Ibb
7.6
High score (8-10)
Ibb city is the capital of Ibb governorate and the most significant urban center in central Yemen — historically known as the 'Green Province' because of its fertile agricultural land and heavy rainfall, which is genuinely unusual for Arabia. It has a functioning university, a real city center with markets and commercial streets, and a population that has more exposure to outsiders than anywhere else in the governorate. Foreign workers with UN and NGO organizations have maintained a presence here even during the conflict, meaning your presence has context and precedent. The male social world here is more varied than in rural districts — tea shops, markets, university connections — and a credentialed foreign man can build a genuine social network among educated local men relatively quickly.
Mid score (6-8) · Your profile
Ibb city has functional urban infrastructure, a university, and the most developed commercial district in the governorate. Some NGO and international presence makes foreigners less anomalous here than in rural districts. Social life remains conservative and gender-segregated, but the urban setting offers more male social venues — cafes, markets, professional circles. Manageable as a base for work in the wider governorate, though the conflict environment remains a real constraint.
Lower score (below 6)
Ibb city is under Houthi administrative control, which adds a significant political layer to foreign presence that doesn't exist in government-controlled areas. Foreign nationals need proper documentation and organizational cover to operate here safely. While it's the most urban environment in the governorate, security risks from the conflict and the political sensitivity of the Houthi zone make this a difficult environment for anyone without serious institutional backing and Yemen experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the median income in Ibb, Ibb?
$1k median
What's the typical marriage age for women in Ibb, Ibb?
Women marry at 19
How common is a college degree in Ibb, Ibb?
8% men have degree
What's the average male height in Ibb, Ibb?
163 cm local avg
What's the average BMI for women in Ibb, Ibb?
Local women avg 23.3