Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East. Poverty is widespread with around 42 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Despite considerable progress since the 1990 unification and 1994 civil war Yemen is still an essentially conservative and tribal society and one of the least developed in the world.

Tribal conflicts and tensions between the north and south of the country lead to regular and numerous unnecessary deaths.

Potable water is severely limited and much of the population has no access to healthcare or education.