Yemen: Arabia Felix

Yemen, on the Arabian Peninsula's southern tip, was known as "Arabia Felix" (Happy Arabia) in ancient times for its fertility and prosperity. Today, Yemen faces humanitarian crisis from ongoing civil war, though it maintains rich cultural heritage and historic architecture.

Sana'a, the capital, features distinctive tower houses decorated with geometric patterns, representing unique Yemeni architecture. The ancient city of Shibam, with its tower houses, is called "the Manhattan of the desert." Yemen was home to the Queen of Sheba and ancient kingdoms controlling frankincense trade routes.

Yemeni culture includes distinctive architecture, coffee cultivation (mocha coffee originated here), and qat chewing tradition. Despite current war causing devastating humanitarian crisis, Yemenis maintain resilient spirit, hospitality traditions, and hope for peace. The country's strategic location controlling the Bab-el-Mandeb strait gives it geopolitical significance.