Eritrea

About Eritrea

Capital

Asmara

Continent

Independence Date

24 May 1993

Official Language	Afrikaans
Second Language	Tigre
Population	~3.8 million
Passport Color	Green
Passport Rank	#100
Dialing Code	291
Country TLD	.er

Eritrea Overview

Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea (Tigrinya: ሃገረ ኤርትራ), is a country in the Horn of Africa region. It shares borders with Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast, with a long coastline along the Red Sea to the east. The capital city is Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its preserved Italian colonial architecture.

Eritrea’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, mining (gold, copper, zinc), and remittances. It also has rich potential in the maritime and fisheries sectors. The country is culturally diverse, with nine recognized ethnic groups and a mix of Christian and Muslim populations. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long struggle for liberation.

The official languages include Tigrinya, Arabic, and English, reflecting its multiethnic and international heritage. The national currency is the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). Eritrea is known for its resilience, self-reliance, and strategic position along the Red Sea.

Quick Facts About Eritrea

Coordinates	15.1794° N, 39.7823° E
Bordering Countries	Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Red Sea
Region / Continent	Africa (Horn of Africa)
Total Area	~117,600 sq km
Population Density	~35 people per sq km
Highest Point	Emba Soira – 3,018 m
Major Rivers	Anseba, Barka, Gash, Tekeze
Climate Type	Hot, arid along coast; cooler highlands; semi-arid lowlands
Famous For	Asmara architecture, Red Sea coastline, independence struggle
Major Landmarks	Asmara, Dahlak Islands, Massawa, Qohaito ruins
Official Languages	Tigrinya, Arabic, English
Currency	Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
Government Type	Unitary One-Party Presidential Republic
Time Zone	UTC+3 (EAT)
Major Exports	Gold, copper, livestock, textiles
Visitor Entry	Visa required for most visitors