Yemeni citizens the poorest in the world

The International Bank said Yemen and Mauritania are among the countries whose citizens earning power is the lowest income in the world.

A report concerning development in 1997 said the average individual income in Yemeni is about $360 per year.

The average individual income in Yemen dropped from $500 in 1990 to $280 in 1996 due to the political disturbances and the economic crisis in the country. International organizations estimated the poverty rate to be between 41% and 46%.

In a effort to improve the economy, the first phase has been launched of a program for social development with a capital of $80 million, and with joint financing from the Yemeni government, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the International Bank and the Dutch government.