Yemen in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Yemeni Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Customs, Aden, Sanaa, Sunni and Shi'a, Sufism, Qat Chewing, Al Qaeda, Houthi Rebellion

These unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Yemen, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Introduction * Geography * Introduction * Area * Geographic Regions and Topographic Features * Coastal Plains * The Yemen Highlands * Eastern Plateau and Desert * Islands * Climate * Drainage * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * Sanaa Aden * Ta' izz * Al Hudaydah (Hodeida) * Al Mukalla * Environmental Issues * Water Scarcity * Other Issues * Natural Hazards * History * Introduction * Ancient Kingdoms * The Advent of Islam * Competing States * North Yemen * South Yemen * Road to Reconciliation * Unified Yemen * Recent Developments * Economy * Introduction * Hydrocarbons * Oil * Natural Gas * Agriculture * Manufacturing * Taxation * Banking * Foreign Investment * Tourism * Society * Introduction * Ethnic Groups and Languages * Religion * Gender Issues * Qat Chews * Food * Clothing * Arts * Poetry * Dance * Architecture * Sports * Security * Introduction * Yemen: "Tribal Republic" * U.S.-Yemen Relations * Relations with Regional Countries * Saudi Arabia * Oman * Iran * Somalia * Terrorist and Insurgent Groups * Al Qaeda * Houthi Rebellion * Southern Mobility Movement * Water Security * Threats to Internal Security * Corruption * Refugees and Economic Migrants * Poverty * Armed Forces * Looking Ahead * Profile * Introduction * Area * Geographic Regions and Features * Coastal Plains * The Yemen Highlands * Eastern Plateau and Desert * Islands * Climate * Drainage * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * Sanaa * Aden * Ta'izz * Al Hudaydah (Hodeida) * Ib * Al Mukalla * History * The Ancient Era * Muslim Powers * The Imperial Age * The Two Yemens * Competing States * Unification: One Yemen State * Conflict, Unrest, and Resource Scarcity * Economy * Government * Media * Ethnic Groups and Languages * Religion * Introduction * Islam * Basic Tenets * Sunni and Shi'a * Sufism: Mystical Faith and Devotions * Religious Divisions in Yemen * Shafi'i * Zaydi * Ismaili * Religion and the State * Islam and Gender * Islam in Daily Life * Religious Events and Festivals * Ramadan * Eid al Fitr * Other Events and Holidays * Places of Worship * Traditions * Introduction * Traditional Social Groups * Honor and Values among Yemeni Tribes * Honor and Shame * Mediating Conflict and Making Amends * Blood Feuds * Weapons * Gender Roles and Relations * Traditional Roles * Gender and Honor * Segregation and Seclusion * Abuse and Honor Killings * Female Genital Mutilation * Qat Chewing * Greetings and Interaction * Right Hand vs. Left Hand * Hospitality and Gift-Giving * Eating Habits * Food and Drink * Dress Codes * Non-Religious Holidays * Do's and Don'ts * Urban Life * Introduction * Urban Conditions * Urban Livelihoods * Housing and Living Conditions * Telecommunications * Health Care * Education * Daily Life * Bath Houses * Restaurants * Marketplace * Transportation * Rural Life * Introduction * Tribes: Organization and Distribution * Tribal Leadership and the State * Land Tenure * Inheritance * Rural Economy and Resources * Qat Cultivation * Food and Water Shortages * Health Care * Education * Transportation * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * Family Life * Introduction * The Typical Household * Family Roles and Responsibilities * Gender Roles * Division of Labor * Marriage, Childbirth, and Divorce * Marriage * Childbirth * Divorce * Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Naming Conventions * Footnotes * Profile