Pros and Cons of Living in Yemen
Last updated on Jan 06, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Yemen include its rich cultural heritage, its diverse landscape, and its friendly people. On the other hand, the cons of living in Yemen include its ongoing civil war, its high poverty rate, and its lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education.
What are the pros and cons of living in Yemen?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Yemen responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Yemen appreciate the country's rich culture and history, as well as its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Yemeni people and the low cost of living. On the other hand, they may find the lack of modern infrastructure and the security situation in the country to be challenging. Additionally, the limited access to reliable internet and other amenities can be a source of frustration," wrote one expat in Yemen.
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What do expats in Yemen appreciate most about the local culture?
"I appreciate very much that the Yemeni's I met so far are so kind, laid back, friendly, helpful and appreciate it when they feel you are putting the effort into understanding their culture and accepting them just the way they are! Like any relationship (male or female) - have no expectations and don't try to change the other to fit the image in your imagination - and you' be happy," remarked one expat in Sana'a.
"Expatriates in Yemen appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, dance, and art forms. They also enjoy the hospitality of the Yemeni people, who are known for their generosity and kindness. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of dishes from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Finally, expats in Yemen appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its rugged mountains, lush valleys, and stunning coastline," explained one expat living in Yemen.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expatriates in Yemen often find the local culture to be quite challenging due to its conservative nature. Many aspects of the culture, such as the dress code, are strictly enforced and can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for expats, as Arabic is the official language of Yemen and English is not widely spoken. Furthermore, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and adhere to, as they are quite different from those of other countries. Finally, the lack of infrastructure and resources can be a challenge for expats, as it can be difficult to find basic amenities and services," replied an expat in Yemen.
"The most challenging is the pace of doing things, but it's always the case when u travel from even one city to the other! You get use to it and start relaxing instead of being angry and upset," remarked one in Sana'a.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.