Geography of Yemen

Yemen is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia at the southernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. It is located at the entrance to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world, which connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean (through the Gulf of Aden).

Yemen is a dry country without any ongoing waterways. The regular rainfall that some regions experience drains south through three major watercourses into the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in the southern section, and westward through five important watercourses (wadis) toward the Red Sea in the northern part.

Physical Features

Yemen can be classified into five main geographic areas: the Tihmah, a coastal plain that runs north to south and is an extension of the Tihmat Asr; the western highlands; the Yemen Highlands; the eastern highlands; and finally, the eastern and north-eastern desert regions. A total of 555,000 square kilometers (214,000 sq. mi) make up Yemen, which includes the islands of Perim at the southern tip of the Red Sea and Socotra at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden.

The overall length of Yemen's land borders is 1,746 km (1,085 mi). Yemen shares borders with Oman to the northeast and Saudi Arabia to the north (1,458 km or 906 mi). Yemen shares borders with the Guardafui Channel and the Somali Sea via the Socotra Island. The width of the coastal plain varies from 5 miles (8 km) to 40 miles (65 km).

Between the low hills of the plain and the large central massif, which has numerous peaks exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 metres), the largest of which is Mount Al-Nab Shuayb, which rises to 12,030 feet (3,665 meters), are low mountains that range in height from 1,000 to 3,500 feet (300 to 1,100 meters). The mountains quickly descend into the eastern highlands (2,500–3,500 feet) to the east-northeast before dropping off to the sandy hills of the Rub al-Khali.

Climate

Due to the country's high elevation, most of Yemen experiences cooler temperatures than most of the Arab world. At higher altitudes, there is more precipitation. A temperate, rainy summer with an average high temperature of 21 °C (69.8 °F) and a chilly, somewhat dry winter with temperatures that occasionally fall below 0 °C (32.0 °F) are the two seasons that the highlands experience. The western coastal plain of Tihamah experiences a tropical climate with humidity levels ranging from 50 to 70 percent and temperatures that occasionally approach 54 °C (129.2 °F).

Throughout the year, there is an average of 130 millimetres (5.12 in) of heavy, sporadic rain. Although highs frequently exceed 37 °C (98.6 °F), the average temperature in Aden varies from 25 °C (77.0 °F) in January to 32 °C (89.6 °F) in June. 127 millimetres (5 in) of rain falls on average each year. Rainfall in southern Yemen's highest mountainous regions ranges from 520 to 760 mm (20.5 to 29.9 in) each year. Some parts of the western highlands receive between 1,000 and 1,500 millimetres (39.4 and 49.1 inches) of rain annually, especially Ibb and Ta'izz.

Although Sana'a, the capital, gets about 300 mm (11.8 in) of rain annually, it is not unusual for the northern and eastern regions of the country to go five years or longer without any precipitation. Yemen's Wadi Hadhramaut in the country's east is dry and scorching and the humidity fluctuates from 35% in June and 64% in January. The Arabian Peninsula's most fertile terrain is in Yemen.

Flora and Fauna

Early in the 20th century, Yemen still had a sizable forest cover. The pressures brought on by fast population development, particularly the rise in demand for agricultural land and stovewood, however, essentially drained the forest legacy. The wildlife of Yemen has suffered greatly as a result of these same human pressures. There is evidence that panthers, ostriches, several antelopes, including Arabian oryx, and large cats, like lions, were there as recently as a century ago.

Some panther and antelope species that are still present in Yemen are vulnerable and only exist in small numbers. The hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas), one of the largest wild animals still found in Yemen, is also one of the smaller mammals. Hyenas, foxes, and rabbits are among the smaller mammals. Yemen has a relatively diverse and plentiful population of two types of wildlife—birds and insects—although many species are still uncatalogued.

However, the waters of the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Pacific Ocean are home to arguably the most diverse flora. Among the many different species are tuna, mackerel, shark, sardines, lobster, shrimp, and squid.

Drainage

Yemen is a dry country without any ongoing waterways. The regular rainfall that some regions experience drains south through three major watercourses into the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in the southern section, and westward through five important watercourses (wadis) toward the Red Sea in the northern part.

The largest of the latter is the Wadi aramawt (Hadhramaut Valley), which has historically housed a number of advanced city-states and is known throughout history for its frankincense trees. These irregularly running rivers divide the highlands and central massif into numerous plateaus and ridges together with their tributaries and smaller neighbours.

Soils

Most of the country's soils are low in organic matter and range from sandy to loamy, which restricts the kind of crops that may be grown there. But in some places, the entire mountain range is covered in ornate agricultural terraces. This system's exceptional agricultural output is largely due to the soil that has been amassed over generations and enhanced with compost.

The earthworks have suffered damage in the contemporary era due to neglect and civil unrest, and they are especially susceptible to erosion. However, the terraces, which constitute a breath-taking aspect of Yemen's mountains, are mostly unaltered.

Conclusion

Yemen, which is located near the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, has a variety of natural features, including coastal plains, highlands, and deserts. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait's strategic location highlights its geopolitical importance. The elevation-dependent climate of Yemen results in cooler highlands and tropical coastal plains.

Yemen is home to a wide variety of plants, animals, and marine life despite issues like deforestation and wildlife extinction. Unpredictable rivers that have shaped the nation's history and landscape are what define its complex drainage system. A monument to its historical ingenuity and environmental toughness are the agricultural terraces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Yemen located geographically?

Yemen is situated at the southern entrance of the Arabian Peninsula, between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

How does Yemen's climate vary (based on elevation)?

Yemen has cooler temperatures in its highlands and tropical climate with humidity along the western coastal plains.

What is the significance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is a crucial global shipping route.

How has deforestation impacted Yemen's environment?

Rapid population growth and demand for resources have led to significant deforestation in Yemen, affecting its ecosystems and wildlife.

What distinguishes Yemen's agricultural terraces?

The ornate agricultural terraces in Yemen's mountains showcase historical ingenuity in farming techniques and are vital for sustainable cultivation.