Yemen is one of the oldest countries in the world. It is located in the Middle East, on the Arabian peninsula, on the southwestern bit of the peninsula. It is right across from Africa, with Somalia right across the Gulf of Aden.
Maybe you have heard of the Queen of Sheba? She was Yemeni! In Yemen they call her Bilkis.
Yemen is historically famous for its spices. The Roman emperor Augustus tried to take over Yemen because it was wealthy from its spice trade, but he failed.
Yemen is a pretty large country, it is a bit bigger than the state of California in the USA. It has a population of about 25 million. About 50% of the population is less than 15 years old. Its economy is about 90% dependent on the oil industry. The average annual earnings per person are less than $1000, which is not much money.
Because the country was only unified in 1990 (it was split into North Yemen and South Yemen before then) and then had a civil war, only recently has there been enough stability to have foreign investment and development. Much investment is still in the oil and gas industry. Donna was going to Yemen because her company, Total, is investing in a large project in the south - the largest ever industrial investment in the country, totalling over $4 billion. It is impressive.
The flight to Yemen was great. The staff on British Airways were so nice - they gave me a secret present for Hamish. Here is a picture of me and Carina. Carina is from Sweden. I have a feeling that I am going to meet people from all over the world on my travels with Donna and her colleagues!
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