Country Profile: Eritrea

Eritrea, located in Eastern Africa along the Red Sea, boasts a diverse geography that transitions from a coastal desert plain to central highlands. The country's population is approximately 6.3 million, primarily comprising Tigrinya, Tigre, and other ethnic groups. Economically, Eritrea remains largely agrarian with significant mining activity, facing challenges such as high debt and external sanctions. Governed by President Isaias Afwerki since independence in 1993, Eritrea exhibits a highly militarized and autocratic regime, marked by a long-standing national service mandate and limited political freedoms.

Geography

Eritrea covers an area of 117,600 square kilometers, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. The country's climate varies from a hot desert along the coast to cooler highlands, affecting agricultural practices. Eritrea features diverse terrain characterized by highlands, coastal plains, and a coastline extending over 2,200 kilometers.

Area: 117,600 sq km
Highest Point: Soira, 3,018 m
Lowest Point: Near Kulul, -75 m
Land Use: 62.7% agricultural land
Natural Resources: Gold, copper, zinc, and potential oil and gas

People and Society

Eritrea's population is estimated at 6,343,956 in 2024, with a notable age structure where about 35.7% are under 15 years old. The country is home to several ethnic groups, with Tigrinya and Tigre being the most prominent. While urbanization is progressing, with 43.3% of the population living in cities, rural communities still play a significant role in the nation's culture and economy.

Population Growth Rate: 1.12% (2024)
Median Age: 21.3 years
Urban Population: 43.3% (2023)
Life Expectancy: 67.5 years
Infant Mortality Rate: 39.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024)

Economy

Eritrea's economy is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of GDP. The country has seen varying GDP growth, with substantial reliance on mining and international trade, particularly following improved relations with Ethiopia. Despite these potential growth avenues, Eritrea grapples with restrictions due to its financial management and sanctions.

GDP (2023 est.): $5.813 billion
Real GDP Growth Rate: 5% (2017)
Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (2024)
Exports (2023): $624.3 million
Imports (2023): $624 million

Government

Eritrea is a presidential republic where the President serves as both head of state and government, currently held by Isaias Afwerki. The governance structure allows for no political plurality, as only one party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice, is recognized. The country has faced ongoing international scrutiny for human rights abuses and lack of democratic processes.

Independence: May 24, 1993
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Legislative Branch: Unicameral National Assembly (not currently active)
Constitution: Ratified in 1997 but never implemented

Military and Security

Eritrea maintains a robust military framework, the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), which plays a critical role in national security and social cohesion. Mandatory military service is enforced for citizens aged 18 to 40, often extending indefinitely. The military's involvement in regional conflicts raises concerns over human rights and external relations.

Military Expenditures: 10% of GDP (2019)
Active Defense Forces: Estimated 150,000-200,000 (2025)
Military Service Obligation: 18 months (often extended)
Notable Conflicts: Eritrea-Ethiopia War (1998-2000), Tigray conflict (2020-2022)

Energy

Access to electricity in Eritrea is limited, with only about 55.4% of the population having access as of 2022. The energy sector primarily relies on fossil fuels, although there is a growing interest in alternative sources like solar power. The country faces challenges in electricity generation and infrastructure.

Electricity Access: 55.4% of total population (2022)
Installed Generating Capacity: 243,000 kW (2023)
Petroleum Consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023)
Energy Consumption per Capita: 2.977 million Btu/person (2023)

Transportation

Eritrea's transportation infrastructure includes a limited network of roads, airports, and railways. The country has a small number of operational airports and relies on ports for maritime trade, connecting it to regional markets.

Airports: 11 (2025)
Railways: 306 km (2018)
Merchant Marine: 9 vessels (2023)
Ports: 2 active ports

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Eritrea is heavily regulated by the government. The country has a low rate of internet usage, and broadcast media is state-controlled, limiting access to information for its citizens.

Internet Users: 20% of population (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 1.8 million (2021)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 66,000 (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,343,956 (2024 est.)
Area	117,600 sq km
GDP	$5.813 billion (2023 est.)
Unemployment Rate	5.6% (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	55.4% (2022 est.)
Life Expectancy	67.5 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	10% of GDP (2019)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	2.977 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Urban Population	43.3% (2023)
Infant Mortality Rate	39.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)