Known as the roof of Arabia, Yemen is famous for its mountain ranges, ancient history and unique architecture.
Today the average Yemeni earns US$460 a year, making Yemen's 19 million people among the poorest in the world. About 42 percent of households live below the poverty line, and unemployment levels are around 25 percent.
Basic health provision remains inadequate despite recent improvements, and Yemen has the lowest life expectancy in the Arab world.
Yemen also lacks a sustainable water supply. It is estimated that only 12 percent of the population has access to safe sanitation.
Islamic Relief has been continuously active in Yemen since 1998, mainly focused on seasonal Ramadan and Qurbani activities which were implemented through a local partner.
To widen the scope of its work and achieve long-term impact on poverty in Yemen, Islamic Relief decided to open an office in Sanaa, and registered it in June 2003.
The One-to-One sponsorship programme was initiated in Yemen in May 2006. The programme currently sponsors orphans in the capital Sana'a, as well as in Saa'da and Taiz.