YEMEN

General

Yemen is located in the SW part of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered on the N by Saudi Arabia, on the E by Oman, on the S by the Gulf of Aden, and on the W by the Red Sea.

It also includes the island of Suqutra (Socatra), in the Arabian Sea, and the islands of Mayyun and Kamaran, in the Red Sea.

The coastal areas are sandy and flat, while the interior is mountainous.

The climate is mostly desert; hot and humid along the W coast and extraordinarily hot and dry in the E. The W mountain area is temperate and subject to a seasonal monsoon.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Cautions

Special Warning 121 (Issued 20 March 2003)

Information on Special Warning 121 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

Special Warning 115 (Issued 5 March 2001)

Information on Special Warning 115 can be found in Iraq— Cautions.

Special Warning 113 (Issued 13 October 2000)

1.The level of risk for foreigners in Yemen remains high. On 12 October 2000, several U.S. citizens were killed and many more were injured in an incident involving a U.S. Navy ship in the port of Aden, Yemen in what may have been a terrorist attack. An explosion in the morning of 13 October 2000 caused minor damage to the British Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen and no casualties. While U.S. and Yemeni officials are still cooperating closely to determine the cause of the tragic explosion, the investigation has only started. Under these circumstances, U.S. mariners should avoid Yemeni ports for the present.

2.In light of this and other recent events, the U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Yemen. U.S. citizens should exercise a very high level of caution and should only travel between cities by air or with an armed escort. They should register with the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and remain in contact with the Embassy for updated security information at (97)(1)238-844 through 238-852.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the Yemen riyal, consisting of 100 fils.

Firing Areas

It is reported that military vessels may be encountered exercising in areas centered 50 miles WSW and 18 miles ENE of Aden.

Government

Flag of Yemen

Yemen is a republic. The country is divided into 19 governorates.

Yemen is governed by a directly-elected President serving a 7-year term. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President. The bicameral legislature consists of a 111-member Shura Council appointed by the President and a directly-elected 301member Assembly of Representatives serving 6-year terms.

The legal system is based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary practices.

The official political capital is Sanaa. The economic and commercial capital is the port city of Aden.

Holidays

The following holidays are observed:

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Industries

Crude oil production and petroleum refining are major industries.

Agriculture is the main occupation. Crops include cotton, millet, qat (a narcotic shrub), and fruits. There is a growing fishing industry.

Languages

Arabic is the official language. English is widely understood in the commercial city of Aden.

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Yemen are, as follows:

*Requires advance permission or notification for innocent passage of warships in the territorial sea. Claims a notice requirement for warships, nuclear-powered vessels, and vessels transporting nuclear materials or other radioactive substances prior to entering the territorial sea.

**Also considered a Security Zone.

Regulations

All vessels calling at Al Ahmadi (Hodeidah), Salif, Ras Isa Marine Terminal, and Al Mukha are required to submit the following documentation, via the agent, at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

1.Crew list.

2.Owner and charterer details.

3.Cargo manifest and cargo plan.

4.Dangerous cargo manifest.

5.Copy of last port clearance.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is CHARLIE (-3). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated at Sa’awan Street, Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, Sanaa.

The mailing address is P.O. Box 22347, Sanaa, Yemen.

U. S. Embassy Yemen Home Page

http://usembassy.state.gov.yemen