Eritrea

Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 3
Currency
💱 Eritrean nakfa
Languages
🗣️ Arabic, English, Tigrinya
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 33 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
State of Eritrea
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Eritrean
Independence
May 24, 1993 (from Ethiopia)
Top-Level Domain
.er
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+291
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Asmara
ISO Alpha-2
ER
ISO Alpha-3
ERI
UN Code
232
Geographic Coordinates
15,39
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
117,600#101 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
3,682,669#131 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
28.64
Highest Point (m)
2,989 meters (Emba Soira)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Red Sea)
Land Use
Primarily agricultural, with some areas used for grazing and forests.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,000 square kilometers.
Coastline Length
1,151 kilometers
Climate
Hot, dry desert climate along the coast; cooler in the highlands.
Natural Resources
Gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, and possibly oil and natural gas.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan
Major Rivers
Seasonal rivers, primarily the Gash River and the Anseba River.
Major Lakes
Eritrea has few significant lakes.
Government Type
Presidential republic; single-party rule.
Administrative Divisions
6 regions (zobas).
Chief of State
President Isaias Afwerki
Head of Government
President Isaias Afwerki (Head of government is the same as the Head of State)
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
Elections have been postponed indefinitely.
Judicial Branch
The judiciary is led by a Supreme Court.
Legislative Branch
National Assembly (currently inactive)
Major Political Parties
The People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) is the only legal party.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Eritrean nakfa
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
2.07#188 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
5.22#176 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
688.68#203 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2009)Checked September 29, 2026
14.12
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2009)Checked September 29, 2026
21.82
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation data for Eritrea is not consistently available.
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,763,700
5.98#76 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Data on Eritrea's public debt is limited.
Budget
Information on Eritrea's national budget is limited due to data availability.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
0.37#178 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
0.6#183 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Eritrea's foreign reserves data is not readily available.
GDP by Sector
Eritrea's GDP is primarily driven by agriculture, with smaller contributions from industry and services.
Major Industries
Major industries include mining, agriculture, fishing, and food processing.
Major Export Partners
Eritrea's major export partners vary, with limited publicly available data.
Major Import Partners
Eritrea's major import partners vary, with limited publicly available data.

Society

64.66#145 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
28.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6
Net Migration Rate
Eritrea's net migration rate is estimated based on available data.
Median Age
Eritrea's median age is estimated based on available data.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.54#183 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Eritrea's urbanization rate is slow due to limited economic opportunities in urban areas.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
68.9#159 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Eritrea is estimated based on available data.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.68
Ethnic Groups
Eritrea is home to several ethnic groups, including Tigrinya, Tigre, Saho, and Afar.
Religions
Major religions in Eritrea are Christianity and Islam.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic, English, Tigrinya

Education

Education System
The Eritrean education system is centrally controlled by the government, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels. Enrollment is compulsory for primary education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, though specific figures are often unavailable.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Asmara was a major institution. Currently, there are multiple colleges.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Eritrea has a diverse culture with influences from its nine ethnic groups, including Tigrinya, Tigre, and Saho. Traditional music, dance, and dress are important.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Amet ሓዲሽ ዓመት (2026-01-01)
  • Lidet ልደት (2026-01-07)
  • Timket ጥምቀት (2026-01-19)
  • Maelti Anesti መዓልቲ ኣነስቲ (2026-03-08)
  • Arbi Siklet ዓርቢ ስቅለት (2026-04-03)
  • Fasika ፋሲካ (2026-04-05)
  • May Day (2026-05-01)
  • Maelti Natsinet መዓልቲ ናጽነት (2026-05-24)
  • Maelti Siwuat መዓልቲ ስውኣት (2026-06-20)
  • Bahti Meskerem ባሕቲ መስከረም (2026-09-01)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional and modern Eritrean music, with influences from Middle Eastern and African styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include injera (flatbread) with stews (tsebhi) and seafood. Coffee ceremonies are also common.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Cycling is also prominent.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Eritrean Independence Day celebrations and various religious festivals.
Famous People
Famous Eritreans include athletes like Zersenay Tadese, and cultural figures.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Information is limited, but Eritrea has sites of historical and cultural importance, including Asmara's modernist architecture.
UNESCO Sites
Asmara: A Modernist City of Africa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
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Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
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National Parks
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Protected Areas
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Best Time to Visit
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Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Eritrea is low due to limited resources.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Eritrea are generally low compared to developed countries, but access is limited.
Number of Hospitals
Eritrea has a limited number of hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
Eritrea has a public healthcare system with limited resources. Access to healthcare is a challenge for many citizens.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited in Eritrea, with a shortage of trained personnel and resources.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access in Eritrea is limited due to infrastructural constraints.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
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Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
—

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
A narrow-gauge railway line exists, mainly used for tourism and freight transport.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
The transportation system relies on roads, with limited railway services. Public transport includes buses and taxis.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Asmara International Airport (ASM), Assab International Airport (ASA), Massawa International Airport (MSW)
Ports
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Public Transit
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Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
14.35#202 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.22#178 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; air quality information is generally unavailable.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, likely due to inadequate sanitation and industrial waste.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited use of renewable energy; some potential for solar and wind power.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification are significant concerns.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, earthquakes, and volcanic activity are potential hazards.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is underdeveloped; solid waste disposal is a challenge.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements, but implementation may be limited.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions abroad.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
African Union
Major Treaties
Information is limited, but party to relevant international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Information on visa-free travel varies; check current regulations.

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