Introduction to Eritrea

Book excerpt: Eritrea is a northeast African country shares its borders with Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. It also has a coastline along the Red Sea. The country has a population of over 5 million and its capital is Asmara. The official language of Eritrea is Tigrinya, but Arabic and English are also widely spoken. The country is known for its history of colonization and struggle for independence, as well as its diverse ethnic groups and unique culture. Eritrea has a developing economy, with agriculture and mining being the main sectors. Its government is a presidential republic with a single-party system. Eritrea has a long and complex history, with colonization beginning with Italy in the late 1800s. The country was later occupied by Britain after World War II and then annexed by Ethiopia in 1962. Eritrea gained its independence in 1993 after a 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia. Since then, the country has faced various challenges, including ongoing border disputes with Ethiopia and criticism for its lack of political freedoms and human rights abuses. However, the country has also made progress in areas such as healthcare and education. Despite economic and political challenges, Eritrea remains a resilient and culturally diverse nation.