Overview of Eritrea

Profile

A country featuring diverse natural environments combining over 1,350 km of Red Sea coastline with highland regions. The capital Asmara is home to a concentration of colonial-era Art Deco architecture, registered as the UNESCO World Heritage site "Asmara: A Modernist African City." Nine major ethnic groups coexist, developing unique culture including multilingual education and traditional coffee ceremonies. The economy centers on mining and agro-pastoralism, with recent development of gold, zinc, and potash resources. The political system is one-party rule, with President Isaias Afwerki maintaining power since independence. Despite peace with Ethiopia, human rights concerns such as conscription and press restrictions remain, though security is relatively stable and tourists do visit.

Official name: State of Eritrea
Common name: Eritrea
Numeric code: 232
Alpha-3 code: ERI
Alpha-2 code: ER
Population: 3.7 million (2023)
Population density: 31
Primary languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, English
Major religions: Christianity (Eritrean Orthodox Church), Islam (Sunni)
National anthem: Ertra, Ertra, Ertra
Calling code: +291
Internet TLD: .er

History

A trading hub since the ancient Aksumite Kingdom, passing through Italian colonization and Ethiopian federation before independence in 1993.

Flourished in Red Sea trade since ancient times, developing as the port of Adulis for the Aksumite Kingdom. Italy colonized the area in the late 19th century, constructing numerous modernist buildings in Asmara. After WWII, following British military administration, it became a federation with Ethiopia but was forcibly annexed in 1962. After 30 years of the Eritrean War of Independence, liberation forces triumphed in 1991, leading to formal independence via referendum in 1993. Border conflict reignited from 1998 to 2000, but peace agreement with Ethiopia was reached in 2018. One-party system continues with ongoing conscription system and nation-building projects.

Geography & climate

Broadly divided into three zones: fertile western plains, central highlands, and eastern Red Sea coastal lowlands.

Hot and arid coastal zone, temperate highland climate in central plateau

Area: Africa / 117600 km²
Capital: Asmara
Largest city: Asmara
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti

Natural resources

Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Potash, Marble, Granite, Salt, Fishery resources, Wind power, Solar power, Geothermal energy, Gypsum, Natural gas

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (one-party system)

Economy

Currency: Nakfa (ERN)

GDP (nominal): 2.26 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 6.86 billion USD (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, English

Time zone: EAT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, Bilen, Rashaida, Afar, Beja, Kunama, Nara

Life expectancy

66.3

Literacy rate

65.3

National sports

Cycling road racing, Football, Long-distance running, Volleyball, Basketball