Eritrea
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Capital
Asmara
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Local time
9:59
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Population
5.07 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+291
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Currency
Nfk ERN (nakfa)
Eritrea
-
Capital
Asmara
-
Local time
9:59
-
Population
5.07 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+291
-
Currency
Nfk ERN (nakfa)
-
Petrol price
€ 3.33 pl
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Precipitation
384mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
121 320 km2
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Protected Area
5%
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Forest Area
15%
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Agricultural area
75%
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Annual air passengers
66 926
Population
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Ethnicity
Tigrinya - 50 %
Tigre and Kunama - 40 %
Afar - 4 %
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Religion
Islam
Islam
Eritrean Orthodox Christianity
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Literacy rates
64.7%
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Languages
Tigrinya
Arabic
English
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Armed Forces
201 750
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Murders
8 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
1.4 l/person
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Diabetes
3.6%
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Malaria
15%
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Tuberculosis
65 per 100k
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HIV
0.6%
Economy
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Industries
food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement
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Agriculture
sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal, livestock, goats
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Natural Resources
gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, oil and natural gas, fish
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Energy Import
22%
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Natural Resources
gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, oil and natural gas, fish
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Renewable Energy
80%
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CO2 Emissions
697kt
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Ease of Business
189 (Best=1, Worst=200)
What not to do when visiting Eritrea
Eritrea Don’t forget the handshake is a standard greeting - they tend to be energetic, often linger a bit followed by the word "Selam” (”Peace”).
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Eritrea Don’t discuss religion, politics or war - at least until a strong relationship is established.
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Eritrea Don’t necessarily make extended direct eye contact - it can be interpreted as disrespectful. Looking away or down during conversations is generally viewed as a sign of respect to the speaker. Raising your eyebrows during conversation usually means ”yes”.
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Did you know?
Eritrea is home to a ruined Greek colonial city founded around 600 B.C.
Eritrea Don't show the bottom of the feet or soles of shoes to anyone. Don't move or touch objects with the feet when interacting with Eritreans (Muslims).
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Eritrea Don’t display a large amount of cash or expensive valuables in public.
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Eritrea Don’t attempt to take advantage of street or black market exchange in foreign currency - it’s illegal to exchange money anywhere other than at a state exchange "Himbol".
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Eritrea Don’t photograph military installations, government buildings - it can get you into the trouble.
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Eritrea Don’t expect commercial or tourist ships to dock at Eritrean ports - they are not allowed to. Pirates may still operate on the Red Sea, and recreational vessels should avoid the region.
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Did you know?
Eritrea has been ranked worst in the world for press freedom by the rights group Reporters Without Borders. Several international organisations have continuously criticised the government for frequently detaining media workers and for not respecting human rights.
Eritrea Don’t forget the Eritrean government restricts the travel of all foreign nationals - these restrictions require all visitors and residents, including diplomats, to obtain permission to travel outside Asmara’s city limits.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Eritrea Don’t display your same-sex relations - it’s punishable.
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