Eritrea is a small (117,600 km2) empowerished and highly militarized country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast, with a long coastline along the Red Sea to the east. Eritrea is one of the countries of the world that most of its citizens want to leave, and almost a fifth of its population has in recent years left the country.

Eritrea is one of the few African countries that Italy conquered in colonial times.

Key Facts

Geography
Eritrea has a varied landscape, from the coastal plains along the Red Sea to the highlands and deserts inland. The country’s strategic position along the Red Sea has made it historically significant for trade and geopolitics.

History
Ancient History: Eritrea was part of the Kingdom of Aksum, an ancient kingdom that spanned parts of modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea. Aksum was a powerful trading empire that traded with Rome, Persia, and India. Italian Colonialism: Eritrea became an Italian colony in the 1890s, with Asmara being developed as the capital. Italian influence is still evident in the architecture and culture of the country. Federation and Independence: After World War II, Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia in 1952 by a UN mandate but was fully annexed by Ethiopia in 1962, sparking a 30-year war for independence. Eritrea gained de facto independence in 1991 and de jure independence in 1993 after a UN-supervised referendum.

Politics
Eritrea has been ruled by Isaias Afwerki since independence. There have been no national elections, and the country is often described as a single-party state with highly authoritarian governance. Eritrea has been criticized for its human rights record, including the lack of press freedom, indefinite national conscription, and restrictions on political opposition. Eritrea is one of the world’s most repressive countries, according to organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Economy
Eritrea has a relatively small economy with agriculture as the main livelihood for many citizens. The country relies heavily on subsistence farming, and livestock and mineral extraction (especially gold) also play a role. Mining: Eritrea has significant deposits of copper, gold, and potash, which have attracted foreign investment. However, the benefits have not widely reached the population. Sanctions: Eritrea has faced international sanctions, which affected its economy and diplomatic relations, due to its involvement in regional conflicts and human rights violations.

Culture
Eritrean culture is a blend of traditional African and colonial influences. The country is home to several ethnic groups, with the Tigrinya people being the largest, but also includes groups like the Tigre, Afar, and Saho. Religion: Eritrea is religiously diverse, with both Christianity (mainly the Eritrean Orthodox Church) and Islam being major religions. Cuisine: Eritrean food is similar to Ethiopian cuisine, with dishes like injera (flatbread) and zigni (spicy stew) being staples. Relations with Ethiopia: Eritrea and Ethiopia have a complex history. After years of war, the two countries signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending the state of war that had lasted since the border conflict between 1998 and 2000. The peace process was seen as a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Horn of Africa.

Challenges