Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, has reported meager growth since 2000. Its economic fortunes depend mostly on oil. In 2005 oil revenues increased due to higher prices. Yemen was on an IMF-supported structural adjustment program designed to modernize and streamline the economy, which led to substantial foreign debt relief and restructuring. However government dedication to the program waned in 2001 for political reasons. Yemen is struggling to control excessive spending and rampant corruption. The population has grown increasingly upset over the economic situation. In July 2005 a reduction in fuel subsidies sparked riots in which over 20 Yemenis were killed and hundreds were injured.
GDP (purchasing power parity): $17.2 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $14.1 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 2.5% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $800 (2005 est.)
