Capital: Asmara

Population (Estimated July 2012): 6,086,495

Area: 121,144 km² or 46,774 mi²

Currency: Nakfa (Nfa)

Official Language: Tigrinya, Arabic or English

Political Information: Single party Provisional Government

Official Religion: No Official Religion (Predominantly Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant)

Highest Mountain: Dega at 3047m or 9997ft

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $2.6 billion (US$) or (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States) 

(Estimated 2011): $3.978 billion (US$) or (GBP)

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Eritrea

Eritrea, officially known as the State of Eritrea, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. The northeastern and eastern parts of the country have a coastline along the Red Sea. Asmara, the capital city, is situated in the central highlands and is known for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long and bloody struggle for self-determination. The country has a population of around 3.5 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, Afar, Bilen, and Kunama. The official languages are Tigrinya, Arabic, and English, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Eritrea has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements and ancient civilizations. The country has been influenced by various empires and kingdoms, including the Axumite Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Italian colonial rule. Eritrea’s strategic location along the Red Sea has made it a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its diverse and vibrant society. Despite its tumultuous past, Eritrea has emerged as a proud and independent nation, with a unique identity and a strong sense of national pride. In recent years, the country has faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and strained international relations. However, Eritrea remains resilient and determined to overcome these obstacles and build a brighter future for its people.

History of Eritrea

The history of Eritrea is a complex tapestry of ancient civilizations, colonialism, and the struggle for independence. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The ancient kingdom of D’mt, which flourished in the region around 1000 BC, was one of the earliest known civilizations in Eritrea. The Axumite Empire, which rose to power in the 1st century AD, also had a significant influence on the region, leaving behind impressive ruins and monuments that still stand today. In the 19th century, Eritrea came under Ottoman rule, followed by Italian colonial occupation in the late 1800s. The Italians developed Eritrea as a strategic outpost for their empire, building infrastructure and introducing modern technologies.

However, Italian colonial rule was marked by exploitation and oppression, leading to widespread resistance and rebellion among the local population. During World War II, Eritrea was occupied by British forces and later became a United Nations Trust Territory under British administration. In 1952, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia under the auspices of the United Nations, leading to a period of political turmoil and unrest. The Eritrean War of Independence began in 1961, as various rebel groups fought against Ethiopian rule. After decades of armed struggle and international support, Eritrea finally gained independence in 1993, following a referendum in which the overwhelming majority of the population voted for secession from Ethiopia. The struggle for independence cost thousands of lives and left deep scars on the nation’s psyche, but it also forged a strong sense of national identity and unity among the Eritrean people.

Culture and Society in Eritrea

Eritrea is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects its long history of trade, migration, and conquest. The country’s population is made up of several ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and customs. The Tigrinya people are the largest ethnic group in Eritrea and have had a significant influence on the country’s culture and society. The Tigrinya language is widely spoken throughout the country and is an important part of Eritrean identity. Other major ethnic groups include the Tigre, Saho, Afar, Bilen, and Kunama, each with its own distinct cultural practices and beliefs.

Eritrean society is deeply rooted in traditional values and customs, with a strong emphasis on family, community, and respect for elders. Extended families often live together in compounds or villages, sharing resources and responsibilities. Traditional gender roles are also prevalent in Eritrean society, with men typically responsible for providing for their families while women take care of domestic duties. However, women also play an important role in agriculture and small-scale businesses, contributing to the household income. Eritreans are known for their hospitality and generosity towards guests, often offering food and drink as a sign of welcome and friendship. Traditional music and dance are an integral part of Eritrean culture, with each ethnic group having its own unique musical styles and instruments. Festivals and religious celebrations are also important occasions for Eritreans to come together and celebrate their heritage.

Geography and Climate of Eritrea

Eritrea is a geographically diverse country with a varied landscape that includes mountains, deserts, and coastal plains. The central highlands are the most prominent feature of the country’s geography, with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters above sea level. The highlands are home to fertile valleys and plateaus that support agriculture and provide a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. The western lowlands are characterized by arid savannahs and scrubland, while the eastern lowlands bordering the Red Sea are hot and dry with sparse vegetation. The Danakil Depression in the northeast is one of the hottest and driest places on earth, with temperatures often exceeding 50°C.

Eritrea experiences a semi-arid climate with two main seasons: a dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. Rainfall is generally low and erratic, leading to frequent droughts and water shortages in many parts of the country. The coastal areas have a more moderate climate with higher humidity and occasional monsoon rains during the summer months. Despite its challenging climate, Eritrea has managed to develop sustainable agricultural practices that have enabled it to feed its population and export surplus crops such as sorghum, millet, barley, and wheat. The country’s diverse geography and climate have also made it a haven for wildlife, including rare species such as the African wild ass, Dorcas gazelle, and Grevy’s zebra.

Economy and Development in Eritrea

Eritrea’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and fishing, with limited industrial development due to its small domestic market and lack of infrastructure. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population, with subsistence farming being the most common form of agricultural production. Small-scale farmers grow crops such as sorghum, millet, barley, wheat, lentils, and vegetables for domestic consumption and local markets. Livestock rearing is also an important part of Eritrea’s agricultural sector, providing meat, milk, hides, and wool for both domestic use and export.

Mining is another key sector of Eritrea’s economy, with significant deposits of gold, copper, zinc, potash, and other minerals. The Bisha mine in western Eritrea is one of the largest gold producers in Africa and has attracted foreign investment from companies such as Nevsun Resources Ltd. Fishing is an important source of income for coastal communities along the Red Sea, providing employment opportunities and food security for thousands of people. However, Eritrea’s economy faces numerous challenges due to limited access to international markets, lack of foreign investment, political instability, and restrictive government policies. The country has also been affected by international sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in response to alleged human rights abuses and support for armed groups in neighbouring countries.

Political Situation in Eritrea

Eritrea has been ruled by the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) since gaining independence in 1993. The PFDJ is a single-party regime led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has been in power since independence. The government has been criticised by human rights organisations for its authoritarian rule, lack of political freedoms, arbitrary detention of political opponents, censorship of media, forced conscription into national service, and other human rights abuses. Despite these challenges, the government has maintained tight control over all aspects of public life through its extensive security apparatus.

The lack of political pluralism has led to widespread discontent among many Eritreans who seek greater political participation and democratic reforms. However, dissent is often met with harsh repression by state security forces, leading to a climate of fear and self-censorship among civil society organisations and independent media outlets. The government’s policies have also contributed to a brain drain as many educated professionals have fled the country in search of better opportunities abroad. In recent years, there have been signs of growing internal dissent within the ruling party as well as calls for reform from within the military establishment.

Eritrea’s Relations with the International Community

Eritrea’s relations with the international community have been strained due to its involvement in regional conflicts and alleged support for armed groups in neighbouring countries such as Somalia and Sudan. In response to these allegations, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Eritrea in 2009 that included an arms embargo, travel bans on government officials, and asset freezes on individuals and entities suspected of supporting armed groups in Somalia or destabilising the region. The sanctions were partially lifted in 2018 following a rapprochement between Eritrea and Ethiopia that led to a historic peace agreement ending decades of hostility between the two countries.

Eritrea’s relations with other countries have also been affected by its human rights record and lack of political reforms. Many Western governments have expressed concern over Eritrea’s human rights situation and called for greater respect for civil liberties and democratic principles. However, some African countries have maintained close ties with Eritrea due to historical solidarity during its struggle for independence as well as economic cooperation in areas such as trade and investment.

In conclusion, Eritrea is a country with a rich history, culture, society, and geography that reflects its long history of trade, migration, and conquest. The country has faced numerous challenges including political instability, economic hardship, and strained international relations. However, Eritrea remains a resilient, determined, and proud nation that continues to strive towards building a brighter future for its people.
In conclusion, Eritrea is a country with a rich history, culture, society, and geography that reflects its long history of trade, migration, and conquest. The country has faced numerous challenges including political instability, economic hardship, and strained international relations. However, Eritrea remains a resilient, determined, and proud nation that continues to strive towards building a brighter future for its people. Despite its challenges, Eritrea’s strong sense of identity and unity among its people gives hope for a better tomorrow. With its unique blend of traditions and modern aspirations, Eritrea has the potential to overcome its obstacles and emerge as a prosperous and peaceful nation in the years to come.

FAQs

 

What is the location of Eritrea?

Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. It also has a coastline along the Red Sea to the east.

What is the capital city of Eritrea?

The capital city of Eritrea is Asmara.

What is the official language of Eritrea?

The official language of Eritrea is Tigrinya, with Arabic and English also recognized as working languages.

What is the population of Eritrea?

As of 2021, the estimated population of Eritrea is around 3.5 million people.

What is the government system in Eritrea?

Eritrea is a single-party presidential republic, with the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) as the sole legal political party.

What is the currency used in Eritrea?

The official currency of Eritrea is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN).

What are the major industries in Eritrea?

Eritrea’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and fishing. The country is known for its production of sorghum, millet, and barley, as well as its mineral resources such as gold, copper, and potash.

What are the popular tourist attractions in Eritrea?

Some popular tourist attractions in Eritrea include the ancient port city of Massawa, the historic town of Keren, and the architectural heritage of Asmara, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Eritrea also offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling along its Red Sea coastline.