Africa’s North Korea
Eritrea is one of Africa’s most closed and authoritarian states — the country has not held a presidential election since independence in 1993, no constitution has ever been implemented, and President Isaias Afwerki has ruled for over 30 years. The country has consistently ranked at or near the bottom of press freedom and human rights indexes.
Eritrea fought a 30-year war of independence from Ethiopia (1961-1991), finally succeeding in 1991. The country’s indefinite national military service (conscription without defined end date) has driven massive emigration — approximately 5,000 Eritreans leave each month, many heading to Europe.
Asmara — the capital — is remarkable for its UNESCO-listed Italian modernist architecture from the Italian colonial period (1890-1941). The city has been called “Africa’s little Rome”.
A Brief History
Italian colony 1890-1941, British administration 1941-1952, federated with Ethiopia 1952, annexed 1962. 30-year war of independence ended in 1991 with the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front’s victory. Independence in 1993. Border war with Ethiopia 1998-2000 killed tens of thousands.
Geography and Climate
Eritrea covers 117,600 km² with a 1,151 km Red Sea coast. Terrain includes highlands, Danakil Depression (one of the hottest places on Earth), and coastal plain.
Culture, Language and Religion
Tigrinya, Arabic, and English are official. Religion: approximately 50% Christian (mostly Eritrean Orthodox), 48% Muslim.
The Economy
Eritrea has a low-income economy (~$2 billion GDP). Mining (gold, potash) and agriculture are the main sectors.
UNESCO Sites
Eritrea has 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Asmara: A Modernist African City.
Travel Guide
Visas are difficult to obtain; most Western governments caution against travel.
Surprising Facts
- Eritrea has not held a presidential election since independence in 1993.
- Eritrean national military service is indefinite — sometimes lasting decades — and is a major driver of emigration.
- Asmara’s Italian modernist architecture includes the iconic Fiat Tagliero service station shaped like an aeroplane.
- Eritrea has over 350 islands in its portion of the Red Sea — the Dahlak Archipelago.
- The Danakil Depression — one of the hottest places on Earth — straddles Eritrea and Ethiopia.
- Italian cultural influence persists — including espresso culture and pasta cuisine.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.