Yahoo has closed its web directories in four countries, and it seems no one noticed. It happened back in December, and Yahoo is now redirecting those directories to the country-specific web search pages.

Sean Carlos dropped us a note about his blog post today on Antezeta.com, and we got this confirmation from Yahoo:

As part of Yahoo!’s ongoing effort to build products and services that deliver the best possible experiences for consumers, we are increasing investment in some areas while scaling back in others. After careful consideration, Yahoo! will no longer offer the Yahoo! Directory service on December 10, 2009 in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Users in these markets will be redirected to their local version of Yahoo! Search for a superior experience. Yahoo! is focused on innovating in search and continually improving the user experience.

As for the main web directory on Yahoo.com, the spokesperson says: “We have no plans to close the main Yahoo! Directory.”

Related Topics: Top News | Yahoo: Business Issues | Yahoo: Directory | Yahoo: Outside US

About The Author: Matt McGee is Search Engine Land's Executive News Editor, responsible for overseeing our daily news coverage. His news career includes time spent in TV, radio, and print journalism. His web career continues to include a small number of SEO and social media consulting clients, as well as regular speaking engagements at marketing events around the U.S. He blogs at Small Business Search Marketing and can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee and/or on Google Plus. See more articles by Matt McGee