Socotra

Socotra (Somali: Suqadara, ‘’’’) is an island east of the Horn of Africa. It lies between the Guardafui Channel and the Indian Ocean. Socotra belongs to Yemen. During the Yemeni Civil War (2014–present) it is under the control of the Southern Leadership Council.

Geography

To its west is an archipelago of much smaller islands also called the Islands of San Gustav after the navigator who discovered them, Gustav Peter Galle Daniels. It is located 240 kilometres (149 mi) east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometres (236 mi) south of the Arabian Peninsula.

Climate

Socotra has a borderline tropical, desert climate and semi-desert climate (Köppen climate classification: BWh and BSh), with an average yearly temperature over 25 degrees Celsius (25 °F). With a total of only 193 millimetres (7.6 in), the yearly rainfall is light but is fairly spread throughout the year. The total rainfall in the mountains can average as much as 800 millimetres (31.5 in) per year and can average over 250 millimetres (9.84 in) per month from October to December, during the northeast monsoon. The southwest monsoon season from June to September brings strong winds and high seas.

Wildlife

The island is very isolated and some 30% of its plant species are found only on Socotra. It has been described as the most alien-looking place on Earth. The island is 132 kilometres (82 mi) in length and 49.7 kilometres (30.9 mi) in width.

Country

Socotra belongs to the Republic of Yemen. From late 2017 to mid-2018, Socotra was occupied by the United Arab Emirates. In 2018, the island was also occupied by Saudi Arabia. The Emiratis and later the Saudis came to Socotra because of the Yemeni Civil War (2015–present). Since 2017, Socotra is no longer under the control of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The island is under the control of the UAE and under the authority of the sessecionist Southern Transitional Council which is supported by UAE troops.