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Eritrea
Africa
Located in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea has a long coastline on the Red Sea. It is known for its rich history, Italian-era architecture, and strict government policies.
3,800,000
Population
117,600
Area (km²)
Asmara
Capital
15
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
15 Events
September 18, 2025 - Reports warn of an "inevitable" new conflict with Ethiopia over Tigray, with Eritrean forces accused of mobilizing and Fano Amhara militias clashing near the border; European support is urged to prevent escalation.
June 04, 2025 - U.S. President Donald Trump issues a proclamation barring Eritrean nationals from entering the United States, citing security risks and human rights abuses.
May 24, 2025 - Eritrea celebrates its 34th Independence Day, with U.S. State Department congratulations emphasizing bilateral ties despite human rights concerns.
April 25, 2025 - The Indigenous World report notes Eritrea's failure to recognize indigenous rights or adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
April 19, 2025 - Analysis highlights Eritrea's deepening human rights crisis, authoritarian governance, and provocative regional actions, including troop presence in Tigray.
March 27, 2025 - German authorities arrest 17 members of the pro-government Brigade Nhamedu group, amid reports of their involvement in violent clashes with Eritrean opposition in Europe.
December 31, 2024 - Repression intensifies with unlawful detentions of critics, journalists, and religious minorities (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses and Christians); violence against women, including sexual abuse in conscription, remains prevalent. Eritrean forces continue abuses in Tigray, such as abductions and pillaging. Refugee conditions deteriorate in Sudan and Ethiopia, with pushbacks and denial of asylum. No elections or constitution implementation; diaspora communities face polarization and violence from government supporters.
August 19, 2024 - Former Finance Minister Berhane Abrehe dies in solitary confinement at Cara prison after six years of detention for advocating democratic reforms in a leaked letter.
July 25, 2024 - The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority bans Ethiopian Airlines from its airspace effective September 30, citing repeated violations and escalating bilateral tensions.
July 01, 2024 - The UN Human Rights Council renews the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea amid ongoing non-cooperation.
June 20, 2024 - UN Special Rapporteur Mohamed Babiker warns of Eritrea's dire human rights situation, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, indefinite conscription amounting to forced labor, and transnational repression of diaspora activists through violence and intimidation. He urges reforms and international pressure.
December 31, 2023 - Eritrea marks the 30th anniversary of President Isaias Afwerki's rule with no elections held since 1993 and no legislature convening since 2010. Indefinite military/national service continues, including child conscription and forced labor. Widespread arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and religious persecution persist, with over 140 Christians arrested. Eritrean forces commit abuses in Ethiopia's Tigray region, including sexual violence and aid blockages. The government refuses UN and AU human rights access, faces U.S. sanctions for child soldiers, and sees diaspora clashes in Israel over refugee deportations.
June 13, 2023 - Eritrea rejoins the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) after a 16-year absence, aiming to reengage in regional diplomacy.
May 07, 2023 - Eritrea is accused of forcibly repatriating Eritrean civilians caught in Sudan's conflict, raising concerns over refugee protections.
January 22, 2023 - Eritrean troops withdraw from the Ethiopian town of Shire, signaling a partial drawdown from Tigray following the 2022 Pretoria Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eritrea
100 Questions
Eritrea is in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the Red Sea.
The capital is Asmara, known for its Italian colonial architecture.
Around 3.8 million people as of 2025 estimates.
Tigrinya, Tigre, and Arabic are the main languages; English is also widely used.
Varied: hot and arid along the Red Sea coast, cooler in the highlands, and semi-arid in lowlands.
The Eritrean nakfa (ERN).
Green, red, and blue triangles with a yellow olive wreath.
Asmara, Keren, Massawa, Assab, and Mendefera.
On May 24, 1993, officially recognized after a referendum.
Isaias Afwerki, who remains president (as of 2025).
A one-party presidential system, often described as authoritarian.
Tigrinya (largest), Tigre, Saho, Afar, Bilen, Kunama, Nara, and Rashaida.
Christianity (Eritrean Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) and Islam (Sunni).
Around $8 billion in 2025 estimates.
Around $2,000.
Around 77%.
About 67 years.
Around 4.1 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Gold, copper, zinc, livestock, and textiles.
Machinery, food, fuel, and manufactured goods.
Gold, copper, zinc, potash, and marine resources.
Mining, agriculture, livestock, fishing, and remittances.
Its Italian Art Deco and modernist architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A historic port on the Red Sea with Ottoman and Italian architecture.
A market town and cultural crossroads.
Emba Soira (3,018 m).
Lake Kulul (-75 m), part of the Danakil Depression.
Injera (sourdough flatbread) with stews, lentils, and vegetables.
A spicy meat stew eaten with injera.
A variety of stews, often vegetarian or meat-based.
A traditional homemade beer.
Coffee, tea, suwa, and mies (honey wine).
Cycling, athletics, and football.
An Eritrean long-distance runner and world half marathon record holder.
Yes, mostly in athletics.
Traditional Tigrinya, Tigre, and Afar music, as well as modern pop.
Krar (lyre), wata (fiddle), drums, and flute.
Eskista-like shoulder dances and cultural group dances.
Shamma (white cotton wrap) for women, and jellabiya for men.
Around 72%.
Around 82%.
High, though many work in informal sectors.
Around 60%.
Sorghum, millet, barley, and wheat.
Cattle, camels, goats, and sheep.
Moderate but volatile due to isolation.
Asmara University (suspended), Eritrea Institute of Technology, and technical colleges.
Basic but improving, with government focus on vaccination programs.
Malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS, and respiratory diseases.
High but significantly improved over the last two decades.
Still high but declining with better healthcare.
“Ertra, Ertra, Ertra.”
“Unity and Justice.”
The camel.
The Arabian bustard.
The hibiscus.
Founding member, though relations have at times been tense.
Member since 1993, with a history of sanctions.
Strategically important in the Horn of Africa, with alliances and rivalries.
A 30-year armed struggle against Ethiopia, ending in 1991.
A border war from 1998 to 2000 that killed tens of thousands.
A peace agreement signed in 2000 between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
They signed a peace deal, ending decades of hostility.
Improved since 2018 but still cautious.
Huge influence, with mandatory national service.
A compulsory and indefinite conscription system criticized by human rights groups.
To escape indefinite national service, repression, and lack of opportunities.
Sudan, Ethiopia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Large communities in Europe, the U.S., and Gulf states send remittances.
They contribute significantly to the economy.
Invests in mining and infrastructure.
Diplomatic ties are limited due to human rights concerns.
Provides aid but criticizes governance.
Close cultural and trade ties, especially with Gulf states.
As a former colonial power, it retains some cultural influence.
Around 90%, higher than adults.
Around $2,000 annually.
Declining but still above replacement level.
Around 40%, with most people in Asmara.
Focused on subsistence farming and herding.
Imported fuel and growing solar energy.
High in solar and wind power.
Isolation, sanctions, and lack of diversification.
Authoritarian rule and human rights issues.
Strong mix of African and Middle Eastern influences.
Pottery, weaving, and silver jewelry.
Coffee ceremonies are central to social life.
It strongly shapes family, culture, and traditions.
Independence Day (May 24), Martyrs’ Day, and religious festivals (Eid, Christmas, Meskel).
Gazelles, baboons, leopards, and marine life.
Dahlak Marine National Park and Semenawi Bahri National Park.
An archipelago with coral reefs, fish, and dolphins.
A forested highland park with diverse wildlife.
Moderate but affected by sanctions and isolation.
Primary education is free, but access is uneven.
Around 10% difference.
Improving maternal and child health.
It depends on reforms, peace with neighbors, and economic diversification.
It has strategic Red Sea access, a unique cultural mix, and a history of long independence struggle.