Sanaa

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sanaa

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How many people live in Sanaa?Approximately 3.9 million people (2023 estimate)
2. How big is Sanaa?Approximately 750 km² (290 mi²)
3. What is the capital of Sanaa?Sanaa is the capital city of Yemen
4. What language do people speak in Sanaa?Arabic is the official language
5. Why do the buildings in Sanaa look like gingerbread?The buildings are called gingerbread towers because they have many decorative patterns on their walls. The patterns are made with plaster and look like icing on a cake.
6. Where is Sanaa located?Sanaa sits high up in the Yemeni Highlands, about 2,300 meters above sea level. Because of its height, the weather is cooler and drier than in lower places.

Vernacular architecture: Architecture based on local needs, construction materials, and traditions.
Adobe: Building material made from sun-dried bricks of clay and straw.
Madrasa: A traditional Islamic educational institution.
Caravan routes: Established paths used by groups of merchants traveling together with pack animals.