Fact 1: Eritrea in Miniature
Eritrea, one of the smallest countries in Africa, is affectionately known as the African continent in miniature. This is because the country's diverse landscapes closely mimic those of the entire African continent.
Fact 2: One of Africa's Youngest Countries
Eritrea officially gained its independence from Ethiopia on May 24, 1993, after a prolonged and hard-fought 30-year war. This makes Eritrea one of Africa's youngest countries.
Fact 3: Eritrea's Pioneering Capital
The capital of Eritrea, Asmara, is considered a pioneer in modernist architecture. The city's unique blend of futuristic, geometric structures, Italian colonial buildings, and Art Deco architecture have led UNESCO to list Asmara as a World Heritage Site.
Fact 4: Multi-Ethnic and Multilingual Society
Eritrea is a culturally diverse and rich country, boasting nine recognized ethnic groups. Furthermore, the nation has two official languages: Tigrinya and Arabic. However, English and Italian are widely spoken due to historical influences.
Fact 5: Home to Wild Animals
Despite its small size, Eritrea hosts a variety of wildlife including leopards, elephants, baboons, and numerous bird species. The Dahlak Archipelago, Eritrea's coastal island chain, also contains a great biodiversity with numerous coral reefs and sea turtles.
Fact 6: A Coffee-Loving Nation
In Eritrea, coffee is more than just a drink - it's a daily social ritual, which involves a unique method of preparation. The tradition includes roasting coffee beans, grinding them in a mortar, and boiling them in a special pot called a 'jebena'.
Fact 7: "Medri Bahri" - Land by the Sea
Eritrea's ancient name was "Medri Bahri," meaning "land by the sea". This is quite fitting considering it sits on the Red Sea's western coast, with over 1000 kilometers of coastline.
Fact 8: The Sleepy Town of Massawa
Massawa, despite being the second largest city in Eritrea, is known as the 'sleepy city' because of its relaxed pace and quiet ambiance. It's also home to some of the best preserved Ottoman-era architecture in the world.
Fact 9: Railway Like No Other
Eritrea's railway from Asmara to Massawa is a masterpiece of engineering. Despite its age, the railway is still functioning and remains one of the last places in the world where you can see original steam trains in action.
Fact 10: Historic Independence Struggle
The struggle for independence in Eritrea was one of Africa's longest conflicts, lasting 30 years. This long fight led to a deeply ingrained sense of patriotism in the Eritrean people, regularly celebrated in the country's annual Independence Day Parades.
Fact 11: Dreamlike Dahlak Islands
Eritrea's Dahlak Archipelago is made up of more than 200 islands. The islands are popular for scuba diving due to their optimal marine temperatures and unique aquatic life.
Fact 12: Three Seasons in Two Hours
Eritrea has a unique climate, known as 'three seasons in two hours'. This is because you can experience temperature changes similar to winter, spring, and summer drive in just two hours from Asmara to Massawa.
Fact 13: Early Human Fossils Discovery
Eritrea is a site of significant anthropological findings. The remains of some of mankind's earliest ancestors, more precisely Homo habilis and Homo erectus, dating back 1 million years, were found in the country.
Fact 14: A Camel-Affluent Nation
Eritrea, like many African countries, has a significant population of camels due to its semi-arid climate. Camels' milk is a common food in Eritrean households and camel racing is popular in cultural festivals.
Fact 15: The Indefinite Military Service
Eritrea employs one of the world's most prolonged military service requirements. All Eritreans aged between 18 and 50 are required to perform national service, which includes military training. It can extend indefinitely, leading to an international controversy.
Fact 16: Traditional Gold, Silver, and Pearl Jewelry
Eritrea is famous for its traditional gold, silver, and pearl jewelry. These are considered the best souvenirs to bring back from Eritrea, featuring a unique combination of Italian and Middle Eastern influences.
Fact 17: Blue Nile source
While Lake Tana in Ethiopia is widely recognized as the source of the Blue Nile, there's a strong argument that Eritrean highland region, specifically the Tekaze River, is the true source.
Fact 18: A Matriarchal Society
Unlike many African countries, Eritrean society is traditionally matriarchal. Women play a central role in the family and community, with property often being passed down through the maternal line.
Fact 19: Religious History
Eritrea has a rich religious history, with one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, the Orthodox Church of Eritrea. Moreover, it's believed that Eritrea was part of the original Islamic Hijrah, marking it as a historic hub for both Christianity and Islam.
Fact 20: Low Elevation Coastal Plains
Eritrea has one of the world’s lowest points of elevation on land in the Danakil Depression. This desert area is known for its extreme heat, and yet, it's home to the Afar people who mine salt from its baked earth.