Yemen
Language and population of Yemen
The population of Yemen was about 28 million according to July 2005 estimates, with 46% of the population being under 15 years old and 2.7% above 65 years. In 1950, it was 4.3 million. By 2050, the population is estimated to increase to about 60 million.
Yemen has one of the world's highest birth rates; the average Yemeni woman bears five children. Although this is similar to the rate in Somalia to the south, it is roughly twice as high as that of Saudi Arabia and nearly three times as high as those in the more modernized Persian Gulf states. Yemen's population is increasing by 700,000 every year.
Coffee and Qishr in Yemen
Qahwa, or Arabic coffee, is a symbol of hospitality in Yemen. If you get an invitation to drink qahwa, do accept it, as it would be considered impolite to refuse. Gahwa is made from fresh roasted coffee beans to which is added cardamom, saffron or maybe a little rosewater.
Money & duty free for Yemen
Yemeni Riyal (YER) = 100 fils, though amounts under 1 Riyal are rarely quoted. Notes are in denominations of YER1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of YER20, 10, 5 and 1.