Ma'rib Governorate

Ma'rib is a governorate of Yemen. It is located 173 kilometers to the northeast of Yemen's capital, Sana'a. The population of Ma'rib Governorate comprises 1.2% of the country's total population. The city of Ma'rib is the capital of the governorate, and was established after the discovery of oil deposits in 1984.Ma'rib Governorate borders Al Jawf Governorate to the north, Al Bayda Governorate to the south, Shabwah Governorate to the southeast, Hadhramaut Governorate to the east, and Sana'a Governorate to the west. Ma'rib Governorate's area is approximately 17,405 square kilometers, divided among 14 districts. Ma'rib District is the biggest district by area.Ma'rib's population in 2004 was 241,619.ClimateThe governorate's climate varies based on elevation. The mountainous and elevated regions, which make up the western half of the governorate, are dominated by a moderate climate with hot summers and relatively cold winters. In the low-lying and plain regions, the climate is hot in the summers and moderate in the winters. The desert regions are characterized by a dry climate: hot in the summers, and cold and dry in the winters.PrecipitationSummer rains fall on most parts of the governorate, but the amount of rainfall is usually small, especially in the eastern parts. Most parts of Ma'rib Governorate suffer from drought, given the sparse rainfall.