Saturday, 20 January 2018

Socotra Island | Yemen

Where is Socotra?
Socotra is actually a cluster of four islands which are found approximately 220 miles from the coast of Yemen in Asia, and lies in the Arabian Sea. Despite it being geographically closer to Somalia in Africa, it actually falls under the jurisdiction of Yemen.
(Adobe Stock)

What are the prominent industries in Socotra?
Workers on the Socotran Islands have many responsibilities, such as harvesting for pearls, growing dates, and fishing. Given the increased popularity in recent years, the tourism industry has also picked up, and locals are now offering multiple activities such as diving, sailing, hiking and fishing.

What is so special about Socotra?
Socotra has a diverse ecosystem which boasts over 800 species of exotic flora, where a third of these species are unique to the island. In addition to this, you can also find unique species of reptiles, land snails, fish, crustaceans and birds.
(Adobe Stock)

Anything interesting about the Socotran history?
In ancient times, Socotra was a trading hub for Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, selling exclusive medicines, frankincense, and also a scarlet red liquid it extracted from the Dragon's Blood tree which is unique to the island (used for dyes and medicines).

How many people live in Socotra?
The main island of Socotra has a local population of roughly 44,000 people, and they are mainly indigenous or of Arabian descent. Of the other islands, only two are populated, and they are home to around 500 people between them.

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