Yemen

A deep and rich culture

Yemeni Culture

Yemen is a country of mountains, plains, and deserts. It covers an area approximately the size of California and Kentucky combined. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including frankincense and myrrh trees, and the Arabian ostrich.

Yemenis are generally hospitable people who value close relationships with members of their family and community. God and family are considered the most important aspects of their traditional society. Many Yemenis take pride in their country’s dedication to Islam.

Host a Yemeni student in the U.S.

Yemeni People and Community

Yemeni families are often very supportive of each other. Most people live with extended family members under one roof or nearby. The average number of children per family is three or four. Large families are preferred in rural areas. In most families, aunts, uncles, and grandparents help raise the children. Elderly family members are revered in Palestinian culture. Fathers are expected to financially support their children until they leave home. Mothers are responsible for shaping their children’s morals and education. Children are expected to follow and respect their parents’ wishes.

Language and Communication Styles

Arabic is Yemen’s official language.

Food in Yemen

A main Yemeni meal begins with a cup of soup made from meat broth, followed by either fish, chicken, goat, or beef served with vegetables, salad, and rice or pasta. Saltah (a spicy stew made with fenugreek) is a popular dish. Another popular Yemeni dish is aseeda, a large wheat dumpling that can be topped with sweet or savory sauce. Yemenis also eat ful (a spicy bean dish) and scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions, and green chilies. Bint al-sahn is a festive bread served hot with clarified butter and warm honey.