Yemen: Background and U.S. Relations
Abstract
This report summarizes Yemen's domestic situation, foreign relations, and ties with the United States. It will be updated as significant developments occur. With limited natural resources, a crippling illiteracy rate, and high population growth, Yemen faces an array of daunting development challenges that some observers believe make it at risk for becoming a failed state in the next few decades. Between 2007 and 2008, it ranked 153 out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index, a score comparable to the poorest sub-Saharan African countries. Over 43% of the population lives below the poverty line, and per capita GDP is estimated to be between $650 and $800. Yemen is largely dependent on external aid from Persian Gulf countries, Western donors, and international financial institutions, though its per capita share of assistance is below the global average.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 22, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA494275
Entities
People
- Jeremy M. Sharp
Organizations
- Library of Congress