Eritrea
AfricaER December 17, 2025
Background
Eritrea won independence from Italian colonial control in 1941, but the UN only established it as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952, after a decade of British administrative control. Ethiopia's full annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a violent 30-year conflict for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean fighters defeating government forces. Eritreans overwhelmingly approved independence in a 1993 referendum. ISAIAS Afwerki has been Eritrea's only president since independence; his rule, particularly since 2001, has been characterized by highly autocratic and repressive actions. His government has created a highly militarized society by instituting an unpopular program of mandatory conscription into national service -- divided between military and civilian service -- of indefinite length.
A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in 2000. Ethiopia rejected a subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 when the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Eritrean leaders then engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia led to a resumption of economic ties, but the level of air transport, trade, and tourism have remained roughly the same since late 2020.
The Eritrean economy remains agriculture-dependent, and the country is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Eritrea faced new international condemnation and US sanctions in mid-2021 for its participation in the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray Regional State, where Eritrean forces were found to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. As most Eritrean troops were departing northern Ethiopia in January 2023, ISAIAS began a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at bolstering Eritrea’s foreign partnerships and regional influence. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression, and conscription and militarization continue.
A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in 2000. Ethiopia rejected a subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 when the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Eritrean leaders then engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia led to a resumption of economic ties, but the level of air transport, trade, and tourism have remained roughly the same since late 2020.
The Eritrean economy remains agriculture-dependent, and the country is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Eritrea faced new international condemnation and US sanctions in mid-2021 for its participation in the war in Ethiopia’s Tigray Regional State, where Eritrean forces were found to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. As most Eritrean troops were departing northern Ethiopia in January 2023, ISAIAS began a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at bolstering Eritrea’s foreign partnerships and regional influence. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression, and conscription and militarization continue.
Geographic coordinates
15 00 N, 39 00 E
Natural hazards
frequent droughts, rare earthquakes and volcanoes; locust swarms
Volcanism: Dubbi (1,625 m), which last erupted in 1861, was the country's only historically active volcano until Nabro (2,218 m) came to life in 2011
Volcanism: Dubbi (1,625 m), which last erupted in 1861, was the country's only historically active volcano until Nabro (2,218 m) came to life in 2011
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
Environmental issues
deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement
Signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement
Climate
hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands
Coastline
2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km; islands in Red Sea 1,083 km)
Land boundaries
Total: 1,840 km
Border countries (3): Djibouti 125 km; Ethiopia 1,033 km; Sudan 682 km
Border countries (3): Djibouti 125 km; Ethiopia 1,033 km; Sudan 682 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 62.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 56.9% (2023 est.)
Forest: 12% (2023 est.)
Other: 25.3% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 56.9% (2023 est.)
Forest: 12% (2023 est.)
Other: 25.3% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Natural resources
gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish
Geography - note
strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes
Terrain
dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains
Location
Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
210 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
7.315 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
density is highest in the center of the country, in and around the cities of Asmara (capital) and Keren; smaller settlements exist in the north and south, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Soira 3,018 m
Lowest point: Near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m
Mean elevation: 853 m
Lowest point: Near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m
Mean elevation: 853 m
Area
Total : 117,600 sq km
Land: 101,000 sq km
Water: 16,600 sq km
Land: 101,000 sq km
Water: 16,600 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 35.7% (male 1,138,382/female 1,123,925)
15-64 years: 60.3% (male 1,882,547/female 1,944,266)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 101,504/female 153,332)
15-64 years: 60.3% (male 1,882,547/female 1,944,266)
65 years and over: 4% (2024 est.) (male 101,504/female 153,332)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Eritrean(s)
Adjective: Eritrean
Adjective: Eritrean
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 8 years (2015 est.)
Male: 9 years (2015 est.)
Female: 7 years (2015 est.)
Male: 9 years (2015 est.)
Female: 7 years (2015 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 43.3% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 3.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 3.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.073 million ASMARA (capital) (2023)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.3 years (2010 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 65.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 59.1 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 15 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 59.1 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 15 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups
Tigrinya 50%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Afar 4%, Kunama 4%, Bilen 3%, Hedareb/Beja 2%, Nara 2%, Rashaida 1% (2021 est.)
Note: Data represent Eritrea's nine recognized ethnic groups
Note: Data represent Eritrea's nine recognized ethnic groups
Religions
Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Sunni Muslim
Languages
Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Health expenditure
4.2% of GDP (2021)
2.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
2.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.69 (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 9.4% (2024 est.)
Male: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 10.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Female: 10.5% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-8.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 21.3 years (2024 est.)
Male: 20.8 years
Female: 21.8 years
Male: 20.8 years
Female: 21.8 years
Maternal mortality ratio
291 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.43 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 6,343,956 (2024 est.)
Male: 3,122,433
Female: 3,221,523
Male: 3,122,433
Female: 3,221,523
Infant mortality rate
Total: 39.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 46.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 32.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 46.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 32.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 7.5% (2020 est.)
Male: 14.7% (2020 est.)
Female: 0.2% (2020 est.)
Male: 14.7% (2020 est.)
Female: 0.2% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5% (2016)
Death rate
6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
26.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 0.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.51 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 67.5 years (2024 est.)
Male: 64.9 years
Female: 70.2 years
Male: 64.9 years
Female: 70.2 years
Population growth rate
1.12% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 31 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 550 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 550 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 727,000 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.8% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.8% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
22.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
733,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 733,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 733,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
2.977 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Christine E. MEYER (since July 2025)
Embassy: 179 Alaa Street, Asmara
Mailing address: 7170 Asmara Place, Washington DC 20521-7170
Telephone: [291] (1) 12-00-04
FAX: [291] (1) 12-75-84
Email address and website:
Consularasmara@state.gov
https://er.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: 179 Alaa Street, Asmara
Mailing address: 7170 Asmara Place, Washington DC 20521-7170
Telephone: [291] (1) 12-00-04
FAX: [291] (1) 12-75-84
Email address and website:
Consularasmara@state.gov
https://er.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); 'Anseba, Debub (South), Debubawi K'eyyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash-Barka, Ma'ikel (Central), Semienawi K'eyyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea)
Capital
Name: Asmara
Geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name's origin is unclear; according to Tigrinya oral tradition, the name is part of a phrase meaning "the women made them unite," referring to a group of women who made four clans unite to defeat a common enemy; asmara also means "flowery wood" in the Tigrinya language
Geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E
Time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name's origin is unclear; according to Tigrinya oral tradition, the name is part of a phrase meaning "the women made them unite," referring to a group of women who made four clans unite to defeat a common enemy; asmara also means "flowery wood" in the Tigrinya language
Constitution
History: Ratified by the Constituent Assembly 23 May 1997 (never implemented)
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of Eritrea or by assent of at least one half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least an initial three-quarters majority vote by the Assembly and, after one year, final passage by at least four-fifths majority vote by the Assembly
Amendment process: Proposed by the president of Eritrea or by assent of at least one half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least an initial three-quarters majority vote by the Assembly and, after one year, final passage by at least four-fifths majority vote by the Assembly
Executive branch
Chief of state: President ISAIAS Afwerki (since 24 May 1993)
Head of government: President ISAIAS Afwerki (since 8 June 1993)
Cabinet: State Council appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term), according to the constitution
Most recent election date: 24 May 1993, following independence from Ethiopia
Election results:
1993: ISAIAS Afwerki elected president by the transitional National Assembly; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afwerki (PFDJ) 95%, other 5%
Expected date of next election: Postponed indefinitely
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
Head of government: President ISAIAS Afwerki (since 8 June 1993)
Cabinet: State Council appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term), according to the constitution
Most recent election date: 24 May 1993, following independence from Ethiopia
Election results:
1993: ISAIAS Afwerki elected president by the transitional National Assembly; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afwerki (PFDJ) 95%, other 5%
Expected date of next election: Postponed indefinitely
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly
Flag
Description: A red isosceles triangle (based on the left side) divides the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower is blue; a gold wreath around a gold olive branch is on the left side of the red triangle
Meaning: Green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red for the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue for the sea's bounty; the shape of the red triangle mimics the country's shape
Note: One of four national flags that reflect the country's shape in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Vanuatu
Meaning: Green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red for the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue for the sea's bounty; the shape of the red triangle mimics the country's shape
Note: One of four national flags that reflect the country's shape in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Vanuatu
Independence
24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): High Court (consists of 20 judges and organized into civil, commercial, criminal, labor, administrative, and customary sections)
Judge selection and term of office: High Court judges appointed by the president
Subordinate courts: Regional/zonal courts; community courts; special courts; sharia courts (for issues dealing with Muslim marriage, inheritance, and family); military courts
Judge selection and term of office: High Court judges appointed by the president
Subordinate courts: Regional/zonal courts; community courts; special courts; sharia courts (for issues dealing with Muslim marriage, inheritance, and family); military courts
Legal system
mixed system of civil, customary, and Islamic religious law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly (Hagerawi Baito)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 150 (all indirectly elected)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 2/1/1994
Note: In 1997, after the new constitution was adopted, the government formed a Transitional National Assembly to serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections to form a National Assembly could be held; the constitution stipulates that once past the transition stage, all National Assembly members will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were postponed indefinitely due to the war with Ethiopia; as of 2025, no sitting legislative body exists
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 150 (all indirectly elected)
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 2/1/1994
Note: In 1997, after the new constitution was adopted, the government formed a Transitional National Assembly to serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections to form a National Assembly could be held; the constitution stipulates that once past the transition stage, all National Assembly members will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were postponed indefinitely due to the war with Ethiopia; as of 2025, no sitting legislative body exists
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO
National holiday
Independence Day, 24 May (1991)
Political parties
People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ (the only party recognized by the government)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: State of Eritrea
Conventional short form: Eritrea
Local long form: Hagere Ertra
Local short form: Ertra
Former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia
Etymology: The country name derives from the ancient Greek name Erythra Thalassa, meaning "Red Sea," the body of water that borders the country
Conventional short form: Eritrea
Local long form: Hagere Ertra
Local short form: Ertra
Former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia
Etymology: The country name derives from the ancient Greek name Erythra Thalassa, meaning "Red Sea," the body of water that borders the country
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Berhane Gebrehiwet SOLOMON (since 15 March 2011)
Chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991
FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304
Email address and website:
Embassyeritrea@embassyeritrea.org
https://us.embassyeritrea.org/
Chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991
FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304
Email address and website:
Embassyeritrea@embassyeritrea.org
https://us.embassyeritrea.org/
National anthem(s)
Title: "Ertra, Ertra, Ertra" (Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea)
Lyrics/music: SOLOMON Tsehaye Beraki/Isaac Abraham MEHAREZGI and ARON Tekle Tesfatsion
History: Adopted 1993, after gaining independence from Ethiopia
Lyrics/music: SOLOMON Tsehaye Beraki/Isaac Abraham MEHAREZGI and ARON Tekle Tesfatsion
History: Adopted 1993, after gaining independence from Ethiopia
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)
camel
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Eritrea
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Eritrea
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Asmara: A Modernist African City
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Asmara: A Modernist African City
National color(s)
green, red, blue
Exports - commodities
copper ore, zinc ore, gold, garments, liquor (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
China 67%, UAE 26%, Philippines 5%, Italy 1%, Croatia 1% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
sorghum, milk, barley, vegetables, root vegetables, cereals, pulses, wheat, beef, maize (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $633 million (2018 est.)
Expenditures: $549 million (2018 est.)
Expenditures: $549 million (2018 est.)
Imports - commodities
trucks, sorghum, construction vehicles, wheat flours, other foods (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
nakfa (ERN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
15.075 (2024 est.)
15.075 (2023 est.)
15.075 (2022 est.)
15.075 (2021 est.)
15.075 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
15.075 (2024 est.)
15.075 (2023 est.)
15.075 (2022 est.)
15.075 (2021 est.)
15.075 (2020 est.)
Industries
food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement
Economic overview
largely agrarian economy with a significant mining sector; substantial fiscal surplus due to tight controls; high and vulnerable debts; increased Ethiopian trade and shared port usage decreasing prices; financial and economic data integrity challenges
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.535 billion (2024 est.)
Note: Data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Note: Data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Imports - partners
China 32%, UAE 27%, Turkey 9%, USA 7%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Labor force
1.71 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$461.376 million (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$191.694 million (2019 est.)
$163.034 million (2018 est.)
$143.412 million (2017 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$163.034 million (2018 est.)
$143.412 million (2017 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
5.6% (2024 est.)
5.6% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.6% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.534 billion (2024 est.)
$2.465 billion (2023 est.)
$2.398 billion (2022 est.)
Note: Data in 2015 dollars
$2.465 billion (2023 est.)
$2.398 billion (2022 est.)
Note: Data in 2015 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
7.4% (2022 est.)
6.6% (2021 est.)
5.6% (2020 est.)
Note: Annual % change based on consumer prices
6.6% (2021 est.)
5.6% (2020 est.)
Note: Annual % change based on consumer prices
Real GDP per capita
$700 (2024 est.)
$700 (2023 est.)
$700 (2022 est.)
Note: Data in 2015 dollars
$700 (2023 est.)
$700 (2022 est.)
Note: Data in 2015 dollars
Imports
$494.229 million (2010 est.)
$435.275 million (2009 est.)
$435.275 million (2009 est.)
Exports
$624.3 million (2017 est.)
$485.4 million (2016 est.)
$374.898 million (2011 est.)
$485.4 million (2016 est.)
$374.898 million (2011 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
5% (2017 est.)
1.9% (2016 est.)
2.6% (2015 est.)
1.9% (2016 est.)
2.6% (2015 est.)
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 55.4% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 75.5%
Electrification - rural areas: 36%
Electrification - urban areas: 75.5%
Electrification - rural areas: 36%
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 89.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 243,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 388.987 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 51.528 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 388.987 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 51.528 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 20% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.er
Broadcast media
government controls broadcast media, with private ownership prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; 2 state-owned radio networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to international broadcast media are permitted (2023)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 1.8 million (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 50 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 50 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 6,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 66,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Railways
Total: 306 km (2018)
Narrow gauge: 306 km (2018) 0.950-m gauge
Narrow gauge: 306 km (2018) 0.950-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
E3
Airports
11 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 9 (2023)
By type: General cargo 4, oil tanker 1, other 4
By type: General cargo 4, oil tanker 1, other 4
Military service age and obligation
Eritrea mandates military service for all citizens age 18-40; 18-month conscript service obligation, which reportedly includes 4-6 months of military training and 12 months of military or other national service (military service is most common); in practice, military and national service is often extended indefinitely; citizens up to the age of 59 eligible for recall during mobilization (2024)
Military and security forces
Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF): Eritrean Ground Forces, Eritrean Navy, Eritrean Air Force; People's Militia (aka People's Army or Hizbawi Serawit) (2024)
Note: Police are responsible for maintaining internal security, but the government sometimes uses the armed forces, reserves, demobilized soldiers, or civilian militia to meet domestic as well as external security requirements; the armed forces have authority to arrest and detain civilians
Note: Police are responsible for maintaining internal security, but the government sometimes uses the armed forces, reserves, demobilized soldiers, or civilian militia to meet domestic as well as external security requirements; the armed forces have authority to arrest and detain civilians
Military expenditures
10% of GDP (2019 est.)
10.2% of GDP (2018 est.)
10.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
10.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
10.6% of GDP (2015 est.)
10.2% of GDP (2018 est.)
10.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
10.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
10.6% of GDP (2015 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
available information varies widely; estimated 150,000-200,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military - note
the military’s primary responsibilities are external defense, border security, and providing the regime a vehicle for national cohesion; the conscript-based Army is the dominant service
Since the country's independence in 1991, the Eritrean military has participated in numerous conflicts, including the Hanish Island Crisis with Yemen (1995), the First Congo War (1996-1997), the Second Sudanese Civil War (1996-1998), the Eritrea-Ethiopia War (1998-2000), the Djiboutian-Eritrean border conflict (2008), and the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia (2020-2022); during the Tigray conflict, the Eritrean Defense Forces were accused of human rights abuses; in recent years, it has provided training support to the military of Somalia (2025)
Since the country's independence in 1991, the Eritrean military has participated in numerous conflicts, including the Hanish Island Crisis with Yemen (1995), the First Congo War (1996-1997), the Second Sudanese Civil War (1996-1998), the Eritrea-Ethiopia War (1998-2000), the Djiboutian-Eritrean border conflict (2008), and the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia (2020-2022); during the Tigray conflict, the Eritrean Defense Forces were accused of human rights abuses; in recent years, it has provided training support to the military of Somalia (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the EDF's inventory is comprised primarily of Soviet-era weapons and equipment (2025)
Trafficking in persons
Tier rating: Tier 3 — Eritrea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore Eritrea remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/eritrea/
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 119 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 2 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 2
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 2
Key ports: Assab, Mitsiwa Harbor
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 2
Very small: 0
Ports with oil terminals: 2
Key ports: Assab, Mitsiwa Harbor
National coat of arms
Eritrea adopted its coat of arms on May 24, 1993, when it won independence from Ethiopia; the camel was used to transport supplies and goods during the war, and it became a symbol of the country’s success; the olive wreath represents peace, reconciliation, and harmony; under the camel is name of the country in its three official languages: Tigrinya, English, and Arabic
Methane emissions
Energy: 15.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 117.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 20.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 2.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 117.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 20.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 2.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)