'amran, Yemen

Capital City

Living in a walled Yemeni city with active security concerns isn't for the faint-hearted. 'Amran, population 90,792, sits 53 kilometers northwest of Sana'a in a historically significant but politically volatile region. The deteriorating security situation and ongoing conflicts make this a challenging place for any foreigner considering relocation.

The city's ancient walls, dating to 1720, enclose a settlement that's been continuously inhabited since pre-Islamic times. While the surrounding fertile plain supports agriculture and was once central to Yemen's coffee industry, modern infrastructure is limited. The city has one small public hospital, and though Chinese investment has improved the main road to Sana'a, basic services remain unreliable. The old souq with its stone columns offers a glimpse into traditional commerce, but economic opportunities for outsiders are severely restricted in today's climate.