History of Yemen in Timeline

Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a West Asian country situated in southern Arabia. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman, and maritime borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia. Sanaa serves as its constitutional capital and largest city. With an estimated population of 34.7 million, primarily Arab Muslims, Yemen occupies approximately 455,503 square kilometers and possesses a coastline of about 2,000 kilometers. It's the second-largest country on the Arabian Peninsula and is a member of the Arab League, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

1904: Rebellion Led by Imam Yahya Hamidaddin

In 1904, Imam Yahya Hamidaddin led a rebellion against the Turks; the rebels disrupted the Ottoman ability to govern.

1911: Imam Yahya Rules Northern Highlands

From 1911, Imam Yahya hamid ed-Din al-Mutawakkil was ruling the northern highlands independently, from which he began a conquest of the Yemen lands.

1911: Ottomans Signed a Treaty with Imam Yahya Hamidaddin

In 1911, the Ottomans signed a treaty with Imam Yahya Hamidaddin. Under the treaty, Imam Yahya was recognized as an autonomous leader of the Zaydi northern highlands.

1918: Ottoman Departure

In 1918, the Ottomans departed from Yemen, ending their rule in Shafi'i areas in the mid-south.

1925: Yahya Captures al-Hudaydah

In 1925, Yahya captured al-Hudaydah from the Idrisids.

1926: Italian Empire Recognizes Yahya as King

In 1926, the Italian Empire was the first to recognize Yahya as the king of Yemen, creating anxiety for the British.

1927: British Bombing Near Aden, Taiz, and Ibb

In 1927, Yahya's forces were about 50 km (30 mi) away from Aden, Taiz, and Ibb, and were bombed by the British for five days, causing the imam to pull back.

1932: Idrisis Seek Help from Yahya Against Ibn Saud

In 1932, the Idrisis broke their accord with Ibn Saud and went back to Yahya seeking help against Ibn Saud, who had begun liquidating their authority.

May 1934: Ceasefire Announced After Saudi-Yemeni War

After the 1934 Saudi-Yemeni war, Ibn Saud announced a ceasefire in May 1934. Imam Yahya agreed to release Saudi hostages and surrender the Idrisis to Saudi custody. Imam Yahya also ceded the three provinces of Najran, Asir, and Jazan for 20 years and signed another treaty with the British government.

1943: First Signs of Resistance to Occupation

In 1943, after the rise of labor unions, a rift was apparent between the sectors of workers and the first signs of resistance to the occupation started. Muhammad Ali Luqman founded the first Arabic club and school in Aden, and was the first to start working towards a union.

1950: Yemen's population

In 1950, Yemen's population was 4.3 million.

1951: Yemen is signatory to international accords governing the protection of refugees

Yemen is the only country in the Arabian Peninsula that is signatory to two international accords dating back to 1951 and 1967 governing the protection of refugees.

1962: Yemen officially abolished slavery

In 1962, Yemen officially abolished slavery.

1962: Army Officers Attempt to Seize Power

In 1962, after Imam Ahmad bin Yahya died, army officers attempted to seize power, sparking the North Yemen Civil War.

1962: Yemen Arab Republic Established

In 1962, following a coup, the Kingdom of Yemen became the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen).

January 1964: Operation Nutcracker Launched

In January 1964, the British launched Operation Nutcracker, which completely burned Radfan, due to most of the support for the NLF came from Radfan and Yafa.

November 1967: South Yemen Formed

On 30 November 1967, the state of South Yemen was formed, comprising Aden and the former Protectorate of South Arabia. This socialist state was later officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and a programme of nationalisation was begun.

1967: People's Democratic Republic of Yemen Established

In 1967, the British Aden Protectorate became the independent People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen), the first and only officially socialist state in the Arab world.

1967: Yemen is signatory to international accords governing the protection of refugees

Yemen is the only country in the Arabian Peninsula that is signatory to two international accords dating back to 1951 and 1967 governing the protection of refugees.

1972: War Between Two Yemeni States

In 1972, the two states fought a war. The war was resolved with a ceasefire and negotiations brokered by the Arab League, where it was declared that unification would eventually occur.

1978: Saleh president of North Yemen

Ali Abdullah Saleh had been president of North Yemen since 1978.

1978: Ali Abdullah Saleh Named President

In 1978, Ali Abdullah Saleh was named as president of the Yemen Arab Republic.

1978: Sana'a's population

In 1978, Sana'a's population was roughly 55,000.

1979: Fresh Fighting Between Two States Resumes

In 1979, fresh fighting between the two states resumed and efforts were renewed to bring about unification.

1981: Prison Authority Organization Act

The Prison Authority Organization Act, Republican decree no. 48, was established in 1981.

1982: Old Walled City of Shibam inscribed by UNESCO

In 1982, the Old Walled City of Shibam in Wadi Hadhramaut was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, two years after Yemen joined the World Heritage Committee.

1986: Old City of Sana'a inscribed

The Old City of Sana'a was inscribed in 1986.

1986: South Yemen Civil War

Thousands were killed in 1986 in the South Yemen Civil War. President Ali Nasser Muhammad fled to the north and was later sentenced to death for treason. A new government formed.

May 1990: Countries Merged

In May 1990, the two governments reached a full agreement on the joint governing of Yemen, and the countries were merged on 22 May 1990, with Saleh as president. The president of South Yemen, Ali Salim al-Beidh, became vice president. A unified parliament was formed and a unity constitution was agreed upon.

1990: Number of Soqotri language speakers

According to the 1990 census, the number of Soqotri language speakers was 57,000.

1990: Government founds additional radio stations

After unification in 1990, the government reformed its corporations and founded some additional radio stations that broadcast locally.

1990: Saleh president of unified Yemen

Ali Abdullah Saleh had been president of unified Yemen since 1990.

1990: Yemen Opposes Military Intervention in Kuwait Crisis

In 1990, Yemen's president opposed military intervention from non-Arab states after the invasion of Kuwait.

1990: Yemeni States Unite

In 1990, the two Yemeni states united to form the modern Republic of Yemen, with Ali Abdullah Saleh serving as the first president.

1990: Unification of Yemen

Since its unification in 1990, Yemen has been one of the poorest countries in the Middle East.

1991: Expulsion of Yemenis from Saudi Arabia

In 1991, Saudi Arabia expelled 800,000 Yemenis to punish Yemen for its opposition to the intervention in Kuwait.

1991: Constitution specifies election criteria

The 1991 constitution provides details on how the president is elected and the requirements for holding elected office in Yemen.

1991: Constitution established

Under the 1991 constitution, Yemen has a republic with a bicameral legislature sharing power between an elected president, an elected 301-seat Assembly of Representatives, and an appointed 111-member Shura Council.

1992: Food Riots

Following food riots in major towns in 1992, a new coalition government made up of the ruling parties from both the former Yemeni states was formed.

August 1993: Vice President Withdraws to Aden

In August 1993, Vice President al-Beidh withdrew to Aden and said he would not return to the government until his grievances were addressed, including northern violence against his Yemeni Socialist Party and the economic marginalization of the south.

1993: Historic Town of Zabid inscribed

In 1993, the historic town of Zabid was inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

1993: General People's Congress Wins Election

In the 1993 parliamentary election, the first held after unification, the General People's Congress won 122 of 301 seats.

February 1994: Accord Signed in Amman

An accord between northern and southern leaders was signed in Amman, Jordan on 20 February 1994, but this could not stop the civil war.

1994: Political Deadlock Drags On

In 1994, negotiations to end the political deadlock dragged on. The government of Prime Minister Haydar Abu Bakr Al-Attas became ineffective due to political infighting.

1994: Radio broadcasting draws back

Radio broadcasting drew back after 1994, due to destroyed infrastructure resulting from the 1994 civil war.

1994: Progress made on diplomatic front

Since the end of the 1994 civil war, tangible progress has been made on the diplomatic front in restoring normal relations with Yemen's neighbors.

1995: Rise in number of doctors

According to the World Bank, the number of doctors rose by an average of more than 7 percent between 1995.

1995: Education Spending

In 1995, Yemen's education spending was 5% of GDP.

1999: Ali Abdullah Saleh Elected President

Ali Abdullah Saleh became Yemen's first directly elected president in the 1999 presidential election, winning 96% of the vote.

1999: Saleh becomes first elected president

President Ali Abdullah Saleh became the first elected president in reunified Yemen in 1999.

October 2000: Attack on USS Cole

In October 2000, 17 U.S. personnel died after an al-Qaeda suicide attack on the U.S. naval vessel USS Cole in Aden.

2000: Rise in number of doctors

According to the World Bank, the number of doctors rose by an average of more than 7 percent between 2000.

2000: Yemen and Saudi Arabia sign border treaty

In the summer of 2000, Yemen and Saudi Arabia signed an International Border Treaty, settling a 50-year-old dispute over the location of the border between the two countries.

2001: Subdivisions within Yemen's governorates

As of 2001, Yemen's governorates are subdivided into 333 districts, which are further subdivided into 2,210 sub-districts, and then into 38,284 villages.

2001: Violence Surrounds Referendum

In 2001, violence surrounded a referendum, which apparently supported extending Saleh's rule and powers.

2002: Healthcare Expenditures in Yemen

In 2002, total expenditures on health care in Yemen constituted 3.7 percent of GDP. The per capita expenditure for health care was US$58 according to United Nations statistics and US$23 according to the World Health Organization.

April 2003: Parliamentary elections held

Parliamentary elections were held in April 2003, and the General People's Congress maintained an absolute majority.

2003: Hospital Beds Available

In 2003, Yemen had only 0.6 hospital beds available per 1,000 persons.

2003: National Basic Education Development Strategy

In 2003, the government developed the National Basic Education Development Strategy, aiming to provide education to 95% of children between six and 14 years old and decrease the gap between males and females in urban and rural areas.

June 2004: Houthi Insurgency Begins

In June 2004, the Houthi insurgency in Yemen began when dissident cleric Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi launched an uprising against the Yemeni government.

2004: Doctor to population ratio

As of 2004, there were still only three doctors per 10,000 persons in Yemen.

2005: Increased Education Spending

By 2005, Yemen had increased its education spending to 10% of GDP.

2005: Clashes Over Rising Fuel Prices

In 2005, at least 36 people were killed in clashes across the country between police and protesters over rising fuel prices.

September 2006: Saleh re-elected

President Ali Abdullah Saleh was re-elected to office in September 2006, in an election that international observers judged as partly free.

2006: Yemen's defense budget

In 2006, Yemen's defense budget represented approximately 40 percent of the total government budget.

2006: Saleh Wins Presidential Election

In the 2006 presidential election, Saleh won with 77% of the vote.

July 2007: Suicide Bombing in Marib Governorate

In July 2007, a suicide bomber killed eight Spanish tourists and two Yemenis in the Marib Governorate.

September 2007: Government announces reinstatement of compulsory military service

In September 2007, the Yemeni government announced the reinstatement of compulsory military service.

2007: Refugee population in Yemen

In 2007, Yemen hosted a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 124,600.

2007: Volcanic eruptions on Jabal al-Tair Island

Jabal al-Tair Island had volcanic eruptions in 2007.

March 2008: World Bank Project Approved

In March 2008, the World Bank approved a seven-year project to improve gender equity and the quality and efficiency of secondary education, with a focus on girls in rural areas.

September 2008: Car Bombings Outside U.S. Embassy in Sana'a

In September 2008, car bombings outside the U.S. embassy in Sana'a killed 18 people, including six of the assailants.

2008: Rising food prices and poverty in Yemen

In 2008, rising food prices pushed an additional six percent of the country into poverty and led to food riots in poorer cities.

October 2009: Yemen's first liquified natural gas plant began production

Yemen's first liquified natural gas plant began production in October 2009.

2009: Yemen could become first nation to run out of water

In 2009, The Times wrote "Yemen could become first nation to run out of water" because of severe water scarcity.

2010: Adult literacy rate

In 2010, the adult literacy rate in Yemen was 64%.

2010: Yemen hosts Arabian Gulf Cup

Yemen's biggest sports event was hosting the 20th Arabian Gulf Cup in Aden and Abyan in 2010. However, Yemen was defeated in the first three matches of the tournament.

March 2011: Police snipers open fire on pro-democracy camp

In March 2011, police snipers opened fire on a pro-democracy camp in Sana'a, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people.

October 2011: Tawakul Karman wins Nobel Peace Prize

In October 2011, Yemeni human rights activist Tawakul Karman was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council condemned the violence in Yemen and called for a transfer of power.

November 2011: Saleh signs Gulf Co-operation Council plan

On November 23, 2011, President Saleh flew to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to sign the Gulf Co-operation Council plan for political transition, agreeing to transfer presidential powers to his deputy, Vice President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.

2011: Mass protests due to Arab Spring

In 2011, local frustration at Saleh's refusal to hold another round of elections, as combined with the consequences of the 2011 Arab Spring, resulted in mass protests.

2011: Political Crisis Begins

Since 2011, Yemen has been enduring a political crisis, marked by street protests against poverty, unemployment, corruption, and President Saleh's plan to amend Yemen's constitution and eliminate the presidential term limit.

2011: Yemeni Revolution

The 2011 Yemeni revolution followed other Arab Spring mass protests in early 2011. The uprising was initially against unemployment, economic conditions, and corruption, as well as against the government's proposals to modify the constitution of Yemen so that Saleh's son could inherit the presidency.

February 2012: AQAP claims responsibility for suicide attack

In February 2012, AQAP claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the presidential palace, resulting in the deaths of 26 Republican Guards, on the day President Hadi was sworn in.

February 2012: Hadi wins uncontested presidential elections

In February 2012, Hadi took office for a two-year term after winning the uncontested presidential elections. Saleh also returned in February 2012, and parliament granted him full immunity from prosecution, despite protests.

September 2012: Car bomb attack in Sana'a

In September 2012, a car bomb attack in Sana'a killed 11 people, a day after a local al-Qaeda leader, Said al-Shihri, was reported killed in the south.

2012: Aden International Port ends agreement with Dubai Ports World

Aden International Port had ended its agreement to manage two container terminals with Dubai Ports World in 2012, due to economic decline and failure to fulfill commitments.

2012: Yemen's active military personnel

By 2012, Yemen had 401,000 active military personnel, making it the second largest military force on the Arabian Peninsula after Saudi Arabia.

2012: Groundwater situation in Sana'a

By 2012, in Sana'a, the water table had dropped to 1,200 metres (3,900 feet) below the surface.

2012: U.S. special-operations troops present in Yemen

By 2012, there was a small contingent of U.S. special-operations troops in Yemen, in addition to CIA and U.S. military presence, to combat increasing terror attacks by AQAP. The Yemeni military was able to push Ansar al-Sharia back and recapture the Shabwah Governorate following the election of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.

2012: Saleh Resigns

In 2012, Ali Abdullah Saleh resigned as president of Yemen in the wake of the Arab Spring.

2012: Yemen ranked last in Global Gender Gap Report

In 2012, Yemen was ranked last out of 135 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report, reflecting significant gender inequality issues.

December 2013: Creation of Soqatra Governorate

In December 2013, Soqatra Governorate was created, comprising Socotra Island, previously part of Hadramaut Governorate.

2013: Yemen's GDP (PPP)

As of 2013, Yemen had a GDP (PPP) of US$61.63 billion, with an income per capita of $2,500.

2013: Government budget of Yemen

As of 2013, the government's budget consisted of $7.769 billion in revenues and $12.31 billion in expenditures, with a public debt of 47.1% of GDP.

2013: Industrial production growth rate

In 2013, Yemen had an industrial production growth rate of 4.8%.

2013: Yemen's exports and imports

In 2013, Yemen's exports totaled $6.694 billion, mainly crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, and liquefied natural gas. Imports totaled $10.97 billion, mainly machinery, equipment, foodstuffs, livestock, and chemicals.

2013: Yemen classified as a Tier 3 country in Trafficking in Persons report

In 2013, the United States Department of State classified Yemen as a Tier 3 country in its Trafficking in Persons report, indicating that the government does not fully comply with minimum standards against human trafficking.

September 2014: Houthis sweep into the capital

In September 2014, the Houthi insurgency intensified as anti-government forces led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi swept into the capital, Sana'a, forcing Hadi to agree to a unity government.

2014: GDP dropped after start of civil war

After the start of the civil war in 2014, Yemen's GDP dropped rapidly by over 50%, due to the blockade led by Saudi Arabia and an embargo on oil exports imposed by the Houthis.

2014: Parliamentary and presidential elections planned

In 2014, Al-Hadi was expected to oversee the drafting of a new constitution, followed by parliamentary and presidential elections.

2014: Constitutional panel decides to divide Yemen into six regions

In 2014, a constitutional panel decided to divide Yemen into six regions, creating a federalist model of governance, which contributed to the Houthi coup d'état.

January 2015: Government mass resignation

In January 2015, the Houthis continued to pressure Hadi and his ministers, even shelling the president's private residence and placing him under house arrest, until the government's mass resignation.

February 2015: Houthis dissolve parliament

In February 2015, the Houthis dissolved parliament and declared a Revolutionary Committee under Mohammed Ali al-Houthi as the interim authority in Yemen, a move widely rejected by opposition politicians and foreign governments.

February 2015: Hadi flees to Aden

On February 21, 2015, Hadi managed to flee from Sana'a to Aden, rescinding his resignation in a televised speech and calling for recognition as the constitutional president of Yemen.

March 2015: Saudi Arabia announces Operation Decisive Storm

In March 2015, Hadi declared Aden Yemen's temporary capital. However, on March 26, 2015, Saudi Arabia announced Operation Decisive Storm, launching airstrikes and leading a military coalition against the Houthis.

2015: Civil War Engulfs Yemen

By 2015, Yemen became engulfed by an ongoing civil war with multiple entities vying for governance, including the Presidential Leadership Council of the internationally recognized government, and the Houthi movement's Supreme Political Council. This conflict, which has escalated to involve various foreign powers, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis.

2015: Saudi-led coalition intervenes in Yemen

In 2015, a Western-backed military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, including the United Arab Emirates, intervened in Yemen to restore the ousted government, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.

2015: Christians from a Muslim background

In 2015, a study estimated that 400 Christians from a Muslim background resided in Yemen.

2015: Yemeni civil war delays infrastructure

In part due to the 2015 Yemeni civil war, the infrastructure required to build better access to water has been delayed in construction. It is estimated that as many as 80% of the population struggles to access water to drink and bathe.

March 2016: Missionaries of Charity attack in Aden

After Hadi troops took control of Aden from Houthis, jihadist groups became active in the city, and some terrorist incidents were linked to them such as Missionaries of Charity attack in Aden on 4 March 2016.

2016: Yemeni Jews brought to Israel

Around 2016, approximately 200 Yemeni Jews were brought to Israel by the Jewish Agency.

2016: Yemen famine begins

Yemen has been suffering from a famine since 2016 as a result of the civil war.

December 2017: Ali Abdullah Saleh assassinated

On December 4, 2017, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh was assassinated by Houthis while attempting to flee clashes near Sana'a.

2017: Starvation deaths in Yemen

In 2017, more than 50,000 children in Yemen died from starvation.

2017: UN Human Rights Council votes to create a team of experts to investigate suspected breaches of humanitarian law and human rights in Yemen

In 2017, the UN Human Rights Council voted to create a team of experts to investigate suspected breaches of humanitarian law and human rights in Yemen.

February 2018: STC seizes Aden

In February 2018, Aden was seized by the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council.

2019: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2019, Yemen was ranked 129th in the Global Innovation Index.

2019: United Nations Report on Humanitarian Aid

In 2019, the United Nations reported that Yemen had the highest number of people in need of humanitarian aid, amounting to about 24 million individuals, or nearly 75% of its population.

March 2020: Trump administration cuts aid to Yemen

In March 2020, the Trump administration, along with allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, cut tens of millions of dollars in healthcare and aid to Yemen, impacting UN programs and millions of people.

June 2020: Human rights group reveals scale of torture and deaths in Yemen's unofficial detention centres

In June 2020, a human rights group revealed the scale of torture and deaths in Yemen's unofficial detention centres, with UAE and Saudi forces implicated in shocking treatment of prisoners.

June 2020: Human Rights Watch open letter to UN Secretary-General on "Children and Armed Conflict" report

On 22 June 2020, Human Rights Watch wrote an open letter to the UN Secretary-General on "Children and Armed Conflict" report to improve the protection of children in Yemen.

September 2020: Human Rights Watch demands end to interference in Yemen aid operations

On 14 September 2020, Human Rights Watch demanded an end to the interference caused by Houthi rebels and other authorities in Yemen aid operations.

2020: UNFPA estimates on gender-based violence in Yemen

According to 2020 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates, 6.1 million girls and women were in need of gender-based violence services. The UNFPA also reported a rise in gender-based violence cases amid COVID-19 pandemic, increase in rate of child marriages, most acutely among internally displaced persons (IDPs).

2020: Jewish Population Estimate

According to a 2020 estimate, as few as 26 Jews remained in Yemen.

2020: Yemen's Ranking on Fragile States and Global Hunger Indices

As of 2020, Yemen ranked highest on the Fragile States Index and second-worst on the Global Hunger Index, surpassed only by the Central African Republic.

December 2021: Saudi Arabia pressures to end UN inquiry into human rights infringements in Yemen

In December 2021, The Guardian revealed that Saudi Arabia used "incentives and threats" to end a UN inquiry into human rights infringements in Yemen.

2021: Yemen's population

By 2021 estimates, Yemen's population is 33 million, with 46% under 15 years old and 2.7% above 65 years old.

2021: Global Innovation Index Ranking

In 2021, Yemen was ranked 131st in the Global Innovation Index.

2021: UN estimates war deaths in Yemen

The UN estimated that by the end of 2021, the war in Yemen would have caused over 377,000 deaths, with roughly 70% of deaths being children under age 5.

April 2022: Presidential Leadership Council takes power

After losing the support of the Saudi-led coalition, Yemen's President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned, and the Presidential Leadership Council took power in April 2022.

2022: Yemen's ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index

In 2022, Yemen was ranked 176 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting significant issues with corruption.

2022: Religious Minorities in Yemen

In 2022, Yemen was ranked number five on Open Doors' World Watch List for Christian persecution, and a United Nations report estimated only one Yemeni Jew remained in the country, though crypto-Jews may still reside there.

2023: Yemeni film industry in early stages

As of 2023, only eight Yemeni films have been released in Yemen, showing that the Yemeni film industry is in its early stages.

January 2024: US and allies launch military assault on Houthi targets in Yemen

In January 2024, President Joe Biden announced that the United States, along with Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, initiated a military assault targeting Houthi militant locations in Yemen.

June 2024: Pressure to lease Aden International Port

In June 2024, the UAE-backed STC were putting pressure to lease the Aden International Port to Abu Dhabi Ports, a move opposed by the Parliament and the public.

2024: Yemen missing international support because it has not ratified the Paris Agreement

As of 2024, Yemen is one of three countries which have not ratified the Paris Agreement to limit climate change.

2024: Yemen is the World's Least Peaceful Country

As of 2024, Yemen is regarded as the world's least peaceful country by the Global Peace Index. Additionally, it has the lowest Human Development Index out of all non-African countries. Yemen is also one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change and among the least prepared to handle its effects.