Feature

Description

Location

About 65 miles southwest of Socotra in the Indian Ocean; part of the Socotra Archipelago.

Country

Yemen (Mainland Yemen is over 320 km to the north).

Proximity to Africa

Approximately 110 km east-northeast of Cape Gwardafuy (Guardafui), Somalia.

Highest Point

Mount Jebel Saleh, is over 700 meters altitude.

Population

Fewer than 500 residents.

Settlements

Small settlements connected by a dirt road.

Main Livelihood

Fishing.

Notable Flora

Euphorbia abdalkuri, is a unique plant with toxic and caustic sap.

Category

Details

Geography

Yemen is located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia to the north, and Oman to the northeast.

It has coastlines along the Red Sea (west) and Indian Ocean (south).

Demography

Estimated population: 34.7 million.

Majority: Arab Muslims. Yemen is home to various ethnic and tribal groups, contributing to its rich cultural heritage.

Historical Significance

Yemen has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 7,000 years.

Notable ancient kingdoms: Sabaean (1200 BC) and Himyarite (275 AD), which played major roles in cultural and trade networks.

Modern History

19th century: Divided between the Ottoman Empire (north) and the British Empire (south).

1962: North Yemen (Yemen Arab Republic) established.

1967: South Yemen (People's Democratic Republic of Yemen) gained independence.

United as the Republic of Yemen in 1990.

Recent Political Situation and Civil War

Since 2015, Yemen has been in a civil war involving the internationally recognized Yemeni government and Houthi rebels, backed by foreign powers.

The war has caused significant instability, making Yemen one of the most unstable regions in the Middle East.

PRACTICE QUESTION

1. Consider the following statements regarding Abd-al-Kuri Island:
2. It is located approximately 65 miles southwest of Socotra, part of the Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
3. Mount Jebel Saleh, the highest point on the island, stands at an altitude of over 700 meters.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. A) 1 only
2. B) 2 only
3. C) Both 1 and 2
4. D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Abd-al-Kuri Island is located about 65 miles southwest of Socotra, part of the Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Abd-al-Kuri Island is part of Yemen. It is located approximately 110 km east-northeast of Cape Gwardafuy in Somalia, but it belongs to Yemen.

Statement 2 is correct: Mount Jebel Saleh, the highest point on the island, stands at an altitude of over 700 meters.