# Eritrea

> country in the Horn of Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q986](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q986)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrea)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eritrea

## Summary
Eritrea is a sovereign state located in the Horn of Africa, officially established on May 24, 1993. It is a distinct territorial and political entity with a rich cultural and linguistic diversity, recognized internationally as a member of multiple global organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: State of Eritrea (دولة إرتريا, ሃገረ ኤርትራ)
- **Capital**: Asmara
- **Area**: 117,600 square kilometers
- **Population**: Estimated at 3,497,000 in 2019
- **Official Languages**: Tigrinya, Arabic, and English (all de facto)
- **Currency**: Nakfa
- **Timezone**: UTC+03:00 (Africa/Addis_Ababa)
- **Highest Point**: Emba Soira
- **Lowest Point**: Lake Kulul (-75 meters)
- **Head of State and Government**: Isaias Afwerki (since 1993)
- **Independence Day**: May 24, 1993
- **Memberships**: United Nations (since May 28, 1993), African Union, World Health Organization, UNESCO, and others
- **Driving Side**: Right
- **Mains Voltage**: 230 volts at 50 Hz
- **Telephone Country Code**: +291
- **Top-Level Internet Domain**: .er
- **ISO Codes**: ER (alpha-2), ERI (alpha-3), 232 (numeric)

## FAQs

**What is the geographical location of Eritrea?**
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. It has a coastline along the Red Sea to the east.

**What are the official languages of Eritrea?**
Eritrea has three de facto official languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. Additionally, several other languages are spoken, including Blin, Kunama, Saho, Nara, Afar, Beja, Dahalik, Tigre, and Malay.

**What is the political structure of Eritrea?**
Eritrea is a sovereign state with a presidential system. The President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, has been in office since 1993 and serves as both the head of state and head of government. The legislative body is the National Assembly.

**What are some key economic indicators for Eritrea?**
Eritrea's economy is characterized by its currency, the Nakfa, and a mains voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz. The country has a mixed economic structure with a focus on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate was reported at 7% in 2014.

**What international organizations is Eritrea a member of?**
Eritrea is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since May 28, 1993), African Union, World Health Organization, UNESCO, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, African Development Bank, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Universal Postal Union, International Telecommunication Union, World Meteorological Organization, World Customs Organization, Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and African Continental Free Trade Area.

**What are the emergency phone numbers in Eritrea?**
In Eritrea, the emergency phone numbers are:
- 114 for emergency medical services
- 113 for police
- 116 for the fire department

**What is the life expectancy in Eritrea?**
Life expectancy in Eritrea has shown a gradual increase over the years. In 2016, the life expectancy was 65.092 years, up from 54.693 years in 1999.

**What is the human development index (HDI) of Eritrea?**
Eritrea's HDI has fluctuated over the years. In 2021, it was 0.492, indicating a medium level of human development. The HDI was 0.426 in 2002 and peaked at 0.502 in 2014.

**What are the coordinates of Eritrea's extreme points?**
- Northernmost point: 18.02049° N, 38.58253° E
- Southernmost point: 12.35482° N, 42.70097° E
- Easternmost point: 12.71359° N, 43.13708° E
- Westernmost point: 15.16738° N, 36.43337° E (near Teseney)

## Why It Matters
Eritrea's significance lies in its strategic location in the Horn of Africa, its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and its role in regional and international affairs. As a sovereign state, Eritrea plays a crucial part in the political and economic dynamics of East Africa. Its membership in various international organizations underscores its commitment to global cooperation and development. Additionally, Eritrea's unique history, including its struggle for independence and subsequent nation-building efforts, offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of post-colonial states.

## Notable For
- **Independence**: Eritrea gained independence on May 24, 1993, after a prolonged struggle.
- **Cultural Diversity**: The country is home to a variety of languages and ethnic groups, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
- **Geographical Features**: Eritrea boasts diverse landscapes, from the highlands of Emba Soira to the lowlands of Lake Kulul.
- **International Memberships**: Eritrea is a member of numerous international organizations, enhancing its global presence and cooperation.
- **Unique Flag and Emblem**: The flag of Eritrea and its emblem are distinctive symbols of the nation's identity.
- **Historical Significance**: Eritrea's history, including its colonial past and struggle for independence, is a testament to its resilience and determination.

## Body

### Geography
Eritrea is situated in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. The country has a coastline along the Red Sea to the east. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 15.483333° N latitude and 38.25° E longitude. The highest point in Eritrea is Emba Soira, while the lowest point is Lake Kulul, which lies at -75 meters below sea level.

### History
Eritrea's history is marked by its struggle for independence, which it achieved on May 24, 1993. The country has since been governed by President Isaias Afwerki, who has held office since independence. Eritrea's historical journey includes periods of colonial rule and a prolonged war for independence, which have shaped its national identity and political landscape.

### Culture and Language
Eritrea is known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. The country has three de facto official languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. Additionally, several other languages are spoken, including Blin, Kunama, Saho, Nara, Afar, Beja, Dahalik, Tigre, and Malay. This linguistic diversity reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Eritrean people.

### Economy
Eritrea's economy is characterized by its currency, the Nakfa, and a mains voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz. The country has a mixed economic structure with a focus on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate was reported at 7% in 2014, indicating ongoing economic challenges and opportunities for growth.

### International Relations
Eritrea is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since May 28, 1993), African Union, World Health Organization, UNESCO, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, African Development Bank, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Universal Postal Union, International Telecommunication Union, World Meteorological Organization, World Customs Organization, Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and African Continental Free Trade Area. These memberships highlight Eritrea's commitment to global cooperation and development.

### Demographics
Eritrea's population was estimated at 3,497,000 in 2019. The country has a diverse demographic profile, with a mix of urban and rural populations. The life expectancy in Eritrea has shown a gradual increase over the years, reaching 65.092 years in 2016. The human development index (HDI) was 0.492 in 2021, indicating a medium level of human development.

### Infrastructure
Eritrea's infrastructure includes a mains voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz and a telephone country code of +291. The country uses the Europlug and Type L electrical plugs. Emergency phone numbers in Eritrea are 114 for medical services, 113 for police, and 116 for the fire department.

### Administrative Divisions
Eritrea is divided into several administrative regions, including Anseba, Maekel, Gash-Barka, Southern Red Sea, Northern Red Sea, and Debub. These regions play a crucial role in the country's governance and development.

### Notable Features
Eritrea is notable for its unique flag and emblem, which are distinctive symbols of the nation's identity. The country's geographical features, including its highest and lowest points, contribute to its diverse landscapes. Eritrea's history, including its colonial past and struggle for independence, is a testament to its resilience and determination.

### Additional Information
Eritrea's official name is the State of Eritrea, and its capital is Asmara. The country has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its diverse languages and ethnic groups. Eritrea's membership in various international organizations underscores its commitment to global cooperation and development. The country's strategic location in the Horn of Africa and its historical journey make it a significant player in regional and international affairs.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Eritrea)
2. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/eritrea)
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4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2020f/africa)
6. Lingua Libre
7. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Development_Bank)
8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
9. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/ERITREA)
10. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/eritrea)
12. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
13. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
14. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=109)
15. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
16. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/eritrea)
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18. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
19. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons)
20. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Continental_Free_Trade_Area#List_of_signatories_and_parties_to_the_agreement)
21. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
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29. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
30. [Source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emblem_of_Eritrea_(or_argent_azur).svg)
31. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
32. The National Terminology Database for Irish
33. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
34. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
35. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
36. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
37. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
38. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
39. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
40. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
41. [Source](https://apps.who.int/gho/athena/data/xmart.csv?target=GHO/SDGSUICIDE,SDG_SH_STA_SCIDEN&profile=crosstable&filter=COUNTRY:*;REGION:*;AGEGROUP:-&x-sideaxis=COUNTRY;SEX&x-topaxis=GHO;YEAR)
42. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
43. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018
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46. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/eritre)
47. iNaturalist
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49. FactGrid
50. CC 6