President Saleh
President: Ali Abdallah Saleh 

President Saleh was re-elected in 1999 in Yemen's first-ever direct presidential election. He won more than 96% of the vote, but the main opposition party, which was barred from fielding a candidate, described the poll as a sham. 

A referendum in 2001 extended the presidential term in office from five to seven years. 

Saleh became president of the new republic created by the merger of the two Yemens in 1990. He had previously been president of the Yemen Arab Republic since 1978. 

Country Profile: Yemen

The reputed home of the Queen of Sheba, Yemen has been at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia for thousands of years thanks to its key position on the ancient spice routes. 

The reputed home of the Queen of Sheba, Yemen has been at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia for thousands of years thanks to its key position on the ancient spice routes. 

EGYPT FACTS
Population: 20 million (UN, 2003)  
Capital: Sanaa 
Major language: Arabic
Major religion:Islam 
Life expectancy: 59 years (men), 61 years (women) (UN)  
Monetary unit: 1 Yemeni riyal = 100 fils 
Main exports: Crude oil, cotton, coffee, fish 
Annual average income: US $450 (World Bank, 2001) 
Internet domain:.ye
International dialling code: 967