Country Profile: Eritrea

Eritrea, located in Eastern Africa along the Red Sea, is bordered by Djibouti and Sudan. With a population of approximately 6.3 million people, Eritrea is characterized by a diverse range of ethnic groups, primarily Tigrinya and Tigre. The economy is largely agrarian, with a significant emphasis on agriculture and mining, making it one of Africa's poorer nations. Governance is under a presidential republic with an authoritarian regime led by President Isaias Afwerki since independence in 1993, which has been marked by repression and mandatory military service.

Geography

Eritrea's geographical position is strategic, sitting between Djibouti and Sudan along the Red Sea. The country has diverse terrains, ranging from a hot desert strip along the coast to cooler highlands with significant rainfall. The elevation varies widely, with the highest point at Soira (3,018 m) and the lowest near Kulul in the Danakil Depression (-75 m). Natural resources in the region include gold, copper, and potential oil reserves.

Total area: 117,600 sq km
Area comparison: Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Coastline: 2,234 km
Climate types: Hot desert, semiarid, and temperate in highlands
Natural hazards: Frequent droughts and rare earthquakes

People and Society

The population of Eritrea is estimated at 6,343,956 in 2024, with a significant youth demographic; approximately 35.7% are aged 0-14 years. The nation is home to nine recognized ethnic groups, with Tigrinya constituting 50% of the population. The predominant languages are Tigrinya, Arabic, and English, while the major religions include Eritrean Orthodox Christianity and Sunni Islam. The urbanization rate is increasing, with 43.3% of the population living in urban areas.

Ethnic groups: Tigrinya 50%, Tigre 30%
Population growth rate: 1.12% (2024 est.)
Median age: 21.3 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 67.5 years (2024 est.)
Urban population: 43.3%

Economy

Eritrea's economy is primarily agrarian, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country is also investing in its mining sector, focusing on precious minerals like gold and copper. The estimated real GDP for 2024 is $2.534 billion, with a GDP per capita of $700. However, economic challenges persist, including high public debt and threats to food security due to climate change.

Real GDP (PPP): $2.534 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $2.535 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.6% (2024 est.)
Labor force: 1.71 million (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 7.4% (2022 est.)

Government

Eritrea is governed as a presidential republic with a centralized authority. The only recognized political party is the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), and President Isaias Afwerki has held power since independence in 1993. Although citizens are allowed to vote, elections have been postponed indefinitely since 2001. The legal system is a mix of civil, customary, and Islamic law.

Capital: Asmara
Government type: Presidential republic
Independence: May 24, 1993
Suffrage age: 18 years
Legislative body: National Assembly (not currently functioning)

Military and Security

The Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) encompass land, naval, and air forces, with military service mandated for citizens aged 18-40. Military expenditures account for about 10% of the GDP. The military has been involved in various regional conflicts, notably the Eritrea-Ethiopia War and the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, leading to accusations of human rights violations.

Active personnel: Estimated 150,000-200,000 (2025)
Military service obligation: 18 months, often extended indefinitely
Military expenditures: 10% of GDP (2019 est.)
Primary responsibilities: External defense and internal security

Energy

Electricity access in Eritrea stands at 55.4% of the total population. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity needs, with significant generation capacity hindered by high transmission losses. Agriculture is the major consumer of water resources, impacting overall energy consumption.

Installed capacity: 243,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 388.987 million kWh (2023 est.)
Access to electricity in urban areas: 75.5%
Renewable energy sources: 10.7% from solar

Environment

Eritrea faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, and while urbanization is increasing, it poses additional challenges for sustainable development.

Total water withdrawal: 31 million cubic meters (municipal, 2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 733,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Agricultural land: 62.7% of total area (2023 est.)
% of waste recycled: 6.8% (2022 est.)

Transportation

Eritrea has limited transportation infrastructure, with a total of 11 airports and a small railway system primarily for goods. The country has two primary ports, Assab and Mitsiwa Harbor, which are vital for trade, particularly with Ethiopia.

Airports: 11 (2025)
Total railways: 306 km (2018)
Merchant marine fleet: 9 vessels (2023)
Ports: 2 (2024)

Communications

Eritrea's communication sector is tightly controlled by the government, limiting private ownership of media. The internet penetration is low, with only 20% of the population being internet users. Fixed-line and mobile phone subscriptions are growing, but still represent a small share of the population.

Mobile subscriptions: 1.8 million (2021 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 66,000 (2021 est.)
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station
Internet users: 20% of population (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,343,956 (2024)
Area	117,600 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$2.534 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	5.6% (2024)
Electricity access	55.4%	(2022 est.)
Birth rate	26.3 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Life expectancy	67.5 years	(2024 est.)
Median age	21.3 years	(2024 est.)
Military expenditures	10% of GDP	(2019 est.)
Urban population	43.3%	(2023)