South America Capitals Quiz
Can you match South American countries with their capitals?
🇾🇪 Yemen
Capital: Sana’a
Sana’a – Yemen’s historic national capital in the western highlands
Sana’a is the capital of Yemen and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the region. Located in a highland basin more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the city is known for the distinctive multi-story houses of its historic center, decorated with geometric patterns and white gypsum. The Old City of Sana’a is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an urban history extending back more than 2,500 years.
📜 Timeline of Sana’a
Ancient Period: Settlement in the Sana’a area dates back more than 2,500 years. The city later formed part of the kingdoms that ruled ancient Yemen, including the Himyarite Kingdom.
7th Century: Sana’a becomes an important Islamic center, and the Great Mosque of Sana’a is established during the early Islamic period.
1962: Following the North Yemen revolution, Sana’a becomes the capital of the Yemen Arab Republic.
1990: North and South Yemen unite to form the Republic of Yemen, with Sana’a as the capital.
2014: Houthi forces take control of Sana’a during the conflict that develops into Yemen’s continuing political and military crisis.
Today: Sana’a remains Yemen’s national capital and is controlled by the Houthi de facto authorities, while the internationally recognized Government of Yemen operates primarily from Aden.
📊 Quick Stats
Origins
More than 2,500 years ago
Language
Arabic
Currency
Yemeni Rial (YER)
Geography
Western Yemen, in a highland basin at more than 2,000 meters above sea level
Time Zone
Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
Calling Code
+967
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
🏛️ Iconic Landmarks
Great Mosque of Sana’a
One of the oldest mosques in Yemen, dating to the early Islamic period and located within the Old City.
Old City of Sana’a
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its densely built tower houses, mosques, gardens, markets, and traditional architectural decoration.
Bab al-Yemen
The best-known historic gateway into the Old City and a recognizable landmark beside Sana’a’s traditional market district.
Current Administrative Status
Sana’a remains Yemen’s national capital. The country’s current political and administrative situation, however, is divided. The United Nations describes Sana’a as being under the control of the Houthi de facto authorities, while the internationally recognized Government of Yemen operates primarily from Aden. Government decrees and cabinet activity continued to be issued from Aden during 2026.
The security situation also deteriorated again in September 2026. United Nations reporting described intensified fighting along Yemen’s west coast and clashes on several other front lines between Houthi forces and forces aligned with the Government of Yemen. These developments affect the country’s current administration and security situation but do not change Sana’a’s status as Yemen’s capital.
Sana’a’s old city, mosques, markets, and tower houses preserve centuries of Yemeni urban history. It remains the country’s capital, while Yemen’s present political division has placed the internationally recognized government’s main administrative base in Aden.
📖 Sources & References
- 🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Old City of Sana’a
- 🇺🇳 United Nations in Yemen – Sana’a De Facto Authorities
- 🇺🇳 United Nations DPPA – September 2026 Developments in Yemen
- 🇾🇪 Presidential Leadership Council – Government Formation in Aden
These references document Sana’a’s heritage, current control, Yemen’s government structure, and recent security developments.
