Yemen is a country located at the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. However, it has been embroiled in a severe and complex crisis for over a decade. Here's an overview of the current situation in Yemen:

Overview of Yemen

• Location and Geography: Yemen is a mostly mountainous and arid country, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east. Its capital is Sanaa, and it has a population of approximately 34.7 million people, predominantly Arab Muslims218.

• Economic Status: Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and North Africa, facing significant challenges to sustainable development. It has the lowest Human Development Index among non-African countries and is highly vulnerable to climate change216.

Current Crisis

• Conflict: Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized control of Sanaa. The conflict escalated in 2015 with the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognized government. The war has drawn in regional powers, including Iran, and has become part of a broader Sunni-Shia conflict913.

• Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Over 18.2 million people require humanitarian assistance, with widespread hunger, disease, and displacement312. The situation is exacerbated by economic collapse, including currency depreciation and fuel shortages1.

• Human Rights Violations: All parties to the conflict have been accused of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance. The Houthis have been particularly criticized for targeting UN staff and civil society workers3.

• Recent Developments: The conflict continues to escalate, with recent attacks on critical infrastructure and cross-border hostilities involving Israel. The UN has called for de-escalation efforts to prevent further destabilization in the region57.

Economic Outlook

• Economic Challenges: Yemen's economy faces significant challenges, including fragmentation and external shocks. The real GDP is projected to contract by 1.5% in 2025, with nominal GDP per capita expected to drop by 19%1.

• Potential for Recovery: Despite these challenges, there is potential for economic recovery if peace is achieved. Under a peace scenario, Yemen's economy could grow by an average of 5% annually over the next 15 years1.

In summary, Yemen is facing a multifaceted crisis that includes severe humanitarian, economic, and political challenges. The ongoing conflict and external pressures continue to exacerbate these issues, making Yemen one of the most fragile states globally.