Yemenis

Yemenis are the citizens or people of Yemeni origin. The term covers residents of the Republic of Yemen as well as the extensive Yemeni diaspora. While most Yemenis are ethnically Arab, the population includes regional and tribal diversity that reflects centuries of contact across the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea littoral.

Geographic distribution: The majority live in Yemen. Large communities are also found in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and other Gulf states, drawn by work opportunities and family ties. Smaller communities exist in Europe, North America, and Africa.

Language: Yemeni Arabic comprises several regional dialects. Modern Standard Arabic is used in education and media. Minority languages, such as Soqotri, Mehri, and Shehri, belong to the South Arabian language group and are spoken in certain regions and communities.

Religion: Islam is the predominant faith, with Zaidi Shia communities in the north and various Sunni traditions elsewhere, notably Shafi'i. There are historical minority communities, including Jews and Christians, whose numbers have declined due to emigration and conflict.

Culture and society: Yemeni identity is often linked to family and tribal affiliations, hospitality, and customary law. Traditional crafts, poetry, and music reflect regional diversity. Yemeni cuisine features dishes such as saltah and mandi, and regional foods vary between highland and coastal areas. Notable architectural heritage includes historic towns and tower houses.

History: The modern Yemeni state emerged with the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen in 1990. Since 2014 Yemen has experienced a complex conflict that has affected governance, humanitarian conditions, and displacement, while the diaspora maintains economic and cultural ties with the homeland.