Eritrea is located in Eastern Africa, and its capital is Asmara. It has a population of approximately 3,535,603 and covers an area of about 121,766 km². Its official currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN).
What stands out
People & place
29 /km² across 121,766 km²
Eritrea has a recorded population of 3,535,603 and a reported surface area of 121,766 km².
Economic snapshot
$2.07 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $2.07 billion and GDP per capita at $689 for 2011. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Eritrea, a youthful nation on the Horn of Africa, boasts a dramatic coastline along the Red Sea and a tapestry of peoples, languages, and landscapes that make it one of the continent’s most intriguing destinations.
The country stretches from the volcanic Danakil Depression—one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth—to fertile highlands that receive ample rainfall. Its 1,200‑kilometre Red Sea shoreline features spectacular coral reefs and historic ports such as Massawa, while the inland terrain is a patchwork of rugged mountains, volcanic plateaus, and arid plains.
Eritrea’s cultural mosaic reflects nine recognized ethnic groups, with Tigrinya, Arabic, and Tigre speakers forming the majority. Traditional coffee ceremonies, vibrant Eritrean music that blends pentatonic scales with modern rhythms, and festivals like Meskel celebrate both Christian and Muslim heritage. Staple dishes such as injera topped with spicy stews (zigni) showcase the nation’s rich culinary legacy.
After centuries of Ottoman and Egyptian influence, Eritrea became an Italian colony in the late 19th century, gaining a unique architectural legacy. Following a 30‑year war of independence, Eritrea finally achieved sovereignty on May 24 1993, becoming the newest nation in Africa at that time.
Key facts
Eritrea’s coastal city of Assab lies at the head of the strategic Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a vital chokepoint for global maritime traffic.
Population: approximately 3.6 million people; Area: about 117,600 km², making it roughly the size of Pennsylvania.
The country operates a single-party system, and its national service program requires all citizens to serve in the military or civil projects.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Eritrea has a recorded population of approximately 3,535,603 people.
How big is Eritrea?
Eritrea covers an area of about 121,766 km².
What is the population density of Eritrea?
Eritrea has a population density of roughly 29 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Eritrea?
Eritrea has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $2.07 billion as of 2011.
What is the GDP per capita of Eritrea?
Eritrea has a GDP per capita of approximately $689.
What currency is used in Eritrea?
Eritrea uses the Eritrean nakfa (ERN), with the symbol Nfk.
Where is Eritrea located?
Eritrea is located in Eastern Africa, Africa.
What is the native name of Eritrea?
The native name of Eritrea is ኤርትራ.
What are people from Eritrea called?
People from Eritrea are referred to as Eritrean.
What is the phone calling code for Eritrea?
The international dialing code for Eritrea is +291.
What is the internet domain for Eritrea?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Eritrea is .er.
What time zone is Eritrea in?
Eritrea uses the Africa/Asmara time zone.
What is Eritrea known for?
Eritrea, a youthful nation on the Horn of Africa, boasts a dramatic coastline along the Red Sea and a tapestry of peoples, languages, and landscapes that make it one of the continent’s most intriguing destinations.
Eastern Africa