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July 17, 2025

Eritrea Travel Guide

🇪🇷 Eritrea Travel Guide

21) Brief History

The history of Eritrea is a profound and ancient saga of a nation that has served as a cradle of civilizations and a strategic crossroads on the Red Sea, followed by a long and arduous struggle for sovereignty that has defined its modern identity. The lands of present-day Eritrea have been inhabited for millennia, with early evidence of human ancestors found in the region. By the first millennium BC, the area was home to various peoples and was a key player in the trade networks that connected the Nile Valley with the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Indian Ocean. The most significant early civilization to emerge was the powerful Kingdom of Aksum, which rose to prominence around the 1st century AD. With its heartland in the highlands of both modern Eritrea and northern Ethiopia, Aksum became a major naval and trading power, controlling the vital Red Sea trade routes. The port city of Adulis, on the Eritrean coast, was the kingdom’s main commercial hub, a cosmopolitan center where goods from Africa, Arabia, India, and the Roman Empire were exchanged. The Aksumite Kingdom was one of the first empires in the world to officially adopt Christianity in the 4th century, a legacy that remains a cornerstone of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the nation’s cultural heritage. The decline of Aksum in the 7th century, partly due to the rise of Islam and the shift in trade routes, led to a period of fragmentation and the rise of local kingdoms. The coastal areas came under the influence of various Islamic powers, including the Umayyad Caliphate, while the highlands maintained their distinct Christian identity. For much of the medieval period, parts of the Eritrean highlands were linked to the Ethiopian Empire to the south, a complex relationship of shared religion and culture, but also of frequent conflict and struggles for autonomy.

The modern era and the shaping of Eritrea as a distinct political entity began in the late 19th century with the arrival of European colonial powers. Italy, a latecomer to the “Scramble for Africa,” began to establish a foothold on the Red Sea coast. In 1890, the Italians formally created their colony of Eritrea, with its capital in Asmara. The Italian colonial period, which lasted until their defeat in World War II, had a transformative and lasting impact on the country. The Italians invested heavily in building modern infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports, and they developed agriculture and industry. The most visible legacy of this era is the unique and stunning architecture of the capital, Asmara. The Italians transformed Asmara into a modernist architectural showcase, a “Little Rome” filled with futuristic Art Deco, Futurist, and Rationalist buildings, which has since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, this period was also one of strict colonial rule and racial segregation. After the Italian defeat in 1941, Eritrea came under British military administration. The post-war period was one of intense political debate about the future of the territory. The United Nations, against the wishes of many Eritreans who desired independence, decided in 1950 to federate Eritrea with its much larger neighbor, Ethiopia. This federation was intended to grant Eritrea a degree of autonomy, with its own parliament and constitution. However, from the very beginning, the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie worked to undermine this autonomy, and in 1962, he formally annexed Eritrea, making it a province of Ethiopia. This act was the spark that ignited one of Africa’s longest and most devastating conflicts, the Eritrean War of Independence.

The war, which began in 1961, was a brutal, thirty-year struggle for sovereignty led by the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF). The EPLF, a highly disciplined and resilient guerrilla force, fought against the far larger and better-equipped Ethiopian army, which was supported first by the United States and later by the Soviet Union. The war caused immense suffering and devastation but also forged a powerful and unshakeable sense of national identity and self-reliance among the Eritrean people. The EPLF finally achieved a decisive military victory in May 1991. After an internationally monitored referendum in 1993, in which an overwhelming majority voted for independence, Eritrea was officially declared a sovereign nation, and it was admitted to the United Nations. The post-independence period, however, has been challenging. A devastating border war with Ethiopia from 1998 to 2000 resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and had a profound impact on the nation’s development. Since then, the country has been under the rule of the EPLF’s successor, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), led by President Isaias Afwerki. This period has been characterized by a highly centralized and authoritarian political system, a state-controlled economy, and a policy of national self-reliance that has often led to international isolation. The nation’s history, from the glory of Aksum to the long fight for freedom, remains the central and defining narrative of the Eritrean people.

22) Geography

The geography of the State of Eritrea is a stunning and dramatic landscape of stark contrasts, a country that encompasses a remarkable diversity of terrains within its relatively compact territory. Located in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea is bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. Its most defining geographical feature is its long and strategic coastline along the Red Sea, which stretches for over 1,150 kilometers (715 miles). This coastline, which includes a magnificent and largely untouched archipelago, has shaped the country’s history as a maritime trading nation and offers some of the most pristine marine environments in the world. The country can be broadly divided into three major and distinct geographical and climatic zones. The first and most populous zone is the Central Highlands. This is a high-altitude plateau that is a northern extension of the great Ethiopian Highlands. This region, with an average elevation of around 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate with moderate rainfall, making it the country’s most fertile agricultural area. The capital city, Asmara, is located in the heart of these highlands at an elevation of over 2,300 meters, giving it a surprisingly mild climate for a city so close to the desert. The landscape of the highlands is characterized by its rolling hills, terraced farms, and deep, dramatic valleys that have been carved by rivers over millennia. This is the historical and cultural heartland of the nation, where the ancient Aksumite civilization once flourished.

Descending steeply and dramatically from the eastern edge of the highlands is the second major geographical zone: the coastal plain. This is a narrow strip of hot, arid desert that runs the entire length of the country’s Red Sea coast. This region is part of the Great Rift Valley system and is characterized by its barren landscapes, sandy plains, and volcanic features. Despite the harsh climate, the coastal plain is home to the country’s major port cities, Massawa and Assab. The city of Massawa, with its unique blend of Ottoman and Egyptian architecture, is situated on two islands and the mainland, connected by causeways. The coastal plain also includes a portion of the formidable Danakil Depression in the south, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, a surreal landscape of salt pans and active volcanoes. The third and perhaps most spectacular geographical feature of Eritrea is the Dahlak Archipelago. This is a vast and largely uninhabited cluster of over 120 islands and islets that lie off the coast of Massawa in the Red Sea. The islands are mostly low-lying, formed of coral reefs and limestone, and are surrounded by some of the most pristine and biodiverse coral reef ecosystems in the world. The waters of the archipelago are exceptionally clear and are a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling, teeming with a huge variety of fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. The islands themselves are a haven for seabirds and offer a vision of an untouched and remote island wilderness.

To the west of the Central Highlands, the land descends into the western lowlands. This region is a broad plain that slopes down towards the border with Sudan. It is characterized by its hot, semi-arid climate and its savanna landscape of acacia trees and grasslands. This is a more sparsely populated region, home to a number of Eritrea’s diverse ethnic groups, many of whom are traditionally pastoralists. The major rivers of this region, such as the Gash and the Barka, are seasonal, flowing only during the brief rainy season. This incredible geographical diversity, from the cool, temperate highlands and the scorching desert coast to the pristine coral islands of the Red Sea and the savanna plains of the west, makes Eritrea a country of extraordinary natural beauty and stark, compelling contrasts. This landscape has profoundly shaped the resilience and the diverse cultures of the Eritrean people.

23) Politics and Government

The political system of the State of Eritrea is a unitary, one-party presidential republic. Since its formal declaration of independence in 1993, the country has been governed by the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), which is the successor to the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), the guerrilla movement that led the country to victory in the long War of Independence. The political landscape is characterized by a highly centralized and authoritarian power structure, with immense and unchecked authority concentrated in the hands of the President. The country has never held a national election, the constitution that was ratified in 1997 has never been implemented, and there is no functioning legislature or independent judiciary. The President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, has been the head of state and head of government since independence. He is the central and completely dominant figure in the country’s political life. He holds supreme executive, legislative, and judicial authority. As the chairman of the PFDJ, which is the only legally permitted political party, he presides over all aspects of the state. There are no term limits for the presidency, and there is no formal mechanism for a political transition. The President appoints all cabinet ministers, who head the various government ministries, as well as all senior military officials, judges, and regional administrators. The cabinet, known as the State Council, serves to implement the policies and directives of the President and has no independent authority. The legislative branch of government, in theory, is the unicameral National Assembly (*Hagerawi Baito*). According to the unimplemented 1997 constitution, the National Assembly was to be composed of 150 members, with half being members of the PFDJ’s Central Committee and the other half being elected by the people. However, the National Assembly has not met since 2002, and no national legislative elections have ever been held. In the absence of a functioning legislature, all laws are made by presidential decree. This means that there is a complete lack of any legislative oversight of the executive branch.

The political landscape in Eritrea is completely controlled by the PFDJ. No other political parties are allowed to exist or to operate within the country. The PFDJ is not just a political party in the traditional sense; it is a mass organization that is deeply intertwined with the state and the military, and it controls all aspects of political, economic, and social life. There is no space for political opposition, dissent, or a free press. The government owns and controls all domestic media outlets, and there are no independent newspapers, radio stations, or television channels. Freedom of speech, assembly, and association are severely restricted, and any criticism of the government is not tolerated. The judiciary, while formally a separate branch, is in practice subordinate to the executive. The President has the authority to appoint and dismiss all judges, which completely undermines the principle of judicial independence. The court system includes community courts, regional courts, and a High Court, but the rule of law is weak, and citizens have little recourse against the actions of the state. A central and defining feature of the Eritrean state is the system of indefinite national service. All Eritrean citizens, both men and women, are required to undergo military training and are then conscripted into the national service program. This service is supposed to be for a period of 18 months, but in practice, it is open-ended and can last for decades. Conscripts are often assigned to military roles or to forced labor on state-owned agricultural or construction projects for extremely low pay. This system has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations as a form of institutionalized forced labor and is the primary driver of the mass exodus of young Eritreans from the country.

The political system of Eritrea is one of the most closed and authoritarian in the world. The government justifies its tight control by citing the need for national unity, self-reliance, and the perceived threat from external enemies, particularly its long-standing rival, Ethiopia. However, this system has resulted in the severe repression of the Eritrean people and the country’s deep and prolonged international isolation. For any visitor, it is crucial to understand that they are entering a highly controlled and sensitive political environment, and it is imperative to avoid any form of political activity or discussion.

24) Law and Criminal Justice

The legal system of the State of Eritrea is a complex and evolving framework that is in a long-term state of transition. It is a hybrid system that incorporates elements of civil law, inherited from the Italian colonial period and influenced by the Ethiopian legal codes, as well as customary law, which continues to play a significant role in resolving disputes in many rural communities. The legal landscape is profoundly shaped by the country’s unique post-independence political reality, which has resulted in a system where the formal legal institutions are often overshadowed by the power of the executive and the ruling party. The supreme law of the land is, in theory, the Constitution of Eritrea, which was ratified by the National Assembly in 1997. This constitution provides for a democratic state with a separation of powers and a comprehensive charter of human rights. However, this constitution has never been implemented, and the country has been governed under a transitional legal framework ever since its independence. In the absence of a functioning constitution and a legislature, the legal system is based on a mixture of old colonial-era laws, proclamations issued by the government since independence, and presidential decrees. This has created a degree of legal uncertainty and a lack of a clear and consolidated body of law. The judiciary is constitutionally established as an independent branch of government. The court system is structured at several levels. At the base are the Community Courts, which primarily handle minor civil cases and disputes and often apply customary law. Above them are the Zonal Courts (regional courts), and at the apex of the ordinary court system is the High Court. There is also a system of Sharia courts that handle personal and family matters for the Muslim population. A parallel judicial structure is the Special Court, which was established to try high-level cases of corruption but has also been used to try political dissidents. This court operates outside the formal judicial hierarchy, and its procedures have been criticized for not meeting international standards of due process.

The independence of the judiciary is severely compromised in practice. The President has the authority to appoint and dismiss all judges, which makes the entire judicial system subordinate to the executive branch. The rule of law is weak, and citizens who have been arbitrarily arrested or have had their property confiscated have very little effective legal recourse. The criminal justice system in Eritrea is a source of major international concern. Law enforcement is the responsibility of the Eritrean Police Force, which is under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The system of indefinite national service is a key part of the state’s security and control apparatus. The country’s legal framework allows for broad powers of arrest and detention. Individuals can be arrested and held for long periods without charge or trial. The government has detained thousands of political prisoners, including former government officials, journalists, and religious practitioners from unregistered faiths, many of whom have been held incommunicado for years in a network of secret and harsh detention centers. The rights of the accused are not respected in practice. There is no right to a speedy trial, and access to legal counsel is often denied, particularly in politically sensitive cases. The conditions in the country’s prisons and detention centers are reported to be extremely harsh and life-threatening.

For foreign visitors, it is absolutely essential to understand that they are entering a highly controlled and sensitive legal and security environment. The laws are strictly enforced, and the legal process is opaque and does not meet international standards of fairness. It is illegal to take photographs of government buildings, military installations, or infrastructure. The exchange of foreign currency is tightly controlled and must only be done at official exchange bureaus. Any criticism of the government can be interpreted as a criminal act. One of the most significant legal issues for visitors is the requirement for internal travel permits. Foreigners, and indeed Eritrean citizens, are not free to travel around the country. To travel anywhere outside of the capital, Asmara, a travel permit must be obtained in advance from the Ministry of Tourism. This permit will specify the exact route and the duration of the trip. The enforcement of these permits can be strict, with numerous checkpoints on the roads. It is crucial for any visitor to strictly adhere to all local laws, to avoid any political discussions, and to follow the official procedures for travel within the country to ensure a safe and trouble-free visit.

25) Foreign Relations

The foreign policy of the State of Eritrea is one of the most distinctive and controversial in Africa, guided by a fierce and uncompromising commitment to national sovereignty and self-reliance. This diplomatic posture is a direct and enduring legacy of the country’s long and arduous 30-year struggle for independence, which was fought with very little external support. This experience has forged a deep-seated suspicion of foreign intervention and a determination to pursue a foreign policy that is independent of the major global and regional powers. This has often led to a policy of “splendid isolation,” with Eritrea having strained or openly hostile relations with many of its neighbors and with the wider international community. For the first two decades of its independence, the defining feature of Eritrean foreign policy was its profound and bitter rivalry with its much larger neighbor, Ethiopia. The two countries, which share deep historical and cultural ties, fought a devastating border war from 1998 to 2000, which resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and a long and tense military standoff that defined the politics of the entire Horn of Africa region. During this period, Eritrea engaged in a foreign policy of “regional spoiler,” supporting opposition groups in Ethiopia and other neighboring countries, which led to it being sanctioned by the United Nations for its alleged support of extremist groups in Somalia. This long period of hostility came to a stunning and abrupt end in 2018, when a new government in Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, initiated a historic peace process with Eritrea. The two leaders signed a peace agreement, formally ending the state of war, reopening their common border, and re-establishing diplomatic and economic ties. This rapprochement dramatically reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa and led to the lifting of the UN sanctions on Eritrea. This new era of peace culminated in a close military alliance between the two countries, with Eritrean troops fighting alongside the Ethiopian army in the recent conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. However, the nature of this alliance and the future of the bilateral relationship remain complex.

Eritrea’s relationship with its other neighbors has also been turbulent. The country has had border disputes and tense relations with both Djibouti and Sudan at various times. Its relationship with the wider world, particularly with Western nations like the United States and the European Union, is also deeply strained. The West has been highly critical of Eritrea’s human rights record, its lack of democracy, and the system of indefinite national service. This has led to Eritrea being one of the most politically isolated countries in the world. The government in Asmara, in turn, has a deeply critical view of what it sees as Western neo-colonialism and interventionism, and it has consistently rejected what it terms “foreign dictates.” In response to this isolation from the West, Eritrea has sought to cultivate relationships with other global and regional powers. It has developed closer ties with a number of countries in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who value Eritrea’s strategic location on the Red Sea. It has also strengthened its relationship with Russia, supporting Russia’s positions in international forums like the United Nations. China is another important partner, though the economic relationship is less developed than in many other African countries. Eritrea is also a member of the African Union, though it has often had a contentious relationship with the continental body.

The foreign policy of Eritrea is thus a unique and highly personalized one, driven by the worldview of its long-serving president and the historical experience of the nation. It is a policy that prioritizes national survival and sovereignty above all else, even at the cost of deep and prolonged international isolation. The recent dramatic shifts in its relationship with Ethiopia demonstrate that this policy can be pragmatic and subject to sudden change, but the core principles of self-reliance and resistance to external pressure remain the constant and guiding stars of Eritrean diplomacy.

26) Administrative Divisions

The administrative structure of the State of Eritrea is a centralized system that was established in 1996 to replace the colonial-era provincial framework. As a unitary state, all power and authority flow from the central government in the capital, Asmara. The administrative divisions are not based on a federal system and do not have a high degree of autonomy; they are primarily designed to ensure the efficient implementation of national policies and the administration of public services across the country’s diverse territory. The current system is organized into a two-tiered structure of regions and sub-regions, which were deliberately created to cut across the historical and ethnic boundaries of the old provinces, with the stated goal of fostering a more unified national identity and discouraging ethnic-based regionalism. At the highest level, Eritrea is divided into six administrative regions, known as *zobas*. These six regions are the primary administrative units of the country and are diverse in their geography, population, and economic activities. Each region is headed by a Regional Administrator, who is a senior official appointed directly by the President of Eritrea. The Regional Administrator is the chief executive of the region, responsible for overseeing all government activities, coordinating the work of the various ministries at the regional level, and ensuring the implementation of the policies of the central government. This system of appointed administrators ensures a strong and direct chain of command from the presidency down to the regions. The six regions of Eritrea are: Maekel (Central) Region: This is the smallest but most populous region, located in the heart of the Eritrean highlands. It is the political and economic core of the nation and contains the capital city, Asmara. Anseba Region: Located to the northwest of the Maekel region, this is a mountainous and arid region, with its administrative center in the city of Keren, the second-largest city in Eritrea. Gash-Barka Region: Situated in the far west of the country and bordering Sudan, this is the largest region by land area. It is known as the “breadbasket” of Eritrea due to its agricultural potential, but it is also a very arid and sparsely populated region. Debub (Southern) Region: Located in the southern highlands and bordering Ethiopia, this is a densely populated and agriculturally important region, with its administrative center in the city of Mendefera. Northern Red Sea Region: This vast region stretches along the entire northern half of the country’s Red Sea coast. It includes the historic port city of Massawa and the magnificent Dahlak Archipelago. It is a very hot and arid region. Southern Red Sea Region: This region covers the southern part of the country’s coastline, bordering Djibouti. It is an extremely hot, arid, and sparsely populated region, containing a part of the Danakil Depression. Its administrative center is the port city of Assab.

The second tier of the administrative structure divides each of the six regions into sub-regions, or *sub-zobas*. There are over 50 sub-regions in total across the country. Each sub-region is administered by a Sub-Regional Administrator, who is also an appointee of the central government. The sub-region is the administrative level that is closest to the people, and it is responsible for the day-to-day management of local public services, such as education and health clinics, and for coordinating development projects at the community level. The sub-regions are further divided into village area administrations and towns, which are the most local units of governance. The local communities have a system of elected village councils, but their role is primarily to assist the state administration, and they have very limited independent authority. The entire administrative system is deeply intertwined with the structure of the ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). The party has representatives and committees at every level of the administration, from the national to the village level, which ensures that the party’s directives are implemented throughout the country. This highly centralized and party-controlled administrative system is a key tool for the government to manage the country and to project the state’s authority into every corner of the nation.

This administrative structure has provided a framework for governing the country since the major reorganization in 1996. It has been effective in creating a sense of a unified national territory and in breaking down some of the old, province-based identities. However, the system is also characterized by its complete lack of local autonomy and its top-down approach to governance. All major decisions are made in the capital, Asmara, and the regional and sub-regional administrators are primarily tasked with implementing these decisions. This centralized model is a core feature of the Eritrean state, reflecting the government’s emphasis on national unity and control.

27) Economy & Commodities

The economy of the State of Eritrea is a highly centralized, state-dominated command economy that is one of the least developed and most isolated in the world. The economic model is a direct reflection of the country’s political philosophy of “self-reliance,” which prioritizes national sovereignty and independence over integration into the global economy. The government and the ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), exercise almost complete control over all aspects of economic activity. The vast majority of businesses are either state-owned or are controlled by the PFDJ. This has resulted in a very small and heavily constrained private sector and has severely deterred foreign investment. The economy has been further hampered by decades of conflict, the system of indefinite national service, and international sanctions, leading to a situation of chronic economic stagnation and a reliance on a few key commodities and remittances from the large diaspora community. The agricultural sector is the foundation of the Eritrean economy, providing the main source of livelihood for the vast majority of the population, estimated to be around 80%. However, the sector is characterized by its low productivity and its extreme vulnerability to the country’s harsh, arid climate and recurrent droughts. Most farming is subsistence-level, with families growing staple crops like sorghum, millet, and barley. The country is not self-sufficient in food and is heavily reliant on food imports to feed its population. The ongoing system of indefinite national service, which conscripts a large portion of the able-bodied workforce into the military or forced labor projects, has also created a severe labor shortage in the agricultural sector, further hindering its development. In recent years, the mining sector has emerged as the most significant and virtually only source of significant foreign exchange earnings for the country. The most important commodity is gold. The Bisha mine, a large-scale gold, copper, and zinc mine in the west of the country, which was developed with a foreign partner, has been the primary engine of the formal economy and a major source of revenue for the state. There are also other smaller mining operations and significant untapped mineral potential in the country, including potash, salt, and marble. However, the development of this sector is constrained by the country’s challenging investment climate and its international isolation.

The fisheries sector, based in the country’s long and pristine Red Sea coastline, has significant potential but remains largely underdeveloped. The tourism industry also holds immense promise, given the country’s unique attractions, such as the modernist architecture of Asmara, the historic port of Massawa, and the untouched Dahlak Archipelago. However, this sector is severely constrained by the country’s strict visa policies, the requirement for internal travel permits, and the overall political and security situation, which has kept the number of international visitors very low. The manufacturing and services sectors are very small and are almost entirely state-controlled. The economy is also heavily dependent on remittances sent home by the large and vibrant Eritrean diaspora community around the world. These remittances are a crucial source of foreign currency and a vital lifeline for many families within the country. The country’s economic policies are also defined by a tightly controlled currency, the Eritrean nakfa, and strict foreign exchange controls, which have created a large black market for currency exchange. The state’s control extends to almost all imports and exports, which are managed by state-owned or party-owned enterprises.

The economic challenges facing Eritrea are profound. The country has one of the lowest levels of GDP per capita in the world. The system of indefinite national service has crippled the labor market and is the primary driver of the mass exodus of young people from the country. The long-standing “no war, no peace” standoff with Ethiopia for two decades also forced the country to maintain a highly militarized and defense-oriented economy. The recent peace agreement with Ethiopia in 2018 had raised hopes for an “economic peace dividend,” but the subsequent involvement of Eritrea in the Tigray conflict has further complicated the economic outlook. The future of the Eritrean economy will depend on a fundamental shift in its economic model, a resolution of its political challenges, and a greater opening to the international community to attract the investment needed to develop its significant but largely untapped potential.

28) Science and Technology

The science and technology sector in the State of Eritrea is in a very early and challenging stage of development, profoundly shaped by the country’s history of prolonged conflict, its subsequent international isolation, and its political and economic philosophy of self-reliance. The development of a robust scientific community and a modern technological infrastructure is severely constrained by a lack of financial resources, a shortage of highly trained personnel, and limited access to the global scientific community. The government has focused its efforts on developing practical and applied sciences that are directly relevant to the country’s most immediate needs, particularly in the areas of agriculture, health, and engineering. The framework for scientific research and higher education is limited and state-controlled. The primary institution for higher learning and research is the Eritrea Institute of Technology (EIT), located near the capital, Asmara. EIT, along with several other smaller colleges that focus on fields like medicine, agriculture, and marine science, was established after the closure of the country’s only university, the University of Asmara, in 2006. These institutions are the main centers for training the nation’s scientists and engineers. However, they operate with very limited resources, and the quality of education and research is hampered by a lack of modern laboratory equipment, a shortage of qualified faculty (as many have left the country), and limited access to international scientific literature and networks. The government’s policy of indefinite national service also has a major impact on the sector, as many graduates are conscripted into the military or other forms of service, which prevents them from pursuing further studies or careers in science and technology. This has led to a significant “brain drain,” with a large number of Eritrea’s most talented science and engineering graduates choosing to flee the country in search of better opportunities.

Despite these immense challenges, there are areas where applied science is being put to use to address national priorities. In the field of agriculture, which is the backbone of the economy, there is a focus on research related to dryland farming, water conservation techniques, and the development of drought-resistant crop varieties. This research is critical for improving food security in a country that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and recurrent droughts. In the public health sector, the government has achieved some notable successes, particularly in the control of infectious diseases like malaria and in its vaccination programs. This has been achieved through a community-based approach to healthcare and a focus on preventative medicine, which is a key area of applied health science. The country’s unique and pristine marine ecosystem in the Red Sea also offers significant potential for scientific research, particularly in the fields of marine biology and oceanography. The Dahlak Archipelago is a largely untouched natural laboratory, but the potential for research in this area is still very underdeveloped due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. In terms of modern technology, the most significant area of development is related to the mining industry. The large-scale gold and copper mines in the country utilize modern mining technologies and require a workforce of skilled engineers and technicians. This has been one of the few areas where advanced technology has been imported and deployed on a large scale.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Eritrea is one of the least developed in the world. Internet access is extremely limited, slow, and tightly controlled by the state. There is no mobile data network available to the public, and internet access is primarily through slow dial-up or Wi-Fi connections at a few internet cafes in the capital. This lack of connectivity is a massive barrier to the development of a modern, knowledge-based economy and further isolates the country from the global scientific community. The future of science and technology in Eritrea is inextricably linked to the country’s broader political and economic trajectory. A significant increase in investment in education, a greater opening to the international community to allow for scientific collaboration, and a reform of the national service policy would be essential prerequisites for building the scientific and technological capacity that the country needs to achieve sustainable development.

29) Philosophy

The philosophical spirit of the State of Eritrea is a powerful and deeply ingrained worldview, forged in the crucible of a long and bitter struggle for independence and defined by a fierce commitment to the principles of self-reliance, national unity, and social justice. This is not a philosophy of abstract, academic debate but a pragmatic and all-encompassing national ideology that has been deliberately cultivated by the state since its independence. It is a philosophy of survival and pride, one that is deeply rooted in the collective memory of the 30-year war for liberation and that continues to shape every aspect of Eritrean society, from its politics and economy to its social relations. At the very heart of the Eritrean philosophy is the concept of self-reliance (*Warsay Yika’alo*). This is the absolute cornerstone of the national identity. The Eritrean people fought for their independence for three decades against overwhelming odds and with very little external support. This experience created a profound and enduring belief that Eritreans can and must rely on their own resources, their own ingenuity, and their own efforts to build their nation. This philosophy manifests in a deep-seated suspicion of foreign aid, which is often seen as a tool of neo-colonial dependence, and a rejection of foreign political models. The government’s state-controlled economic model and its policy of international isolation are direct consequences of this commitment to self-reliance. It is a philosophy that values national sovereignty above all else and is willing to endure significant hardship to protect it. This has created a society that is proud, resilient, and determined to forge its own path in the world, independent of external pressures. A second, equally powerful pillar of the Eritrean philosophy is an unwavering emphasis on national unity and the suppression of sub-national identities. Eritrea is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, with nine officially recognized ethnic groups and a population that is roughly split between Christians and Muslims. The liberation movement, the EPLF, was successful in uniting these diverse groups under the common banner of a secular, Eritrean nationalism. Since independence, the government has continued to promote a powerful narrative of “one people, one heart.” The administrative reorganization of the country into six regions that deliberately cut across historical ethnic lines was a key part of this strategy. This philosophy strongly discourages any form of ethnic or religious-based politics, which is seen as a threat to the hard-won unity of the nation. This emphasis on unity is a direct reaction to the “divide and rule” tactics of past colonial powers and is seen as essential for the survival of the state in a volatile region.

A third key tenet of the official Eritrean philosophy is a strong commitment to social justice and egalitarianism. The EPLF was a Marxist-inspired liberation front, and its ideology was rooted in the principles of social equality. This is most famously expressed in the movement’s historic commitment to gender equality. During the war of independence, female fighters made up a significant portion of the EPLF’s forces and fought alongside men as equals, a revolutionary act in a traditional society. Since independence, the government has enacted laws that guarantee equal rights for women in marriage, property ownership, and public life. This commitment to egalitarianism is also reflected in the government’s focus on providing basic social services, such as healthcare and education, to all parts of the country. This state-led philosophy has been the dominant force in the country for decades. However, it is also a philosophy that has been imposed from the top-down and has come at a great cost. The emphasis on unity and self-reliance has been used to justify a highly authoritarian political system that allows for no dissent, no political pluralism, and no freedom of the press. The system of indefinite national service, which is justified as a key tool for national defense and development, has been condemned as a form of mass forced labor and has led to the exodus of hundreds of thousands of young Eritreans.

This has created a profound tension within the Eritrean philosophical landscape. On the one hand, there is the powerful and officially promoted philosophy of a proud, unified, and self-reliant nation that has triumphed against all odds. On the other hand, there is the lived experience of a people who have been denied their fundamental political and civil rights. The future of Eritrea will be shaped by the ongoing and often silent negotiation between these two powerful and conflicting realities. It will depend on whether the nation can find a way to preserve its cherished values of unity and self-reliance while also embracing a more open, democratic, and rights-respecting future for its people.

30) Cultural Etiquette

Navigating the cultural etiquette of Eritrea requires an appreciation for a society that is proud, traditional, and deeply community-oriented. Eritrean culture is a rich and diverse blend of traditions from its nine ethnic groups, with strong influences from its ancient Christian and Islamic heritage. The people are known for their resilience, their dignity, and their warm but reserved hospitality. For any visitor, showing a genuine respect for their customs is the key to being welcomed into their social world and experiencing the profound sense of community that defines the nation. Greetings are the absolute cornerstone of all social interactions in Eritrea and are an elaborate and unhurried ritual. It is considered extremely rude to fail to greet someone properly before engaging in any other conversation. The greeting is a way of showing respect and acknowledging the other person’s presence. The most common form of greeting involves a light handshake and a gentle bumping of the right shoulders, often three times. This is usually accompanied by a series of questions about the other person’s health, their family, their work, and their general well-being. It is important to engage in this ritual sincerely and to ask these questions in return. Rushing through a greeting is a sign of disrespect. When greeting elders, it is a sign of great respect to bow your head slightly and to support your right elbow with your left hand when shaking their hand. Respect for elders is a paramount virtue in Eritrean culture. Age is equated with wisdom, and elders are treated with the utmost deference and respect. You should always greet them first, listen attentively when they speak, and offer them your seat. This deep respect for hierarchy extends to other forms of social status, and it is important to be polite and respectful to people in positions of authority.

Hospitality is a sacred duty and a source of great pride in Eritrea. If you are invited to an Eritrean home, it is a significant gesture of friendship and trust. You should always bring a small gift for the host, such as coffee beans, sugar, or pastries. Upon entering a home, you will be warmly welcomed and will almost certainly be invited to participate in the traditional coffee ceremony. The coffee ceremony is the heart of Eritrean social life and is a long and elaborate ritual that can take over an hour. It is a time for conversation and for building social bonds. It is considered very impolite to refuse an invitation to coffee or to rush through the ceremony. You will typically be served three small cups of coffee, and it is polite to drink all three. The dress code in Eritrea is generally conservative and modest. This is particularly true outside of the capital, Asmara. For both men and women, it is advisable to wear clothes that are loose-fitting and that cover the shoulders and knees. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as short skirts or tank tops. When visiting a church or a mosque, women should cover their hair with a scarf, and both men and women should be dressed modestly. Eritreans take great pride in their appearance and appreciate it when visitors are neatly and cleanly dressed.

In conversations, an indirect style of communication is often preferred. A direct and blunt “no” can be seen as rude. People may prefer a more diplomatic and less confrontational way of expressing disagreement. Patience is a highly valued virtue. The pace of life is slower, and a calm and patient demeanor will be greatly appreciated. Showing anger or frustration in public is considered a loss of face. It is also important to be aware that Eritrea is a very proud and patriotic nation. The 30-year war for independence is a central and sacred part of the national identity. It is a topic that should be approached with great sensitivity and respect. It is best to avoid any criticism of the government or the country’s political situation, as this can be a very sensitive and potentially problematic subject. Always ask for permission before taking a person’s photograph. By showing respect for these customs of politeness, modesty, and patience, visitors will be able to connect with the incredible dignity, the strong sense of community, and the generous spirit of the Eritrean people.

31) Sports and Recreation

Sports and recreation in the State of Eritrea are a source of immense national pride and a powerful symbol of the country’s resilience and enduring spirit. In a nation that has faced immense challenges, sport, and one sport in particular, has provided a platform for Eritrea to shine on the world stage and has become a unifying passion for its people. The sporting culture is dominated by the grueling sport of distance running and cycling, disciplines that perfectly reflect the nation’s values of hard work, discipline, and endurance. While other sports are played, it is the remarkable success of its athletes in these endurance sports that has captured the hearts of the nation and has become a central part of the modern Eritrean identity. The undisputed king of sports in Eritrea is cycling. The passion for cycling is a unique and enduring legacy of the Italian colonial period. The Italians introduced the sport in the early 20th century, and it was embraced with incredible enthusiasm by the Eritrean people. Today, cycling is the national sport and a major part of the cultural fabric. On any given weekend in the highlands around the capital, Asmara, the roads are filled with cyclists, from professional teams in their colorful jerseys to amateur enthusiasts of all ages. The country has produced a number of world-class professional cyclists who have competed at the highest levels of the sport, including the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. The success of riders like Daniel Teklehaimanot, who famously wore the “King of the Mountains” jersey at the Tour de France, and Biniam Girmay, who has won major European classic races, has sparked immense national celebrations and has inspired a new generation of young riders. The Tour of Eritrea is the country’s most important annual sporting event, a multi-stage road race that attracts teams from across Africa and is followed with great passion by the public.

Distance running is another sport where Eritrea has achieved remarkable international success. The country’s high-altitude highlands, which are part of the same geographical system that produces the world’s best runners in neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya, provide a perfect natural training ground for endurance athletes. Eritrean runners are consistently among the world’s elite in long-distance events, from the 5,000 meters on the track to the marathon. The success of athletes like Zersenay Tadese, a multiple world champion and former world record holder in the half marathon, has made them national heroes and has further cemented the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of endurance sports. This focus on individual endurance sports reflects a culture that values discipline, self-reliance, and the ability to persevere through hardship. Football (soccer) is also a very popular sport in Eritrea, with a passionate following for the domestic league and for major international tournaments. The national team, known as the “Red Sea Camels,” has a dedicated fanbase, although it has not yet achieved the same level of international success as the country’s cyclists and runners. In terms of recreation, the opportunities are often simple and community-based. The most popular form of recreation, particularly in the cities, is simply socializing with friends and family, which often revolves around the traditional coffee ceremony. The beautiful and well-preserved Art Deco architecture of Asmara also makes walking and cycling through the city’s clean and safe streets a popular and enjoyable recreational activity.

The government, through the Eritrean National Cycling Federation and other sporting bodies, actively promotes sports as a tool for national unity and for projecting a positive image of the country on the world stage. The country’s sporting success is a powerful source of pride for the large and influential Eritrean diaspora community around the world, who are often the most passionate supporters of their national athletes. In a country that is often defined by its political challenges, the remarkable achievements of its “heroes on two wheels” and its world-class runners provide a powerful and inspiring story of Eritrean talent, determination, and indomitable spirit.

32) Environmental Concerns

Eritrea is a country that faces a set of profound and deeply challenging environmental issues, which are a direct consequence of its arid to semi-arid climate, its history of conflict, and the pressures of a growing population on a fragile natural resource base. The environment and the economy are inextricably linked, as the vast majority of the population depends directly on the land for their survival through subsistence agriculture and pastoralism. The government has made environmental restoration a key national priority, but the scale of the challenges is immense, and the country is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The most significant and overarching environmental concern for Eritrea is land degradation and desertification. The country is located in the Horn of Africa, a region that is highly prone to drought. Decades of deforestation, driven by the need for fuelwood for energy and the clearing of land for agriculture, have left the landscape severely denuded. The long and devastating War of Independence also had a major impact on the environment, with the destruction of forests and the widespread planting of landmines, which has made some areas unsafe for people and for conservation efforts. This loss of vegetation cover, combined with unsustainable farming and overgrazing practices, has led to severe soil erosion. During the short and often intense rainy season, valuable topsoil is washed away, which reduces the fertility of the land and leads to the silting up of dams and reservoirs. This vicious cycle of land degradation reduces the land’s ability to support agriculture and livestock, which in turn increases food insecurity and poverty for the rural population. To combat this, the government has undertaken one of the most ambitious environmental restoration programs in Africa. Since independence, there have been massive, nationwide campaigns of tree planting and the construction of soil and water conservation structures, such as terraces and check dams. These efforts, which have often involved the mobilization of students and members of the national service, have had some success in “greening” parts of the country and have been praised by international observers.

Water scarcity is a closely related and equally critical environmental challenge. Eritrea is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. There are no perennial rivers in the country, and the population is almost entirely dependent on the limited rainfall that is captured in reservoirs or that replenishes the groundwater. The recurrent and increasingly severe droughts that are linked to climate change are putting immense pressure on these scarce water resources. The government has invested heavily in the construction of a network of dams and micro-dams across the country to improve water security for drinking and for irrigation, which is a key part of its strategy for food security. The protection of the country’s unique marine environment is another important area of environmental concern. Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline and its Dahlak Archipelago are home to some of the most pristine and untouched coral reef ecosystems in the world. These reefs are a hotspot of marine biodiversity. However, they are potentially threatened by the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures which can cause coral bleaching. There is also a potential threat from pollution from coastal development and from the shipping traffic in the busy Red Sea. The government has recognized the unique value of this marine heritage and has taken steps to protect it, with the Dahlak Archipelago being designated as a national park. The low level of industrialization in the country means that industrial pollution is not a major issue. However, the legacy of the wars with Ethiopia includes the environmental hazard of unexploded ordnance and landmines in many border areas.

The future of Eritrea’s environment will depend on the success of its ambitious land restoration and water conservation programs. It will also depend on its ability to adapt to the accelerating impacts of climate change, which poses an existential threat to this arid and vulnerable nation. The country’s long-term strategy of self-reliance is deeply tied to its ability to create a sustainable and productive relationship with its fragile but beautiful natural environment.

33) Marriage & Courtship

Marriage and courtship in Eritrea are deeply significant social institutions, a vibrant and cherished part of the culture that is guided by a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, religious customs, and a profound respect for family and community. While practices can vary among the country’s nine different ethnic groups and between the Christian highlands and the Muslim lowlands, a set of common values, including the paramount importance of family approval and the formal union of two kin groups, are fundamental to the entire process. Marriage is seen not just as a bond between two individuals, but as a sacred alliance between two families, a social contract that ensures the continuity of the community and its traditions. The courtship process in Eritrea is traditionally a formal and often discreet affair, where the families of the prospective couple play a central and decisive role. It is uncommon for a couple to date in the Western sense. Instead, when a young man wishes to marry a young woman, his family will typically take the lead. They will initiate contact with the young woman’s family, often through a respected elder or an intermediary, to formally express their son’s interest. This begins a long and careful process of negotiation and getting to know each other between the two families. They will assess the suitability of the match, considering factors such as the character, reputation, and social standing of both families. The consent of the parents on both sides is an absolute prerequisite for the marriage to proceed. Once the two families have agreed to the union, the engagement is formally announced, and the planning for the wedding, which is a massive community event, begins. The wedding itself is the highlight of the social calendar, a spectacular and often multi-day celebration that brings together the entire extended family and the wider community. The wedding celebrations are a rich and colorful display of Eritrean culture, filled with music, dancing, feasting, and a host of specific rituals and traditions that vary from one ethnic group to another. In the Christian highland tradition, the wedding celebrations can last for several days. A key part of the celebration is the Melsi, a post-wedding event where the bride and groom wear traditional attire and re-enact ancient customs. The celebration is characterized by its joyous atmosphere, with traditional music played on instruments like the krar (a type of lyre) and the wata (a single-stringed violin), and energetic circle dances. The feast is a lavish spread of traditional Eritrean food, centered around the spongy flatbread known as injera, which is served with a variety of spicy stews (*tsebhi*). The entire community comes together to eat, drink (often traditional sorghum beer called *suwa*), and to offer their blessings and gifts to the new couple.

In the Muslim communities of the lowlands, the wedding celebrations follow Islamic traditions, which may include separate gatherings for men and women, but are similarly joyous and community-focused. Across all cultures in Eritrea, the wedding is a powerful affirmation of social bonds. It is a time for the two families to be formally and publicly united, and the celebration reinforces the values of community, hospitality, and continuity. The institution of marriage is held in the highest regard as the foundation of the family and the society. Despite the challenges of modern life and the influence of the large diaspora, these rich and meaningful traditions surrounding courtship and marriage remain a central and celebrated part of the Eritrean cultural identity, a vibrant expression of a society that places family and community at the very heart of its existence.

34) Work Opportunities

The labor market in the State of Eritrea is a unique and extremely challenging environment, profoundly shaped by the country’s state-controlled command economy and its controversial policy of indefinite national service. The formal job market is almost entirely dominated by the state, and the opportunities for private sector employment are exceptionally limited. For Eritrean citizens, the world of work is defined by this national service program, while for foreign nationals, work opportunities are virtually non-existent and are confined to a few highly specialized and government-approved sectors. The cornerstone of the Eritrean labor system is the National Service program. According to Eritrean law, all citizens, both men and women, are required to perform 18 months of national service upon completing their secondary education. This includes six months of military training, followed by a year of service in a military or civilian capacity. However, in practice, this service has become open-ended and can last for decades. This means that a huge portion of the country’s most able-bodied and educated workforce is conscripted into this program for extremely low pay. These conscripts are deployed across the country to work in a vast range of roles. Many serve as soldiers in the large Eritrean Defence Forces. Others are assigned to civilian jobs, working as teachers in state schools, as nurses in public clinics, as laborers on state-owned farms and construction projects, or as clerks in government ministries. This system of indefinite conscription is the primary driver of the mass exodus of young Eritreans who flee the country in search of economic opportunities and personal freedom.

The formal economy outside of the national service program is very small. The main employer is the state, through its various ministries and a vast network of state-owned enterprises that control almost all sectors of the economy, from banking and telecommunications to construction and retail. A job in the civil service is one of the few forms of stable, formal employment available. The private sector is extremely small and heavily constrained by government regulations and the state’s dominance of the economy. The most significant area of formal private sector employment has been in the mining industry. The development of large-scale gold and copper mines, in partnership with foreign companies, has created a limited number of well-paying jobs for skilled Eritrean engineers and technicians. The agricultural sector is the largest employer in the country in terms of the number of people it sustains, but the vast majority of this is subsistence farming, which is not formal employment and provides a very precarious livelihood. For expatriates, securing paid employment in Eritrea is an extremely difficult, if not impossible, undertaking for most professions. The government’s core policy of “self-reliance” means that it is highly restrictive when it comes to hiring foreign nationals. An employer would have to prove that there is absolutely no Eritrean national, either inside the country or in the diaspora, who is capable of doing the job. Work permits are very rarely issued. The only significant work opportunities for foreigners are for those with highly specialized technical skills that are deemed essential for a specific, government-approved project. This is almost exclusively in the mining sector, where foreign companies bring in their own experienced expatriate managers and engineers to run the operations. There may also be a very small number of positions with the few United Nations agencies or foreign embassies that are present in the capital, Asmara.

There is no market for English teaching, and the general services and tourism sectors do not have opportunities for foreign workers. Any foreigner who is considering working in Eritrea must have a firm and legally sound contract from a government-approved project before making any plans. They must be prepared for an extremely complex and lengthy process to obtain the necessary work and residence permits. The work environment is also highly controlled, with strict government oversight. In summary, the labor market in Eritrea is unique in the world, defined by the all-encompassing system of national service. This has created a situation where formal, freely chosen employment is the exception rather than the rule, and the opportunities for foreigners are among the most limited on the planet.

35) Education

The education system in the State of Eritrea is a centralized, state-funded framework that is a cornerstone of the government’s nation-building project and its philosophy of self-reliance. Since independence, the government has made a significant and commendable commitment to expanding access to education, viewing it as a critical tool for fostering national unity, promoting social equality, and developing the human capital needed for the country’s development. The system is designed to provide free and compulsory education for all children, and the government has made notable progress in improving literacy rates and building schools in remote parts of the country. However, the education system is also profoundly and controversially intertwined with the country’s policy of indefinite national service, which has a major impact on the lives and futures of all Eritrean students. The structure of the education system is organized into several levels. It begins with optional preschool education. Formal, compulsory education starts at the primary level, which lasts for five years. This is followed by three years of middle school. The language of instruction in the early primary grades is often the local mother tongue (Eritrea has nine officially recognized ethnic groups and languages), with a transition to English as the primary medium of instruction in the later primary and middle school years. The curriculum is standardized across the country and is set by the Ministry of Education. It aims to provide all students with a solid foundation in core subjects like mathematics, science, English, and social studies. After completing middle school, all students in the country must attend their final, twelfth year of secondary education at a single, large boarding school located in the military training camp of Sawa, in the remote west of the country. This “Sawa experience” is a fundamental and mandatory rite of passage for all Eritrean youth. At Sawa, students complete their final year of academic studies while also undergoing compulsory military training. At the end of the year, they take the national secondary school leaving examination, which determines their future path. This system is a key tool for the government to instill a sense of national unity, discipline, and patriotism in the country’s youth, bringing together students from all different ethnic and regional backgrounds in a shared and formative experience.

The results of the final examination taken at Sawa determine what happens next for the students. Those who achieve the highest scores may be given the opportunity to enroll in one of the country’s several post-secondary colleges, such as the Eritrea Institute of Technology (EIT), to pursue a diploma or a degree. However, the country’s only university, the University of Asmara, was closed in 2006, and the current college system is smaller and more specialized. For the vast majority of students, however, the completion of the twelfth grade at Sawa marks their direct entry into the indefinite national service program. Their exam scores determine where they will be assigned to serve. They may be assigned to the military or to a civilian role, such as a teacher, a nurse, or a clerk in a government office. This system, where the entire final year of schooling is militarized and directly linked to conscription into open-ended national service, is a source of major international criticism. Human rights organizations have argued that it violates the rights of children and is a key driver of the huge number of young Eritreans who flee the country as refugees. The education system as a whole also faces significant challenges. The quality of education is hampered by a lack of resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of qualified teachers, as many teachers are themselves low-paid national service conscripts. The “brain drain” of educated Eritreans who have left the country has also had a major impact on the availability of skilled professionals to teach at the higher education level. Despite these profound challenges, the government remains committed to its unique educational model, viewing it as essential for the defense and development of the nation. For the people of Eritrea, education is still seen as a highly valued and important part of life, even though the path it leads to is often a difficult and predetermined one.

36) Communication & Connectivity

Communication and connectivity in the State of Eritrea are among the most limited and tightly controlled in the world. The telecommunications infrastructure is rudimentary, state-owned, and has seen very little development compared to the rest of the African continent. This lack of connectivity is a direct result of the government’s long-standing policy of self-reliance and its deep suspicion of the free flow of information, which it views as a potential threat to national security and social cohesion. This has resulted in a society that is largely disconnected from the global digital world, a situation that profoundly impacts all aspects of life, from business and education to social communication. The telecommunications sector is a complete state monopoly, operated by the Eritrean Telecommunication Services Corporation (EriTel). There is no competition in the market. The country has a very low rate of mobile phone penetration by global and even regional standards. While a mobile phone network exists, the services are basic and expensive. A key and defining feature of the Eritrean mobile market is the complete absence of a mobile data network. It is not possible for the general public to access the internet through their mobile phones. The network is used for calls and basic text messaging only. For visitors, it is possible to use their own mobile phones through roaming agreements, but this is often prohibitively expensive. It is not generally possible for a short-term visitor to purchase a local SIM card. The process is long and bureaucratic and is primarily for residents. This lack of mobile data is one of the most striking and immediate realities for any visitor to the country. Internet connectivity is extremely scarce, slow, and heavily monitored. There is no fixed-line broadband internet available to residential homes. The only way for the general public to access the internet is through a very small number of state-controlled or state-licensed internet cafes, which are located primarily in the capital, Asmara. These cafes use a very slow dial-up or satellite connection. The experience of using the internet is like stepping back in time to the late 1990s. Web pages can take many minutes to load, and using any modern, media-rich application is virtually impossible. Access to the internet is also expensive and is often sold in time-based vouchers. The government actively filters and monitors all internet traffic. Access to many social media websites and independent news sources is blocked. This extreme level of control and the very limited access have resulted in Eritrea having the lowest internet penetration rate in Africa and one of the lowest in the entire world.

The media landscape in Eritrea is also completely state-controlled. There is no free or independent press. The Ministry of Information operates the only national television station (Eri-TV), the only national radio station (Dimtsi Hafash, or “Voice of the Broad Masses”), and the only newspapers. All of these media outlets serve as mouthpieces for the government and the ruling party, broadcasting official news, patriotic music, and documentaries. There are no private television or radio stations and no independent newspapers. In 2001, the government shut down all private newspapers and arrested many of the country’s leading independent journalists, who have been held incommunicado ever since. As a result, Eritrea is consistently ranked at the very bottom of the world in press freedom indexes. The only source of alternative information for Eritreans is through shortwave radio broadcasts from diaspora groups and international broadcasters, and through satellite television, which provides access to foreign channels. For visitors, the lack of connectivity is a major practical challenge. It is extremely difficult to stay in touch with the outside world, to access online information, or to use any of the digital tools that are a normal part of modern travel. This digital isolation is a deliberate policy and is a core feature of the Eritrean state. It is a powerful tool for the government to control the narrative within the country and to limit the influence of the outside world on its citizens.

The postal service is the traditional means of communication and is functional for sending letters and parcels, although international mail can be slow. For any important shipments, using the postal service is the main option, as major international courier services have a very limited or no presence in the country. This highly controlled and underdeveloped communication environment is one of the most defining and challenging aspects of life in and travel to modern Eritrea.

37) National Symbols

The national symbols of the State of Eritrea are a powerful and deeply meaningful representation of the nation’s identity, its hard-won independence, and its natural heritage. These symbols were adopted following the country’s independence in 1993 and are a constant and proud presence in public life, reflecting the core values of a nation forged in a long and heroic struggle for sovereignty.

Symbol	Description
National Flag	The flag of Eritrea is a distinctive and highly symbolic banner. It is composed of three triangles: a large red isosceles triangle on the hoist side, with its base on the hoist and its point reaching to the fly side, and two right-angled triangles of green (top) and blue (bottom). The red color represents the blood shed in the long struggle for freedom and independence. The green color symbolizes the country’s agricultural wealth and fertility. The blue color represents the Red Sea and the country’s maritime resources. In the center of the red triangle is a golden wreath of 14 leaves on each side, encircling a golden olive branch, a symbol of peace.
National Emblem	The national emblem of Eritrea features a camel in the desert, surrounded by a wreath of golden olive branches. Below the camel and the wreath is a scroll bearing the name of the country, “State of Eritrea,” written in the country’s three official languages: Tigrinya, Arabic, and English. The camel is a powerful symbol of the resilience, patience, and endurance of the Eritrean people and was a crucial animal used for transportation by the liberation fighters during the long war of independence. The olive wreath is a symbol of the peace that was achieved after the struggle.
National Motto	The national motto of Eritrea is “Awet n’Hafash,” which means “Victory to the Masses” in the Tigrinya language. This was the powerful and unifying slogan of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) during the war of independence, and it reflects the movement’s focus on the empowerment of the entire population and its commitment to a mass-based struggle.
Key Fauna	Eritrea is home to a unique and resilient array of fauna adapted to its diverse landscapes. A key and very rare species is the African Wild Ass (Equus africanus), a critically endangered ancestor of the domestic donkey, with a small population found in the remote southeastern part of the country. The country’s Red Sea waters and the Dahlak Archipelago are a haven for marine life, including several species of dolphins, the Dugong, and sea turtles. The highlands are home to species like the Klipspringer and the Hamadryas Baboon, while the western lowlands are home to a small but recovering population of African Bush Elephants.
Key Flora	The flora of Eritrea is diverse, reflecting its varied geography. The highlands feature a mix of acacia woodlands and unique species like the Giant Lobelia. The coastal plains are characterized by salt-tolerant shrubs and mangrove forests along the coast. A significant and symbolic tree is the Doum Palm (Hyphaene thebaica), which is common in the western lowlands and is a vital resource for local communities, providing food, fiber, and building materials.
Cultural Symbol: The Coffee Ceremony	The traditional coffee ceremony is one of the most important and cherished cultural symbols of Eritrea. It is a long and elaborate ritual that is the centerpiece of social life and hospitality. The ceremony involves the roasting of green coffee beans over a small charcoal brazier, the grinding of the beans, and the brewing of the coffee in a traditional clay pot called a jebena. It is a powerful symbol of community, friendship, and the slow, respectful pace of social interaction.
Cultural Symbol: The Asmara Fiat Tagliero Building	The Fiat Tagliero building in Asmara is a world-famous architectural icon and a powerful symbol of the city’s unique modernist heritage. Built in 1938, this futuristic service station was designed in the shape of an airplane, with massive, unsupported concrete “wings.” It is the most dramatic and famous example of the Italian Futurist architecture that has made Asmara a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the country’s unique colonial and architectural history.

38) Tourism

Tourism in the State of Eritrea offers a journey into one of the most unique, undiscovered, and challenging destinations in the world. It is a country of extraordinary contrasts, from the stunning and perfectly preserved modernist architecture of its highland capital to the pristine and untouched coral reefs of its Red Sea archipelago. Eritrea is a destination that promises a travel experience that is truly off the beaten path, a glimpse into a nation with a profound history, a proud culture, and a landscape of stark and compelling beauty. However, it is impossible to discuss tourism without acknowledging the significant challenges. The country is politically isolated and has a highly controlled and centralized government, which means that travel is subject to strict regulations, including the need for internal travel permits for any journey outside the capital. The tourism infrastructure is very limited, and the country is not geared towards mass tourism, making it a destination for the most intrepid, patient, and well-prepared travelers. The absolute jewel in Eritrea’s tourism crown is the capital city, Asmara. This city is a time capsule of early 20th-century Italian colonial architecture. In the 1930s, Mussolini’s Italy transformed Asmara into a modernist utopia, a “Little Rome” in the heart of Africa. The result is a city with a unique and cohesive collection of Art Deco, Futurist, and Rationalist buildings that is unlike any other city on the continent. This extraordinary architectural heritage was recognized in 2017 when Asmara was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to Asmara is like stepping onto a beautifully preserved film set, with its elegant cinemas, cafes with their original espresso machines, and buildings designed in the shape of airplanes and radios. The city is also known for its cleanliness, its safe and walkable streets, and its pleasant, high-altitude climate. Another major potential tourism asset is the Dahlak Archipelago. This is a vast and largely uninhabited collection of over 120 islands in the Red Sea, surrounded by some of the most pristine and biodiverse coral reefs in the world. The waters of the Dahlak are a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling, offering the chance to see a huge variety of marine life in an environment that has seen very little human impact. The islands themselves are a remote and beautiful wilderness, a haven for seabirds and a vision of an untouched tropical paradise. The historic port city of Massawa, with its unique and beautiful Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian architecture, is another highlight, though it was heavily damaged during the War of Independence and has been slowly rebuilt. The country also offers dramatic landscapes, from the scenic mountain roads that drop from the highlands down to the coast, to the ancient archaeological sites like Qohaito, with its mysterious ruins from the Aksumite era.

Despite these incredible attractions, the tourism industry in Eritrea is extremely small and undeveloped. The government’s strict visa policies and the requirement for all foreign visitors to obtain travel permits from the Ministry of Tourism for any travel outside the Asmara region are major logistical hurdles. These permits can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain. There are very few hotels and tourist facilities outside of the main cities. The current political situation and the country’s international isolation have also meant that very few tour operators offer trips to Eritrea. For these reasons, Eritrea remains a destination for only a very small number of adventurous travelers who are willing to navigate the significant bureaucratic challenges and the limited infrastructure. For those who do make the journey, however, Eritrea offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, a chance to see a country that has been almost completely untouched by the homogenizing forces of global tourism, a place of extraordinary beauty and profound historical resonance.

39) Visa and Entry Requirements

The visa and entry requirements for the State of Eritrea are known for being extremely strict, highly controlled, and subject to a process that requires significant advance planning. The country does not offer visas on arrival for any nationality, and all foreign citizens, with very few exceptions, must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence before they travel. The application process can be long, opaque, and bureaucratic, so it is absolutely imperative for any prospective visitor to start the process well in advance of their intended travel dates and to be prepared for a potentially challenging administrative procedure. To apply for a tourist visa for Eritrea, all applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents. The core requirements for any application include a passport that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into Eritrea. The passport must also have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Applicants are required to fully and accurately complete the official visa application form, which can be obtained from the relevant Eritrean diplomatic mission, and to provide recent, passport-sized photographs. In addition to these standard items, supporting documentation is required to prove the purpose of the trip. This will typically include a copy of a confirmed round-trip airline ticket or a detailed flight itinerary showing your planned entry and exit dates. You may also be required to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation. It is important to note that the requirements can vary slightly from one embassy to another, so it is crucial to check the specific requirements of the embassy to which you will be applying. For those visiting friends or family, a letter of invitation from the host in Eritrea may be required. One of the most critical and non-negotiable entry requirements for Eritrea is proof of vaccination against yellow fever. All travelers must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the “yellow card”) showing that they have received the yellow fever vaccine. You may need to submit a copy of this certificate with your visa application, and you absolutely must carry the original certificate with you when you travel. You will be required to present this certificate to health officials upon arrival in the country. Failure to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination will result in you being denied entry.

The visa application process involves submitting all of the required documents to the Eritrean embassy or consulate and paying the visa fee. It is important to be aware that the processing times can be very long, sometimes taking several weeks or even months, and the outcome is not guaranteed. There is no expedited service, and the embassies often provide very little information on the status of the application during the process. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to make any non-refundable travel arrangements until after you have received your visa. It is also important to be aware that Eritrea has a particularly sensitive policy regarding visitors of Eritrean origin who hold foreign passports. These individuals may be subject to different entry requirements and may be considered by the Eritrean government to be Eritrean citizens, subject to the laws of the country, including the obligations of national service. Upon arrival in Eritrea, at the Asmara International Airport (ASM), you must present your passport with the valid visa to the immigration authorities. You will also need to complete an entry and exit form. Another crucial aspect of the legal requirements for visitors is the need for internal travel permits. A visa for Eritrea only grants you the right to stay in the capital, Asmara. To travel anywhere outside of the designated Asmara region, all foreign nationals must obtain a separate travel permit from the Ministry of Tourism. This permit must be applied for once you are in Asmara and will require you to specify your exact itinerary, including the dates and the places you wish to visit. These permits are not always granted, and the process can take several days.

Finally, there are very strict regulations regarding the declaration and exchange of foreign currency. All foreign currency must be declared upon arrival, and all currency exchange must be done at official state exchange bureaus (*himbol*). You will be given official receipts for all your transactions, which you may be required to present upon departure. The use of an unofficial black market for currency exchange is illegal and can have serious consequences. Given the strictness, the slow pace, and the opacity of the entire process, the most reliable and final step in your travel preparations must always be to contact the nearest Eritrean embassy or consulate directly for the most accurate and up-to-date entry requirements and application procedures.

40) Useful Resources

Planning a trip to a country as unique and challenging to access as the State of Eritrea requires a reliance on a limited number of specialized and official resources. The information landscape is not as vast as it is for more mainstream travel destinations, and it is absolutely crucial to prioritize official government sources for safety and entry requirements. Given the highly controlled nature of the country, independent travel is difficult, and reputable tour operators with experience in the region can be invaluable. The most important and non-negotiable first step for any potential traveler is to consult the official travel advisory website of their own government. These are the most reliable sources for real-time information on the security situation, political stability, health risks, and local laws. Key resources include the **U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories**, the **UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice**, and **Global Affairs Canada’s travel advice and advisories**. These websites provide essential and often critical information on the significant risks and challenges of traveling to Eritrea and should be the primary guide for any decision-making. For visa information, the definitive and only reliable source is the official website of the **Embassy of the State of Eritrea** in your country of residence or the one that has jurisdiction over your region. These websites provide the official visa application forms, the precise list of required documents, and the current fee schedules. It is essential to get visa information directly from an official Eritrean diplomatic mission, as the process is strict and requirements can change. For health information, the **U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** and the **World Health Organization (WHO)** are the most authoritative sources. They provide comprehensive advice on mandatory vaccinations, such as yellow fever, as well as recommended immunizations and crucial guidance on other health risks in the region.

Given the logistical challenges of traveling in Eritrea, particularly the need for internal travel permits for any journey outside of Asmara, using an experienced and reputable tour operator is highly recommended and often necessary. There are a small number of international tour companies that specialize in adventurous and “off-the-beaten-path” destinations that have experience operating tours in Eritrea. Researching these companies, such as **Young Pioneer Tours** or **Koryo Tours** (who have occasionally run tours), or UK-based **Undiscovered Destinations**, can be a good starting point. These operators will have the necessary local contacts to handle the complex logistics of obtaining visas and the required travel permits. The official **Ministry of Tourism of Eritrea** is the government body responsible for tourism. While its online presence is very limited, it is the authority within the country that issues the mandatory travel permits. Any tour operator you work with will be liaising directly with this ministry. For in-depth cultural and historical context, there are a few excellent resources. The **Bradt Travel Guide to Eritrea**, written by Edward Denison, is the most comprehensive and detailed English-language guidebook available. It is an invaluable resource for its deep understanding of the country’s history, culture, and architecture, as well as its practical travel advice. However, it is important to ensure you have the most recent edition and to supplement it with up-to-the-minute information from the sources listed above, as the practical situation on the ground can change. For a deeper understanding of the country’s unique architectural heritage, the website for **Asmara’s UNESCO World Heritage site** can provide fascinating information.

For news and to get a sense of the official government perspective, the state-run **Shabait.com** is the website of the Ministry of Information. For alternative perspectives, news from the Eritrean diaspora community can be found on various websites, though these should be read with an understanding of their political viewpoint. In summary, planning a trip to Eritrea is a serious undertaking. The process must begin with a thorough review of official government safety advisories. It then requires a direct engagement with the official Eritrean embassy for the visa process and, in most cases, a partnership with a specialized tour operator who can navigate the significant logistical hurdles within the country. The rewards for this careful planning can be a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience, but the challenges and risks must be the primary consideration.