Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a large country in the southern Arabian Peninsula. It borders Saudi Arabia, Oman, and shares maritime borders with Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. With a population of roughly 34.7 million, it is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen is a member of the Arab League, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
1904: Yahya Hamidaddin's Rebellion Against Ottoman Rule
Imam Yahya Hamidaddin initiated a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in 1904, aiming to challenge their control over Yemen.
1911: Treaty Between Imam Yahya and the Ottomans
A treaty was established between Imam Yahya Hamidaddin and the Ottoman Empire in 1911, granting Imam Yahya autonomy over the Zaydi-dominated northern highlands of Yemen.
1911: Yahya Hamidaddin's Rule in Northern Yemen
From 1911 onward, Imam Yahya hamid ed-Din al-Mutawakkil held independent authority over the northern highlands of Yemen, from where he initiated a campaign to unify the Yemeni territories.
1918: Ottoman Departure from Yemen
The Ottoman Empire concluded its rule in Yemen in 1918, marking the end of their presence in the region.
1925: Capture of al-Hudaydah
Imam Yahya successfully seized control of the port city of al-Hudaydah from the Idrisids in 1925.
1926: Italian Recognition of Imam Yahya as King of Yemen
In 1926, the Italian Empire became the first nation to formally acknowledge Imam Yahya as the King of Yemen, raising concerns among the British regarding Imam Yahya's claim to sovereignty over Greater Yemen, including Aden and Asir.
1927: British Bombing of Imam Yahya's Forces
In 1927, as Imam Yahya's forces approached Aden, Taiz, and Ibb, they were subjected to a five-day bombing campaign by the British, forcing them to retreat.
1932: Idrisis Seeking Support from Imam Yahya
Following a breakdown in their agreement with Ibn Saud, the Idrisis turned to Imam Yahya for assistance against Ibn Saud's attempts to absorb their territories into his Saudi domain.
May 1934: Ceasefire and Treaty Between Imam Yahya and Ibn Saud
Following the Saudi-Yemeni war, a ceasefire was declared in May 1934. Imam Yahya consented to the release of Saudi captives and the handover of the Idrisis to Saudi control. He also relinquished control of the provinces of Najran, Asir, and Jazan for a period of 20 years.
1943: Emergence of Resistance to British Rule in Aden
The year 1943 witnessed the rise of labor unions and the initial instances of opposition to British rule in Aden.
1950: Yemen's Population in 1950
In 1950, Yemen's population was 4.3 million.
1951: Yemen's Commitment to Refugee Protection
Yemen became a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, demonstrating its commitment to protecting refugees.
1962: Establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic
In 1962, following a coup and a period of civil war, the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen was dissolved and replaced with the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen).
1962: Death of Imam Ahmad bin Yahya and the North Yemen Civil War
The death of Imam Ahmad bin Yahya in 1962 led to a power struggle and the eruption of the North Yemen Civil War. The conflict involved the Hamidaddin royalists, backed by Saudi Arabia, Britain, and Jordan, against the military rebels, supported by Egypt.
1962: Abolition of Social Stratification
The formal system of social stratification in Yemen was officially abolished in 1962 when the Republic of Yemen was established. However, in practice, this hierarchical system persists, continuing to influence social organization based on lineage and occupation.
1962: Abolition of Slavery
Yemen officially abolished slavery in 1962.
January 1964: British Operation Nutcracker in Radfan
In January 1964, the British military undertook Operation Nutcracker, a scorched-earth campaign that resulted in the widespread destruction of Radfan, in response to support for the National Liberation Front (NLF) in the region.
November 1967: Formation of South Yemen
On November 30, 1967, the state of South Yemen was established, encompassing Aden and the former Protectorate of South Arabia. This newly formed socialist nation adopted the official name of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and embarked on a nationalization program.
1967: Independence of South Yemen
In 1967, the British Aden Protectorate gained independence and became the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen), marking the establishment of the first and only officially socialist state in the Arab world.
1967: Yemen's Endorsement of the 1967 Protocol on Refugees
Yemen further solidified its dedication to refugee protection by signing the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.
1972: War Between North and South Yemen
In 1972, a war erupted between North Yemen and South Yemen. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire and negotiations mediated by the Arab League, which envisioned eventual unification.
1978: Ali Abdullah Saleh Becomes President of North Yemen
In 1978, Ali Abdullah Saleh assumed the presidency of the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen).
1978: Sana'a's Rapid Population Growth
Sana'a's population has experienced rapid growth, surging from about 55,000 in 1978 to nearly 1 million in the early 21st century.
1979: Resumption of Fighting and Unification Efforts
In 1979, fighting resumed between North and South Yemen, while efforts to reunify the two states were renewed.
1982: UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Walled City of Shibam in Wadi Hadhramaut was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982.
1986: UNESCO Recognition for Sana'a
The Old City of Sana'a was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
1986: South Yemen Civil War and Aftermath
The South Yemen Civil War in 1986 resulted in thousands of deaths. President Ali Nasser Muhammad fled to the north but was later sentenced to death for treason, leading to the formation of a new government.
May 1990: Unification of Yemen
After reaching a full agreement for joint governance, North and South Yemen merged on May 22, 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen. Ali Abdullah Saleh assumed the presidency, while Ali Salim al-Beidh, the former South Yemeni president, became vice president. They also established a unified parliament and constitution.
1990: South Semitic Language Speakers in Yemen
According to the 1990 census, Soqotri, another South Semitic language spoken on the island of Socotra, had 57,000 speakers.
1990: Yemen's Opposition to Intervention in Kuwait
Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Yemen's President Saleh opposed military intervention by non-Arab states. As a member of the UN Security Council, Yemen abstained from or voted against resolutions regarding the crisis, leading to backlash from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
1990: Yemen's Unification and Economic Challenges
Following its unification in 1990, Yemen faced significant economic struggles, becoming one of the poorest countries in the Middle East.
1990: Radio Broadcasting Reform
Following unification in 1990, Yemen's government restructured its broadcasting corporations and established new local radio stations.
1990: Unification of Yemen
The Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) merged in 1990, leading to the creation of the present-day Republic of Yemen.
1991: Expulsion of Yemenis from Saudi Arabia
In 1990 and 1991, Saudi Arabia expelled approximately 800,000 Yemeni nationals as a retaliatory measure against Yemen's opposition to the Gulf War.
1991: Constitution Establishes Republic
Yemen's 1991 constitution established the country as a republic with a bicameral legislature. The constitution outlines a power-sharing arrangement between the elected president, the Assembly of Representatives, and the appointed Shura Council.
1992: Food Riots and Political Instability
Widespread food riots erupted across major Yemeni towns in 1992, reflecting growing discontent and economic hardship.
August 1993: Vice President al-Beidh's Withdrawal
In August 1993, Vice President al-Beidh withdrew to Aden, citing grievances against the north, including violence against his Yemeni Socialist Party and economic marginalization of the south. He refused to rejoin the government until his concerns were addressed.
1993: First Parliamentary Election in Unified Yemen
The first parliamentary election in unified Yemen took place in 1993. The General People's Congress emerged victorious, securing 122 out of 301 seats.
1993: Zabid: A Historical and Archaeological Gem
The historic town of Zabid, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, served as Yemen's capital from the 13th to the 15th centuries and holds significant archaeological and historical value.
February 1994: Amman Agreement and Escalating Tensions
Despite the signing of an accord between northern and southern leaders in Amman, Jordan, on February 20, 1994, efforts to prevent a civil war in Yemen failed. Tensions continued to rise, leading to a military buildup by both the northern and southern armies along their respective borders.
1994: End of the Civil War
Marked the end of the 1994 civil war, leading to progress in restoring diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
1994: Continued Political Deadlock and Ineffective Government
Negotiations to resolve the political crisis in Yemen extended into 1994. However, Prime Minister Haydar Abu Bakr Al-Attas's government struggled to function effectively due to persistent political infighting.
1994: Impact of Civil War on Broadcasting
The 1994 civil war in Yemen resulted in the destruction of broadcasting infrastructure, leading to a setback in the growth of radio broadcasting.
1995: Education Spending
Yemen's education spending was 5% of its GDP in 1995.
1999: First Elected President of Reunified Yemen
Ali Abdullah Saleh became the first elected president of reunified Yemen in 1999, after previously serving as president of unified Yemen since 1990 and president of North Yemen since 1978.
1999: First Direct Presidential Election
Ali Abdullah Saleh secured victory in Yemen's first direct presidential election in 1999, garnering 96% of the vote. His sole opponent was Najeeb Qahtan Al-Sha'abi, the son of a former South Yemeni president, who ran as an independent candidate despite being a member of Saleh's General People's Congress party.
October 2000: USS Cole Bombing
In October 2000, an al-Qaeda suicide attack targeted the USS Cole, a U.S. Navy destroyer, in the port of Aden, Yemen, resulting in the deaths of 17 U.S. Navy personnel.
2000: International Border Treaty
Yemen and Saudi Arabia signed the International Border Treaty in 2000, resolving a long-standing border dispute that had persisted for half a century.
2001: Yemen's Administrative Subdivision Count
As of 2001, Yemen was divided into 21 governorates, 333 districts, 2,210 sub-districts, and 38,284 villages.
2001: Yemen Joins War on Terror and Referendum Controversy
Following the September 11 attacks, President Saleh pledged Yemen's support to the U.S.-led War on Terror. However, a referendum held later that year, purportedly endorsing the extension of Saleh's rule and powers, sparked violence and controversy.
2002: Healthcare Expenditure
In 2002, Yemen allocated 3.7 percent of its GDP to healthcare expenditures.
April 2003: Parliamentary Elections
Parliamentary elections held in April 2003 saw the General People's Congress maintain its absolute majority.
2003: National Basic Education Development Strategy
In 2003, Yemen implemented the National Basic Education Development Strategy, aiming to provide education to 95% of children aged 6 to 14 and bridge the educational gap between genders and urban and rural areas.
2003: Hospital Bed Availability
In 2003, Yemen had a limited number of hospital beds, with only 0.6 beds available per 1,000 people.
June 2004: Shia Insurgency Begins
The Shia insurgency in Yemen erupted in June 2004 when Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, a prominent Zaidi Shia cleric, initiated an uprising against the government. The government accused the Houthis of seeking to overthrow the state and impose Shia religious law, while the rebels claimed they were fighting against discrimination and government aggression.
2004: Doctor-to-Patient Ratio
As of 2004, Yemen had a ratio of only three doctors for every 10,000 people.
2005: Increased Education Spending
By 2005, Yemen had doubled its education spending to 10% of its GDP.
2005: Clashes Erupt over Fuel Prices
Clashes broke out across Yemen in 2005, resulting in at least 36 fatalities, as police clashed with protesters demonstrating against rising fuel prices and deteriorating economic conditions.
September 2006: Ali Abdullah Saleh's Re-election
Ali Abdullah Saleh won a second term as president in September 2006 in an election that was marred by violence, press freedom violations, and fraud allegations.
2006: Saleh Wins Presidential Election
Ali Abdullah Saleh was re-elected as president in 2006 with 77% of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Faisal bin Shamlan. He was sworn in for a new term on September 27.
2006: Yemen's Defense Budget
Yemen allocated a significant portion of its national budget, approximately 40%, to defense spending in 2006.
July 2007: Terrorist Attack in Marib
A suicide bombing in Marib province in July 2007 killed ten individuals, including eight Spanish tourists and two Yemenis, highlighting the growing security threat posed by terrorism in the country.
September 2007: Reinstatement of Compulsory Military Service
The Yemeni government announced the return of mandatory military service in September 2007.
2007: Volcanic Eruption on Jabal al-Tair Island
In 2007, Jabal al-Tair, a volcanic island belonging to Yemen, experienced a volcanic eruption. This event highlighted the volcanic activity in the region, with a previous eruption recorded in 1883.
March 2008: World Bank Education Project
The World Bank approved a seven-year project in March 2008 to promote gender equality and enhance the quality and efficiency of secondary education, particularly for girls in rural Yemen.
September 2008: U.S. Embassy Bombing and Crackdown on Protests
In September 2008, two car bombs exploded outside the U.S. embassy in Sana'a, killing 18 people, including six attackers. That same year, police opened fire on an opposition rally in Sana'a, where demonstrators were demanding electoral reforms, further escalating political tensions.
2008: Impact of Khat Cultivation and Food Prices
The cultivation of khat, a psychoactive plant, consumed a significant amount of water in Yemen, displacing vital crops and contributing to rising food prices. In 2008 alone, this led to an additional six percent of the population falling into poverty and sparked food riots in poorer cities.
January 2009: Formation of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
The Saudi Arabian and Yemeni branches of al-Qaeda merged in January 2009, forming a new entity known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Based in Yemen, AQAP attracted a significant number of Saudi nationals, including former Guantanamo Bay detainees released by President Saleh on the condition of good behavior. However, terrorist activities continued despite these releases.
October 2009: Commencement of Yemen's First LNG Plant
Yemen's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant began operations in October 2009.
December 2009: U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen
On December 17, 2009, under the orders of U.S. President Barack Obama, U.S. forces carried out airstrikes targeting suspected al-Qaeda training camps in Yemen's Sana'a and Abyan provinces. The strikes, however, missed their intended targets, striking a village instead and killing 55 civilians, including 28 children. Another airstrike followed on December 24.
2009: Renewed Offensive Against Shia Insurgents
The Yemeni army, with support from Saudi forces, launched a renewed offensive against Shia insurgents in 2009. The fighting resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians. The Shia rebels accused Saudi Arabia of backing Salafi groups to suppress Zaidism in Yemen.
2009: Yemen's Water Crisis Highlighted
In 2009, The Times published an article highlighting the severe water scarcity in Yemen, predicting that it could become the first nation to completely exhaust its water resources.
February 2010: Ceasefire Agreement
A ceasefire agreement between the Yemeni government and Shia insurgents was reached in February 2010, providing temporary respite from the conflict.
2010: Adult Literacy Rate
In 2010, the adult literacy rate in Yemen was reported to be 64%.
2010: Increased U.S. Military Aid and Drone Strikes
The U.S. government increased military aid to Yemen to $140 million in 2010. The U.S. also initiated a series of drone strikes in Yemen to address the perceived growing terrorist threat amidst the country's political turmoil. These drone strikes continued even after the removal of President Saleh from power.
2010: 20th Arabian Gulf Cup
Yemen hosted the 20th Arabian Gulf Cup in Aden and Abyan in 2010.
March 2011: Pro-Democracy Protests Turn Violent
In March 2011, amidst a growing pro-democracy movement, police snipers in Sana'a opened fire on a protest camp, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people.
September 2011: Controversial Drone Strike Kills U.S. Citizens
A U.S. drone strike in September 2011 killed Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan in Yemen, both U.S. citizens. The strike ignited controversy over U.S. drone policy and its implications for targeting individuals based solely on suspicion without due process.
October 2011: International Condemnation and Nobel Peace Prize
By October 2011, international support for Saleh's regime waned. The UN Security Council condemned the violence and called for a power transfer. Notably, Yemeni human rights activist Tawakul Karman was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
October 2011: Drone Strike Kills Anwar al-Awlaki's Son
In October 2011, another U.S. drone strike in Yemen killed Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, the teenage son of Anwar al-Awlaki. The strike further fueled the debate regarding the legality and morality of U.S. drone operations, particularly when they result in civilian casualties.
November 2011: Saleh Agrees to Transfer Power
On November 23, 2011, facing mounting pressure, President Saleh agreed to the Gulf Co-operation Council's plan for political transition. He signed the agreement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and transferred power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
2011: Mass Protests and Unrest
In 2011, mass protests erupted in Yemen, fueled by frustration over Saleh's refusal to hold new elections and the broader consequences of the Arab Spring.
2011: Yemeni Revolution
Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings, the Yemeni Revolution erupted in 2011. The protests were driven by widespread grievances over high unemployment rates, deteriorating economic conditions, government corruption, and President Saleh's attempts to amend the constitution to pave the way for his son's succession.
2011: Start of the Yemeni Political Crisis
Beginning in 2011, Yemen plunged into a political crisis fueled by public demonstrations against poverty, unemployment, corruption, and President Saleh's attempts to extend his rule.
February 2012: AQAP Attacks Presidential Palace
On the day of President Hadi's inauguration in February 2012, AQAP claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the presidential palace. The attack resulted in the death of 26 Republican Guards.
February 2012: Hadi Assumes Office, Saleh Returns
Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi assumed the presidency after winning the uncontested election in February 2012. A unity government, including opposition members, was formed. Despite protests, Saleh returned to Yemen and was granted immunity from prosecution by parliament.
September 2012: Car Bombing in Sana'a
In September 2012, a car bomb exploded in Sana'a, killing 11 people. This attack followed reports of the death of a local al-Qaeda leader, Said al-Shihri, in southern Yemen.
2012: Yemen's Military Force
Yemen had a substantial military presence in 2012, with an estimated 401,000 active personnel, making it the second-largest military force in the Arabian Peninsula after Saudi Arabia.
2012: Global Gender Gap Report
The Global Gender Gap Report in 2012 placed Yemen last out of 135 countries, indicating a significant disparity between men and women in terms of access to resources and opportunities.
2012: Resignation of Ali Abdullah Saleh
After governing Yemen for over two decades, President Ali Abdullah Saleh resigned in 2012 amidst widespread protests during the Arab Spring.
2012: Previous Aden Port Agreement Termination
In 2012, Aden International Port ended a management agreement with Dubai Ports World for two container terminals. The termination was attributed to Yemen's economic downturn and the failure of the agreement to meet expectations.
2012: Saleh's Resignation
Facing mounting pressure, Ali Abdullah Saleh resigned from the presidency in 2012. However, he remained influential in Yemeni politics, later aligning with the Houthis during their rise in the mid-2010s.
2012: Depletion of Groundwater in Sana'a
By 2012, the water table in Sana'a had drastically dropped to 1,200 meters below the surface from 30 meters in the 1970s, indicating severe groundwater depletion and lack of effective regulation.
2012: US Increases Military Presence
In 2012, due to the escalating terror attacks by AQAP, the US increased its military presence in Yemen. This included special operations troops, CIA operatives, and an unofficially acknowledged military presence.
December 2013: Creation of Soqatra Governorate
In December 2013, Soqatra Governorate was established, encompassing Socotra Island, which was previously part of Hadramaut Governorate.
2013: US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report
The US State Department's 2013 Trafficking in Persons report placed Yemen in the Tier 3 category, indicating that the government was not meeting minimum standards for combating human trafficking and lacked significant efforts to address the issue.
2013: Yemen's Industrial Growth Rate
In 2013, Yemen experienced an industrial production growth rate of 4.8%.
2013: Yemen's Economic Structure and GDP
In 2013, Yemen's GDP (PPP) was US$61.63 billion, with a per capita income of $2,500. The service sector dominated the economy (61.4% of GDP), followed by industry (30.9%) and agriculture (7.7%).
2013: Yemen's Trade Balance and Major Trading Partners
In 2013, Yemen's exports amounted to $6.694 billion, with crude oil, coffee, dried and salted fish, and LNG being the main commodities. China, Thailand, India, and South Korea were the primary export destinations. Imports totaled $10.97 billion, consisting mainly of machinery, foodstuffs, livestock, and chemicals, primarily from the EU, UAE, Switzerland, China, and India.
2013: Yemen's Government Budget and Economic Indicators
In 2013, the Yemeni government's budget stood at $7.769 billion in revenues and $12.31 billion in expenditures, resulting in a budget deficit of 10.3%. Public debt accounted for 47.1% of GDP, while foreign exchange and gold reserves reached $5.538 billion. Inflation based on consumer prices was 11.8%, and external debt totaled $7.806 billion.
September 2014: Houthi Insurgency Intensifies
The Houthi insurgency escalated in September 2014 when they seized control of Sana'a, forcing President Hadi to agree to a "unity" government. The Houthis, however, refused to participate, maintaining pressure on the government.
2014: Civil War and Economic Decline
After the outbreak of civil war in 2014, Yemen's GDP plummeted by over 50% due to a Saudi Arabia-led blockade and a Houthi-imposed embargo on oil exports.
2014: Proposal for Federal Governance and Houthi Coup
In 2014, a constitutional panel decided to divide Yemen into six regions, establishing a federalist model of governance. This proposal contributed to the Houthi coup d'état against the government.
2014: Planned Elections
The political transition plan included drafting a new constitution, followed by parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for 2014.
January 2015: Government Resignation
Under pressure from the Houthis, including shelling of the presidential residence and Hadi's house arrest, the Yemeni government resigned en masse in January 2015.
February 2015: Hadi Flees to Aden
President Hadi escaped house arrest in Sana'a and fled to Aden in February 2015. He declared Aden as Yemen's temporary capital and called for international recognition of his presidency.
February 2015: Houthis Seize Power
In February 2015, the Houthis dissolved parliament and declared themselves the interim authority in Yemen. They called their takeover a "glorious revolution," though it faced widespread condemnation internationally.
March 2015: Saudi-led Intervention Begins
As the Houthis advanced south towards Aden in March 2015, Saudi Arabia launched "Operation Decisive Storm." This military intervention aimed to counter the Houthis, who Saudi Arabia claimed were supported by Iran. The US provided logistical support.
2015: Houthi Conflict and U.S. Support for Saudi Intervention
By 2015, the Shi'a Houthi movement was engaged in conflicts with various groups in Yemen, including the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. government provided support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen, which aimed to counter the Houthis' growing influence. However, reports suggested that some within the U.S. military and intelligence communities viewed the Houthis as a potential ally in combating al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
2015: Impact of Civil War on Water Access
The 2015 Yemeni civil war exacerbated the water crisis, delaying infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to water. An estimated 80% of the population faced difficulties in accessing water for drinking and sanitation due to bombing and displacement.
2015: Outbreak of the Yemeni Civil War
By 2015, the political crisis in Yemen escalated into a full-blown civil war, with various factions, including the Houthi movement, the internationally recognized government, and the Southern Transitional Council, competing for control.
2015: Saudi-led Coalition Intervention
A Western-backed military coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen in 2015. This intervention aimed to reinstate the government that had been overthrown by the Houthi movement.
2015: Estimate of Christians from Muslim Backgrounds
A 2015 study estimated that 400 Christians from a Muslim background were residing in Yemen.
February 2016: Al-Qaeda and Saudi-led Forces Clash with Houthis
In a complex situation on the ground in Yemen, al-Qaeda forces and the Saudi-led coalition were observed fighting against the Houthi rebels in the same battle in February 2016. The convergence of these different factions highlighted the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the challenges in finding a resolution.
March 2016: Terrorist Attack in Aden
Following the recapture of Aden by Hadi forces, Jihadist groups became active in the city. A significant attack linked to them was the Missionaries of Charity attack in March 2016.
2016: Aliyah of Yemeni Jews to Israel
Around 2016, approximately 200 Yemeni Jews were relocated to Israel by the Jewish Agency.
2016: Famine and Cholera Outbreak
Yemen has been grappling with a devastating famine since 2016, a consequence of the ongoing civil war. This humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a cholera outbreak affecting over a million people.
December 2017: Saleh Assassinated
In a significant turn of events, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed by Houthi rebels in December 2017. He was accused of treason while attempting to flee clashes near Sana'a.
2017: UN Human Rights Council Investigation
Responding to concerns about potential violations, the UN Human Rights Council voted to establish an expert team in 2017 to investigate alleged breaches of humanitarian law and human rights in Yemen.
2017: Child Deaths from Starvation
The severity of the famine in Yemen was tragically highlighted in 2017 when over 50,000 children died from starvation. The Saudi-led coalition's blockade has been condemned by many as a contributing factor to this humanitarian crisis.
February 2018: Separatists Seize Aden
In February 2018, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, a separatist group, took control of Aden.
2019: Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
In 2019, the United Nations identified Yemen as the country with the largest population in need of humanitarian assistance, with approximately 24 million people, representing almost 75% of its population, requiring aid.
2019: Previous Global Innovation Index Ranking
Yemen's ranking in the 2019 Global Innovation Index was 129th.
March 2020: US Aid Cuts to Yemen
The Trump administration and its allies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, halted millions of dollars in aid to Yemen in March 2020. This decision severely impacted healthcare programs and other UN relief efforts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
June 2020: Torture and Deaths in Unofficial Detention Centers
A human rights group in June 2020 exposed the widespread torture and deaths occurring within Yemen's unofficial detention facilities. The report implicated UAE and Saudi forces in some of the most brutal treatment of detainees.
June 2020: Human Rights Watch Open Letter
Human Rights Watch addressed an open letter to the UN Secretary-General in June 2020, urging improvements to the protection of children caught in conflict zones, particularly in Yemen and Myanmar.
September 2020: Human Rights Watch Call for End to Aid Interference
Highlighting the urgent humanitarian situation, Human Rights Watch in September 2020 demanded an end to the obstruction of aid operations in Yemen caused by Houthi rebels and other authorities.
2020: Yemen's Ranking on Fragile States Index and Global Hunger Index
In 2020, Yemen attained the highest ranking on the Fragile States Index and the second-worst position on the Global Hunger Index, only behind the Central African Republic.
2020: UNFPA Report on Gender-Based Violence
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated in 2020 that 6.1 million women and girls in Yemen required services related to gender-based violence.
2020: Estimated Jewish Population in Yemen
By 2020, the estimated Jewish population in Yemen had dwindled to as few as 26 individuals.
December 2021: Saudi Pressure on UN Inquiry
In December 2021, The Guardian reported that Saudi Arabia had exerted pressure, including "incentives and threats", to halt a UN investigation into human rights violations in Yemen.
2021: Yemen's Population Estimate
In 2021, Yemen's population was estimated to be 33 million, with a significant youth population (46% under 15 years old).
2021: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Yemen held the 131st position in the 2021 Global Innovation Index.
2021: Estimated War Deaths
By the end of 2021, the UN estimated that the war in Yemen had resulted in over 377,000 deaths. This estimate tragically indicated that a significant proportion, approximately 70%, were children under five years old.
April 2022: Hadi Resigns, Presidential Leadership Council Formed
Following the loss of support from the Saudi-led coalition, President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned in April 2022. The Presidential Leadership Council assumed power in his place.
2022: Yemen Ranked Fifth on Open Doors' World Watch List
In 2022, Yemen was ranked fifth on Open Doors' World Watch List, indicating a high level of persecution faced by Christians in the country.
2022: Corruption Perceptions Index Ranking
Yemen ranked very low in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index in 2022, placing 176th out of 180 countries. This ranking reflects serious concerns about corruption within the country.
2023: Yemeni Film Industry
As of 2023, the Yemeni film industry is still in its nascent stages, with only eight Yemeni films released.
January 2024: US and Allies Launch Military Operation
The United States, along with Britain and allies (Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands), initiated a military assault targeting Houthi militant positions in Yemen in January 2024.
June 2024: Controversy over Aden Port Lease
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) faced strong opposition in June 2024 when they attempted to lease the Aden International Port to Abu Dhabi Ports. Critics argued that the move would undermine Yemen's economy and give the UAE excessive control.
2025: Illiteracy Reduction Goal
The Yemeni government has set a goal to reduce illiteracy rates to less than 10% by 2025.
2050: Yemen's Projected Population Growth
By 2050, Yemen's population is projected to reach approximately 60 million.