Partsnof Yemen were ruled by Britain. But on this date in 1963, the Yemeninfought against the British and eventually won their independence.
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nBeingnindependent isn’t easy. Even though the nation of Yemen is fairlynsmall (smaller than the state of Texas), it divided into North andnSouth Yemen, and later reunited, and then split again; theocraticngovernments were followed by a Communist government, and last year ancitizens’ revolt attempted to put in place more democraticngovernmental structures.
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Yemennis considered one of the poorest Arab nations. This is surprising tonme, because it seems it would control southern access to the Red Sea.nThe nation’s strategic position paid off a long time ago: it wasnrich, based on the spice trade and trading frankincensenand myrrh. n
Yemennis considered one of the poorest Arab nations. This is surprising tonme, because it seems it would control southern access to the Red Sea.nThe nation’s strategic position paid off a long time ago: it wasnrich, based on the spice trade and trading frankincensenand myrrh. nn
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nSonwhy is Yemen poorer than its neighbors, nowadays? Younmay have guessed that Yemen has little oil—and you’d be right! n
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nEvennthough Yemen’s oil reserves are small, its economy depends heavily onnthis oil production, and the government depends on oil taxes.
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nBut,nguess what? Those oil reserves are expected to run out in about fivenyears. And this will cause one of the poorest Arab countries tonbecome a whole lot poorer!
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nAlsonon this date:
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Birthday of Quaker and Pennsylvania founder William Penn
Birthday of Quaker and Pennsylvania founder William Penn n
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World Egg Day
World Egg Day n
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