Kihim

Kihim is a rural settlement situated in the central highlands of Eritrea, within the administrative boundaries of the Gash-Barka region. The town lies approximately 120 kilometers southeast of the regional capital, Mendefera, and is accessible via a network of unpaved roads that connect it to nearby communities such as Metu and Beshangu. Its geographic coordinates are 15.5833° N latitude and 39.2000° E longitude, placing it at an elevation of roughly 1,100 meters above sea level.

According to census data from 2015, Kihim had an estimated population of 3,200 residents, with a relatively even distribution between age groups. The majority of inhabitants belong to the Tigrinya-speaking community, and their livelihoods are predominantly based on subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry. Seasonal variations in rainfall significantly influence crop yields, leading to periodic migration of labor to larger towns during harvest periods.

The local economy of Kihim centers on the cultivation of cereals such as barley and wheat, as well as the rearing of cattle, goats, and sheep. In recent years, small-scale entrepreneurship has emerged, with local markets trading produce, handicrafts, and traditional textiles. Community initiatives focusing on irrigation improvement and cooperative farming have been introduced to enhance food security and reduce the impacts of drought.

Cultural life in Kihim reflects the broader traditions of Eritrean highland societies, with communal religious observances, traditional music, and dance performances held during festivals such as the annual harvest celebration. The town also preserves various architectural features typical of the region, including stone-built dwellings and modest religious chapels, which serve as focal points for both cultural identity and social cohesion.