The Republic of Yemen is located on the southwest corner of the Arabian Peninsula and bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman. The country has experienced fragmented political control due mostly to the region’s geography of mountains and desert. This unique region, with its complex social structure, highly individualized style of architecture, great natural beauty, and long cultural traditions, has a recorded history that dates back to biblical times. Present-day Yemen was created in 1990 out of the peaceful unification of the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY). Despite peaceful unification, civil war between the leaders of northern and southern Yemen later erupted and produced casualties, and economic and infrastructural damage. While Yemen remained a unified country, cultural differences between regional groups in Yemen abound. Some reflect the cultural and genetic influence of Southeast Asia, others the racial and cultural influences of nearby Africa, and an urban influence reminiscent of British India. Throughout history, Yemen has served as an important link in trade among the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and South Asia. Its location on a busy sea route between Asia and Europe continues this role.