People & Culture

People and Culture of Eritrea

The physical geography of Eritrea has profoundly influenced its people. The fertile plateau is home to a cohesive group of sedentary agriculturalists, though the boundaries of livelihood and political organization are fluid, blurred by the seasonal migrations of nomadic tribes between the plains and highlands.

However, the seemingly simple ethnic structure is deceptive. Over centuries, Eritrea has been a crossroads for migrations, resulting in a diverse mosaic of linguistic and ethnic groups in its relatively small population.

Eritrean society has long been rooted in values of humanity and equality. From ancient times, communities in Eritrea developed sophisticated laws and traditional methods of governance. Even during colonial rule, researchers noted the orderly and peaceful nature of Eritrean society, often describing it as a place where people lived in harmony "without the need for police."

Historically, Eritrean communities established advanced systems for land management and resource allocation. Rather than relying on representative democracy, the people practiced direct democracy, shaping a culture that aligned with the country's unique realities.

This culture of civilization is marked by harmony, coexistence, respect for property, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for treaties and international conventions. These values persisted and strengthened during Eritrea's struggle for independence. The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) exemplified these principles when, after gaining independence on May 24, 1991, they humanely treated the disarmed Ethiopian soldiers, sending 100,000 of them peacefully back to their homeland.

Eritrea's independence, achieved through a determined armed struggle, was ultimately confirmed via a referendum, reflecting the country's commitment to a civilized and democratic process.

The national culture in Eritrea has been a cornerstone of its independence, economic development, and participatory political system. By preserving positive cultural traditions and avoiding harmful ones, the Eritrean people have fostered a culture grounded in patriotism, respect for humanity, equality, justice, rule of law, hard work, self-reliance, and open-mindedness.

Core values such as persistence, unity, love for the nation, hard work, sacrifice for justice, cooperation, and self-reliance serve as guiding principles in Eritrean society.

Despite its small size, Eritrea boasts an astonishingly rich cultural heritage. Its unique location at the crossroads of cultures offers visitors an exceptional experience. The country is home to nine distinct ethnic groups and two major religions, Islam and Christianity, which coexist in absolute harmony.

As Edward Denison remarked in his travels:

"Throughout my journey from Cape Town to Alexandria, I had not seen such a beautiful city as Asmara nor received such generosity from complete strangers. In Eritrea, I felt I had reached some curious nirvana."