Country Profile: Eritrea

Eritrea, located in Eastern Africa along the Red Sea, gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a lengthy conflict that began in 1961. The country has a population of approximately 6.4 million, predominantly Tigrinya and Tigre ethnic groups, with Asmara as its capital. Eritrea's economy is largely agrarian but includes a notable mining sector; it remains one of Africa's poorest nations, characterized by high unemployment and a heavy reliance on agriculture. The governance of Eritrea is highly authoritarian, with President Isaias Afwerki in power since independence and a mandatory national service program that contributes to a heavily militarized society.

Geography

Eritrea's geographical location is strategic, bordered by the Red Sea to the east, sharing land borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The country encompasses an area of approximately 117,600 sq km, featuring diverse terrains including highlands, plains, and coastal deserts. The climate ranges from hot and dry along the coast to cooler and wetter in the highlands.

117,600 sq km: Total area of Eritrea.
2,234 km: Length of the coastline.
1,840 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.
3,018 m: Highest point (Soira).
-75 m: Lowest point (Danakil Depression).
62.7%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
12%: Forest coverage (2023).

People and Society

As of 2025, Eritrea has an estimated population of 6,416,435, with a median age of 21.7 years and a dependency ratio of 64.2. The population is predominantly urban, with around 43.3% living in cities. The society is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of Tigrinya, Tigre, and Saho ethnic groups, and features multiple languages, including Tigrinya and Arabic.

6.4 million: Estimated population (2025).
21.7 years: Median age of the population (2025).
3.35 children: Total fertility rate (2025).
67.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
39 deaths: Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births (2025).
43.3%: Urban population (2023).
1.16%: Population growth rate (2025).

Economy

Eritrea's economy, largely agrarian, also benefits from a developing mining sector, which includes the extraction of gold, copper, and zinc. Despite efforts to improve trade relations, particularly with Ethiopia, the country is still one of the poorest in Africa, with a high unemployment rate and significant fiscal challenges.

$2.535 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024).
$700: GDP per capita (2024).
5.6%: Unemployment rate (2024).
7.4%: Inflation rate (2022).
1.71 million: Labor force estimate (2024).
5%: Increase in real GDP growth rate (2017).
62.7%: Percentage of agricultural land (2023).

Government

Eritrea operates under an authoritarian regime, with President Isaias Afwerki serving as both head of state and government since gaining independence in 1993. The country has not held elections since its independence, and a constitution ratified in 1997 has never been implemented. The political landscape is dominated by the People's Front for Democracy and Justice, the sole legally recognized party.

Isaias Afwerki: President since May 1993.
150: Unicameral National Assembly seats (all indirectly elected).
18 years: Minimum voting age.
Independence Day: Celebrated on May 24.
No elections: Have taken place since 1991.

Military and Security

Eritrea maintains a significant military presence, with mandatory military service for citizens aged 18-40, which can be extended indefinitely. The Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) consist of ground forces, navy, and air force, and are tasked with national defense and security.

150,000-200,000: Estimated active military personnel (2025).
10% of GDP: Military expenditure (2019).
18 months: Mandatory conscription service duration, often extended.
Eritrean Defense Forces: Comprises ground forces, navy, and air force.
Human rights abuses: Reported during regional conflicts.

Energy

Eritrea's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, but there are efforts to incorporate solar energy into the system. As of 2022, only about 55.4% of the population has electricity access, with significant disparities between urban and rural availability.

55.4%: Total electrification rate (2022).
243,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
388.987 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023).
5,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
2.977 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023).

Transportation

Eritrea's transportation infrastructure includes a limited number of airports and a small railway network. The civil aircraft registration code is E3, and there are several minor ports that facilitate trade.

11: Total airports (2025).
306 km: Total railway length (2018).
2: Major ports (Assab and Mitsiwa Harbor) (2024).
9: Vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
4: General cargo ships in the merchant fleet.

Communications

The communications sector in Eritrea is heavily controlled by the government, which restricts private ownership of broadcasting media. Internet access remains limited, with only about 20% of the population using it.

20%: Internet user penetration (2023).
2.02 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
68,200: Fixed line subscriptions (2022).
6,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
1 state-owned TV: Limited media outlets available to the public.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,416,435 (2025 est.)
Area	117,600 sq km
GDP	$2.535 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$700 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	5.6% (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	2.977 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	25.92 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life expectancy	67.5 years (2024 est.)
Total fertility rate	3.35 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Urban population	43.3% (2023)