In the 7th century, Islam was introduced to Yemen, and the region became part of the expanding Islamic caliphate. During the 9th century, the Zaydi Shia sect established a state in northern Yemen, which lasted until the 16th century. In the south, the coastal cities of Aden and Mukalla became centers of trade and were ruled by various sultanates.

In the 16th century, Yemen came under Ottoman rule, which lasted until the early 20th century. In 1918, the Ottomans were defeated by the British, who then established a protectorate over the region. In 1967, southern Yemen gained independence from Britain, while the northern part of the country remained under the rule of Imam Ahmad bin Yahya until 1970.

In 1978, the two parts of Yemen were united to form the Yemen Arab Republic, with Ali Abdullah Saleh as its president. However, internal conflicts and political instability continued to plague the country. In 1990, Yemen merged with the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen to form the current Republic of Yemen.

Since the 1990s, Yemen has been facing numerous challenges, including poverty, political instability, and terrorism. In 2011, a popular uprising led to the overthrow of President Saleh, and a transitional government was formed. However, the country remained in a state of crisis, with ongoing conflict between various factions and the intervention of foreign powers. As of 2021, Yemen continues to face a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity, displacement, and the threat of disease.