Embassy and Permanent Mission of the State of Eritrea in Geneva
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Eritrea Facts & Figures
Official Name
The State of Eritrea
Capital
Asmara is the capital of the State of Eritrea.
President
H.E. Mr. Isaias Afwerki Abraham
Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohammed
Official Languages
Eritrea does not have an official language. The Constitution of Eritrea establishes the ‘equality of all Eritrean languages.’ However, Tigrigna, Arabic, and English are de facto working languages.
Religion
Eritrea is half Christian and half Muslim. The country was among the first countries to receive Christianity. It was also one of the first Islamic settlements in Africa, as a group of first Muslims facing persecution in Mecca migrated to the port city of Massawa, where the first mosque on African soil is currently found.
Location
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered to the northeast and east by the Red Sea. Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast.
Area
Eritrea has a total area of approximately 117,600 km2 (45,406 sq mi) and includes 360-plus islands. Thus, it is the 22nd biggest country in Africa and ranks 101st in the world.
Geographic coordinates
Eritrea lies between:
Longitude: 36o and 44o East
Latitude: 12o and 18o North
Time zone
The State of Eritrea is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
Climate
Eritrea has a pleasant climate all year (average temperature of 16o Celsius or 60o Fahrenheit) and receives 508 mm (20 inches) of rainfall annually.
Monetary Units/Currency
The current official currency of Eritrea is the Eritrean nakfa (Nfk, ERN). It was introduced as the official legal tender on November 8, 1997. The currency has been named after the Eritrean town of Nakfa which was the site of a first major victory that was achieved during the Eritrean War of Independence.
Each nakfa is subdivided into 100 cents. The Eritrean Nakfa has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar of 15 ERN for every dollar. The Bank of Eritrea issues the currency and operates independently from the Ministry of Finance. The Eritrean currency comes in various denominations in both coin and banknote form.
The Nakfa is the official currency of the State of Eritrea, abbreviated officially as NKF.
The Nakfa is divided into 100 cents.
Coins are in the following denominations: NKF 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 cents.
Notes or bills exist in the denominations of NKF 1,5,10,20,50,100 and 200.
The NKF is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at the rate of 1 USD = 15.75 NKF.
Flag
The National Flag of Eritrea was officially adopted on December 5, 1995. The flag features three triangles: red, green, and blue. The red isosceles triangle is based on the hoist side, and its points are on the fly side. Two right triangles lie on either side of the red triangle, with both based on the fly side. Within the red triangle, there is a vertical gold olive branch encircled by a gold olive wreath.
The green color symbolizes the country's livestock and agricultural economy. It also symbolizes hope, joy, and optimism. The blue color symbolizes the country of the sea. The red represents sacrifices, hardiness, bravery, strength, and courage.
Coat of arms
The current official National Coat of Arms/emblem of Eritrea was adopted on May 24, 1993. It is composed of a camel surrounded by an olive wreath. The camel is a symbol of success in Eritrea for independence. At the bottom of the emblem, the name of the county is inscribed in golden letters on blue scores in three de facto working languages (Tigrigna, Arabic, and English).
Eritrea National Brand
A national brand is rooted in the reality of the nation’s culture, which is perhaps the truest and most authentic representation of a nation. A nation’s brand image is its most valuable asset: it is national identity made robust, tangible, communicable, and—at its best—useful. Making an independent choice can be considered a national brand of Eritrea since it represents the real character of the nation.
National anthem
The national anthem, ‘Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea,’ was adopted in 1993. Issac Araham Meharezghi and Aron Tekle Tesfasion composed the music, and Solomon Tsehaye Beraki wrote the lyrics.
Coastline
The length of its coastline is approximately 2,234 km, comprising 1,151km of coast on the mainland and an additional 1,083 km of coastline to its Red Sea Islands.
Elevation extremes
The country's lowest point is Kobar, 100 meters below sea level, and its highest point is Emba Soira, 3,018 meters above sea level.
Fiscal year
1 January to 31 December
National Day
It falls on 24 May and marks Eritrea's Independence Day from Ethiopian colonization in 1991.
Commemoration day
Falls on 20 June. It recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of the nation's daughters and sons, who have given their lives to achieve and defend our independence.
Other public holidays
1st September, the commencement of the Eritrean armed struggle.
Telecommunication
International dialing code: +291
The top-level internet domain is .er.
Major airports
Asmara International Airport (IATA code: ASM)
Massawa International Airport (IATA code: MSW)
Asab International Airport (IATA code:ASA)
Culture
The Eritrea culture is rooted in the traditions of the nine ethnic groups. The family is of paramount importance and plays a central role in the social structure.
Eritrea is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been influenced by various civilizations throughout history. Traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and storytelling continue to be preserved and celebrated.
Dress code
Eritrea has a modest dress code, especially in public places. While there are no strict dress code regulations for visitors, it is respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites and other public areas. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Cuisine
Eritrean cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region and is influenced by Arabian, Indian, Italian, and African flavors. Traditional dishes often include Shiro, lentils, meat, and spices like Berbere are common. Eritreans are also known for their delicious and elaborate coffee ceremony.
Sports
Eritrea has a growing and diverse sports culture despite its relatively small size and young independence. Here are some key facts about sports in Eritrea: Cycling is the most popular sport in Eritrea. The country has a strong cycling tradition, with a rich history dating back to Italian colonial rule when cycling was introduced. Eritrea is the first African country to win a stage at the Tour de France as well as the Green Jersey. Football is the second most popular sport in Eritrea. Many young people are passionate about it, and the national football team has been making efforts to improve its international standing. Moreover, Eritrea has produced successful long-distance runners despite being a small nation. The high altitudes in parts of the country have contributed to the development of elite endurance athletes.
Foreign Policy
Eritrea has a moderate foreign policy that reinforces a balanced relationship with the international community. It adheres to the principle of non-interference in the international and domestic affairs of other countries, the pursuit of dialogue and, whenever possible, peaceful resolution of disputes, and support for international institutions, such as the United Nations. Eritrea is one of the leading proponents in the global campaign against human trafficking, terrorism, and the protection and promotion of human rights.