Yemen is a country on the Arabian Peninsula, south of Saudi Arabia and west of Oman.

The country is almost entirely Muslim, though there are a handful of Catholic and Anglican chaplaincies in the main cities for foreigners. Even then, these do not function freely or safely—if at all. About two-thirds of the population are Sunni Muslims, while the remaining third are Zaydi. Zaydism is a form of Shi'a Islam, and almost all Zaydi Muslims alive today are in Yemen or southern Saudi Arabia, or have emigrated from Yemen. Several Islamic sources relate how some Yemenis were among the earliest converts to Islam in the 7th century.

The frankincense brought to Jesus at His birth was likely from this region, as it is made from the resin of a tree found there. It is also possible that Yemen is the original place where coffee was grown, though some believe it was nearby Ethiopia. The country is home to the island of Socotra, known for its rare and unique plants and trees.

Yemen was formed in 1990 when two former countries united, but its history since then has not been peaceful. Around 1994, the country descended into civil war—a conflict that continues to this day. Several parties have been involved, supported by foreign countries and groups—the two main ones being Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with several other Muslim countries, Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and more. While the war had settled into an informal ceasefire for years, the Houthis have recently resumed attacks on merchant vessels and have launched rockets at Israel. These weapons are widely suspected to have come from Iran.

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world, but also one of the most fertile. Its total fertility rate (TFR) is among the highest globally, with the average woman giving birth to between 3.5 and 4.5 children during her lifetime. (By comparison, the average woman in the USA gives birth to 1.65 children—below replacement rate.)

Yemeni culture is deeply tied to tribal groups, which has both positive and negative implications. Qat chewing is a common pastime for men. Qat is a mild stimulant, and men often chew it and talk for hours in the afternoon. Unfortunately, it is a water-intensive crop in an arid country. It is also a local tradition for men to carry a curved knife in a scabbard as part of their daily attire. Women's rights are limited in this conservative Islamic culture, though education is a possibility for some.

Some possible questions for your Yemeni friend:

  1. Have you been to Socotra? I’ve heard the plants there are quite unique!

  2. Is it true that coffee originally comes from Yemen?

  3. Ask about the civil war, and then pray for peace in the country together.

  4. Share the story of the Wise Men visiting Jesus, and mention that the frankincense was likely from Yemen. Ask them what they think about the story.