Yemen: flag, capital, currency and history

Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country in Western Asia, Asia. Its capital is Sana'a. The currency is the Yemeni rial. Languages spoken include Arabic.

Quick facts about Yemen

Official name: Republic of Yemen
Capital: Sana'a
Region: Asia, Western Asia
Currency: Yemeni rial (YER, ﷼)
Languages: Arabic
Calling code: +967
Internet domain: .ye
Area: 527,968 km² (203,850 sq mi)
Land borders: Oman, Saudi Arabia
Demonym: Yemeni
National day: Unity Day, May 22

Flag of Yemen

Download the flag of Yemen as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇾🇪.

SVG (vector)

History of Yemen

Ancient South Arabian kingdoms such as Saba and Himyar flourished in the area, trading in incense. Islam spread in the 7th century, and later dynasties and imams ruled parts of the country. The Ottomans held areas of Yemen in the 16th and 19th centuries, while Britain controlled Aden from 1839. North Yemen became independent from Ottoman rule in 1918 and a republic in 1962. South Yemen gained independence from Britain in 1967. The two states united in 1990 as the Republic of Yemen. The country has experienced a civil conflict since 2014.

Key dates

c. 1000 BCThe kingdom of Saba emerges in ancient South Arabia.
c. 275The Himyarite kingdom unifies much of South Arabia.
1839Britain takes control of Aden.
1918North Yemen becomes independent following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
1962A revolution in the north establishes the Yemen Arab Republic.
1967South Yemen gains independence from Britain.
1990North and South Yemen unite as the Republic of Yemen.