Yemen Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
999 m (3,278 ft) |
| Highest point |
Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb: 3,666 m (12,028 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Red Sea coast: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range |
3,666 m (12,028 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Kawkaban: 2,931 m (9,616 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Aden: 2 m (7 ft) |
Yemen's topography is characterized by a mountainous terrain and vast desert plains.
The country has high peaks that tower over deep valleys, making it one of the most geographically diverse countries in the region.
Most of the highlands are found in the west and northwest, where the Sarawat mountain chain runs along the Red Sea, with some peaks exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level.
The desert plains, on the other hand, cover vast areas in the southern and eastern parts of the country, creating a stark contrast to the mountainous west.
Highest Point in Yemen
Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb, standing at a towering 3,666 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Yemen.
Lowest Point in Yemen
The coastal region of the Red Sea, at 0 meters above sea level, is the lowest point in Yemen.
Countries with Similar Topography to Yemen
Yemen's topography shares similarities with other mountainous countries in the region, like Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Yemen
Kawkaban is the highest-elevation city in Yemen, at 2,931 m (9,616 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Kawkaban |
2,931 m |
9,616 ft |
| Dhamar |
2,333 m |
7,654 ft |
| Sana'a |
2,260 m |
7,415 ft |
| Sayyan |
2,136 m |
7,008 ft |
| Ibb |
1,943 m |
6,375 ft |
| Al Mahwit |
1,930 m |
6,332 ft |
| Taiz |
1,400 m |
4,593 ft |
| Zabid |
15 m |
49 ft |
| Al Hudaydah |
14 m |
46 ft |
| Bayt al Faqih |
5 m |
16 ft |
| Aden |
2 m |
7 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Yemen?
The highest point in Yemen is Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb, at 3,666 m (12,028 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Yemen?
The lowest point in Yemen is Red Sea coast, at 0 m (0 ft).
What is the average elevation of Yemen?
The average elevation of Yemen is 999 m (3,278 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Yemen?
Kawkaban is the highest-elevation city in Yemen, at 2,931 m (9,616 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Yemen?
Of the cities listed for Yemen, Aden is the lowest, at 2 m (7 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Yemen?
Elevation in Yemen ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Red Sea coast to 3,666 m (12,028 ft) at Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb, a difference of 3,666 m (12,028 ft).