Eritrea

Quick Facts

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Capital

Asmara

Population

4,230,000

Government

Transitional government

Religions

Islam, Christianity (Coptic, Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

English

Calling Code

+291

Nationality

Eritrean

Local name

Ertra

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Introduction

Who's that girl?

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Eritrea's relations with its neighbour Ethiopia have never been great since the U.N. declared the former to be a province of the latter in the 50s. Eritrean national pride and a burning thirst for independence resulted in the Struggle for Independence, a brutal 30 year war which ended, somewhat surprisingly, in victory for the smaller forces of Eritrea. 1993 marked the start of Eritrea's independence, but not the end of its Ethiopian conflicts. Border disputes resulted in further fighting, which was finally brought to a halt in 2000.

The relative peace enjoyed by Eritrea now is a promising sign. Travellers should maintain caution, but the country's attractions are safe. Italian styled architecture reveals the country's colonial past and gives Asmara, the capital, a striking appearance. The Red Sea around the Eritrean coast and the Dahlak Archipelago has been esteemed highly by divers, who are attracted by the WWII war relics hidden under the surface and the lively aqua-life.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Eritrea is made up of six regions (zobas)

• Central
• Southern
• Gash-Barka
• Anseba
• Northern Red Sea
• Southern Red Sea

Cities

• Asmara - The capital
• Massawa
• Keren
• Agordat
• Dekemhare
• Mendefera
• Nakfa - Was the capital during the war and every building in the city was destroyed except the mosque. Most of the city relocated underground during the war.

Sights and Activities

Qohaito

Qohaito was an ancient Aksumite city in the Debub region of Eritrea. The Ancient Greeks called the city Koloe. It was a major stop on one of the African trade routes, and may have been the summer capital for the kingdom. There are many pre- Christian ruins in the city and it lies on a high plateau at the edge of the stunning great Rift Valley. The city was most likely inhabited till the 6th century AD. Due to the civil war most of the city has not been excavated.

Other Ancient Cities

• Adulis - Located in the Northern Red Sea this city was a port for the Kingdom of Aksum before it fell in the 8th century.
• Dahlak Kebir - Is an island in the Red Sea and on the western side there are some ancient cisterns and a necropolis. There are also some interesting fossils.
• Matara - Located about 136 km southeast of Asmara this city was a major Aksum city for more then a thousand years.

Dankalia

This area south of Massawa along the coastline is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. The volcanic desert makes this place look like a different planet. There is no great sights or destinations here other then lifeless desert, which some travellers like. Dankalia is also the home to the legendary Afar people, who are one of the most fiercest groups on the whole planet.

Massawa Island

Explore the amazing architecture and the old town of this amazing neighborhood in the city of Massawa. The buildings are a blend of Egyptian, Turkish and Italo-Moorish styles. Also many of the buildings are built with coral rock having mashrabeya, which are wooden screen windows.

Other Sights and Activities

• National Museum of Eritrea - Is an ok museum that was opened in 1992. It is now located in the former Comboni Sisters School for Women.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

By Plane

Eritrean Airlines is the national airline of Eritrea and is based at Asmara International Airport (ASM) near the capital. International destinations include Djibouti, Dubai, Frankfurt, Jeddah, Milan and Rome. Lufthansa flies to Frankfurt and Jeddah as well. Other destinations with connections to Asmara are Nairobi, Cairo and Sana'a.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

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