A traditional camel caravan traversing the rugged desert landscape of Eritrea under the bright sun.A man stands beside a camel carrying logs against a backdrop of colorful Eritrean architecture.A breathtaking aerial view showcasing a scenic mountainous valley landscape with a sprawling town.Stunning aerial view of Chipata, Zambia, surrounded by lush hills and expansive cityscape.A serene urban road with lush trees lining the street in daylight.

Eritrea

Africa · Eastern Africa

Low PeaceLow Development
Population3.5M129th
Life Expectancy69 yrsLow

Africa's North Korea — one of the world's most closed states, compulsory military service.

At a Glance

75
LowChild Survival
73
AffordablePrice Level Index
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Eritrea

Eritrea is a small East African country on the Red Sea coast with a landscape ranging from the hot Danakil lowlands to the cool, Italian-influenced highlands around the capital Asmara. Asmara itself is a striking open-air museum of 1930s Italian modernist architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is one of the most isolated in the world, which gives it an eerie, time-stopped quality that fascinates the small number of travellers who visit.

  • Mandatory military service is indefinite — conscripts often serve 10+ years without pay.
  • No independent press has operated since 2001 — one of the world's most press-restricted countries.
  • Gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year war.
  • Asmara's Italian Art Deco architecture makes it one of Africa's most visually distinct capitals.
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Quick Facts

Capital

Asmara

Languages

Arabic, English, Tigrinya

Currency

Nfk ERN

Area

121,178 km²

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Nomad Hub

PlugType C/E/L

Unemployment

i

6.0%

Moderate

20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast

Income & inflation over time

i
+67% nominal-7% real
$594$1K$2K5%200520102014
GDPPPPInflationIMF forecast
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Neighbouring Countries