Economy

Aden, national capital and chief port of Yemen (Aden), situated on the Gulf of Aden and on a peninsula enclosing the eastern side of Bandar at-Tawahi (Aden Harbour). The former administrative capital of the nation, MadInat ash-Sha’b (q.v.), lies on the western side. The city has been a trade centre since antiquity and is mentioned in the Bible. During the 16th century it came under Turkish control; the British established themselves there by treaty in 1802. Under Britain, Aden became a coaling station on the sea route to India, and in 1937 it was made a crown colony. In 1953 an oil refinery was built at Little Aden, on the western side of the bay. Aden became partially self-governing in 1962 and was incorporated in the Federation of South Arabia in 1963. It then became involved in a struggle between two rival nationalist groups before finally becoming part of the independent republic in 1967.

It was made the national capital in 1968. The contemporary city consists of three sections: Crater, the old commercial quarter; atTawahi, the business section; and Ma’alah, the native harbour area. Its economy is based almost entirely on its functions as a commercial centre for nearby states and as a refuelling stop for ships; the latter activity declined considerably during the closure of the Suez Canal (1967—75). The city has some small industries, including light manufacturing, evaporation of Commercial harbour at Aderi, Yemen (Adeni Chares Harbuit Mannum