South Arabia, Federation of

Former grouping (1959-67) of Arab emirates and sheikhdoms, joined by Aden in 1963. The western part of the area was claimed by Yemen, and sporadic fighting and terrorism from 1964 led to British withdrawal in 1967, when it was called The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen. In 1990 the Republic joined with the Yemen Arab Republic to become the Republic of Yemen.

It was formerly a federation within the Commonwealth, with a total area of about 155,400 sq km/60,000 sq mi and a population of about 750,000. The capital was Al-Ittihad. The federation promoted coordination of resources, education, medical services, defence, and communications between the constituent states, and was normally governed by a Federal Council of 94 members. Executive powers were vested in a Supreme Council of Ministers. The nucleus of the federation, calling itself the Federation of Arab Emirates of the South, was formed in 1959 by the six states of Baihan, Dhala, Audhali, Fadhli, Lower Yafa, and Upper Aulaqi. In succeeding years more states joined, making 14 in all, and the name was changed to Federation of South Arabia in April 1962. The frontier was the scene from 1964-66 of sporadic fighting, especially in the Jebel Radfan area, 100 km/62 mi north of Aden, instigated by the United Arab Republic, which infiltrated agents into Aden. Failure of the federal government to condemn or take action against terrorism, which was largely directed at British services, resulted in suspension of the constitution in September 1965 and the resumption of direct rule, though plans for eventual independence in 1968 were not abandoned.