Eritrea is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. The country has a population of approximately 5 million people, with its capital and largest city being Asmara.

Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, following a 30-year war for independence. The country is known for its diverse ethnic groups and languages, with the Tigrinya language being the most widely spoken. The majority of the population practices Islam or Christianity.

Eritrea is a one-party state, with the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) being the only legally recognized political party. The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The country also has a significant mining industry, with resources such as gold, copper, and zinc.

Eritrea has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of African, Middle Eastern, and European influences. The country is home to several ancient archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Adulis, which was a major trading hub for the Axumite Kingdom.

Eritrea has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including political repression, limited press freedom, and ongoing conflict with neighboring Ethiopia. The country also faces significant economic and development challenges, including high levels of poverty and a lack of basic infrastructure such as clean water and electricity.

Telephone Code
291

Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Currency (Code)
Nakfa (ERN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, L

Major Languages
Trigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Major Religions
Sunni Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Asmara (includes St. Mariam Cathedral, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kulafah Al Rashidin Mosque); Dahlak Marine National Park

Major Sports
Soccer, cycling, volleyball

Cultural Practices
Unlike in western countries where raised eyebrows indicate puzzlement, in Eretria they signal affirmation or approval.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping up to 10% of the bill in restaurants is appreciated, but not always expected; this amount may sometimes be included as a service charge. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.

Souvenirs
Tigrinya netsela cotton shawls/scarves, gold and silver jewelry, religious artifacts, pottery, baskets

Traditional Cuisine
Zigini — a spicy meat stew made with Berbere spices and eaten with a type of flatbread called injera

Geography
Area
total: 117,600 sq km
land: 101,000 sq km
water: 16,600 sq km

Climate
hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands

Natural resources
gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish

People and Society
Population
6,274,796 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Tigrinya 50%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Afar 4%, Kunama 4%, Bilen 3%, Hedareb/Beja 2%, Nara 2%, Rashaida 1% (2021 est.)

Languages
Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages

Religions
Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Sunni Muslim

Population growth rate
1.08% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Asmara

Economy
Economic overview
largely agrarian economy with a significant mining sector; substantial fiscal surplus due to tight controls; high and vulnerable debts; increased Ethiopian trade and shared port usage decreasing prices; financial and economic data integrity challenges

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$9.702 billion (2017 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$1,600 (2017 est.)

Agricultural products
sorghum, milk, vegetables, barley, cereals, pulses nes, roots/tubers nes, wheat, millet, beef

Industries
food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement

Exports
$624.3 million (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
China 62%, South Korea 28.3% (2017)

Exports - commodities
gold and other minerals, livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small industry manufactures

Imports
$1.127 billion (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
UAE 14.5%, China 13.2%, Saudi Arabia 13.2%, Italy 12.9%, Turkey 5.6%, South Africa 4.6% (2017)

Imports - commodities
machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods