs. all the year.
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More information, http://www.YemenWeb.com/info/
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Average
Day
Temperature (degree):
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Jan.
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Feb
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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Aug.
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Sept.
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Oct.
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Nov
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Dec
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Sana'a
(North)
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10
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12
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15
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21
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25
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21
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25
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27
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21
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18
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16
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16
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Aden
(South)
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29
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28
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30
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32
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33
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33
Humid
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29
Humid
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29
Humid
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29
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31
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33
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29
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Traveling Tips
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Ramadan
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This
is the month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all
food, drink and cigarettes during day-light hrs. Visitors
are also required to refrain from consuming these items in
public places at this time. Note: Minimum 9-10 hrs
of sunshine per day throughout the year
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Air
connections
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Sana'a
is just hours away from the principal European cities.
Most major airlines serve Sana'a.
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| Electricity: |
220
- 240 volts. |
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Visas
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All
visitors to Yemen must have a valid visa, with the
exception of Egyptians and Jordanians. Yemeni visa can be
issued for a month to 3 months usually. It depends on the
nationality of the visitor.
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| Express
Mail |
Federal
Express, DHL, and UPS, are available in Yemen. |
| Credit
Cards |
All
major credit cards are accepted in most Hotels,
Restaurants, Agencies ...etc. (Visa, MasterCard, American
Express). Travelers Checks also accepted in many places. |
| International
Airport : |
Sana'a
Airport (North), Aden Airport (South) |
| Domestic
Airports : |
Taiz
(Middle), Mukalla (East), and Hodeidah (West) |
| Best
time to visit Yemen : |
At
winter time from September through the end of April. |
| Best
time to visit South of Yemen : |
At
monsoon time from July through September. |
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Official
Holidays :
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Fridays are holiday and are the weekend.
| Hijra
New Year - One day, 1st of Moharam.
| Prophet's
Birthday - One day, 12th of Rabi Al Awal.
| Isra
and Meiraj - One day, 27th of Rajab.
| Eid
Al Fitr - Four days, 1st of Showal.
| Eid
Al Adha - Five days, 9th Thel-Hijjah.
| National
Days - 26th of September, 14th of October, 30th of November, and 7th
of July.
| Labor
day- 1st of May.
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Office
Hours :
Ministries
& Government Establishments:
8:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sat - Th.).
Private
Sector: 8.00 a.m. to 1. 00 p.m.
4.00
p.m. to 7.00 p.m. (Sat - Wed)
8.00
a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (Thursday)
Markets
: 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
4.00
p.m. to 9.00 p.m. (for most Markets, some more)
Banks:
8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. (Sat -Wed)
8.00
a.m. to 12.00 noon (Thursday)
Museums:
7.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (Sat - Wed)
Some
museums open weekends also.
Other
helpful information:
Visitors
can drive around the country freely as long as they have valid
international licenses. Most foreign licenses are accepted. Most car hire
agencies have offices at Sana'a International Airport.
For
most of the year, light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton are best
suited to Yemen's climate.
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