INTRODUCTION
In 1990, the two separate parts of Yemen were finally united (Arab Republic, which is also called North Yemen, with the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, which is South Yemen). as a result, Sana'a, the former capital of North Yemen, became Yemen's official capital, and Aden, the former capital of South Yemen, is referred to as the country's economic capital. The approximate size of the unified country is now 300,947 square miles (North part’s size is 120,701 square kilometers, and the South is 180,246 square kilometers), or 187,000 square miles.
Yemen - the name
The name is believed to come from a legendary ancestor of the country Yaman, the son of Qahtan, others believe it came from the Arabic root ymn ("the good, the right"), because the country is located to the right of the Meccan sanctuary of Kaaba. On the other hand, certain scholars tend to make a comparison between the two words yumna (happiness) with Arabia Felix (which is given by the Romans, and means Happy Arabia. the name used to be given for southwest Arabi
YEMEN - The flag
Yemen on the map |
HISTORY AND LANGUAGES The history of Yemen was 3,000 years ago. In around 950 to 1000 BC, there were three most successful Civilizations, Minean, Sabaean, and Himyarite, that ruled the southern part of Saudi Arabian Peninsula. When the rise of Mesopotamia came, Yemen became a very important link for trade(Clarksville Middle School, 2013). Kallie (2017) indicates that ''throughout Yemen’s history, it had been colonized by Arabs, Ethiopians, Persians, Ottoman Turks, and recently the British". Yemen became independent in May 22, 1990. Throughout history, Yemen’s official language became Arabic (specifically Yemeni Arabic). Yemenis also speak Somali, Soqotri, and Mehri from the other countries that colonized them.
a 5 min video about Yemen history, click HERE! |