Revolutions broke out in North Yemen in 1962 and in South Yemen in 1967. In 1990 the two states unified, and that May 23 the tricolor was adopted, its design influenced by the former United Arab Republic. The black is for the dark days of the past, white for the bright future, and red for the blood shed for independence and unity.

Yemen Official name: Al-Jumhuriyah al-Yamaniyah (Republic of Yemen). Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (House of Representatives [301]). Head of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 16,388,000. Population projection: (2000) 17,521,000; (2010) 24,794,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1994): 33.3 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$6,016,000,000 (U.S.$380 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 3.8%; pasture 30.4%; agriculture 2.9%; other 62.9%.

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