Shia Islam in Yemen

Religion in Yemen primarily consists of two major Islamic branches. According to the CIA's World Factbook, Collectively, Yemeni Shias account for third of the country's 40 million people. Zaydi Muslims are predominantly located in the north and northwest regions of Yemen, while Shafi'is, a Sunni school of thought, are prevalent in the south and southeast. In addition to the Islamic population, Yemen is home to a small number of Christians, estimated to number 3,000, as well as only 5 Jews. ==History==

According to historical narrations, Islamic identities in Yemen have been categorized into two main Islamic orientations: Shia Zaydism and Sunni Shafi‘i. Also, a small population of Shia Ismailis are seen in the country. The population density of Zaydis historically is highest in the north of Yemen in Sa’dah, Amran, al-Jawf, Hajjah and Dhamar provinces. Shafiism is the dominant school of jurisprudence in lower Yemen, the eastern part of the country, and the Tihamah region. However, Zaydis and Shafei populations do not necessarily live in separated regions. For instance, the Sa’dah region is known for its high population of Zaydis, but in some areas, notably al-Hishwah, al-Zahir, Shida and Ghamr, Sunnis make up a considerable part of the population. ==Houthi movement==

According to Charles Schmitz, a professor at Towson University, the Houthis' origins harken back to Al-Shabab al-Muminin (the Believing Youth), a group active in the early 1990s. The Believing Youth concentrated on raising awareness about the Zaydi branch of Shia Islam, which had ruled Yemen for centuries. However after the North Yemen Civil War in the 1960s, they were suppressed by the Yemeni government. Out of them became Yemen's Shia minority, containing 25% of the country's Muslims. The Houthi movement, which belongs to Yemen's Zaydi Muslim community and that fought a series of rebellions against Ali Abdullah Saleh during the last decade, took control of its northern heartland around Saada province and its nearby areas. ==See also==