lEritrea

Eritrea is a country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, Djibouti to the southeast, and the Red Sea to the east. The nation has a coastline of approximately 1,260 kilometers along the Red Sea, giving it strategic access to maritime trade routes. The capital city is Asmara, known for its Italian colonial architecture.

Historically, Eritrea was part of the Ethiopian Empire for centuries until it was colonized by Italy in the late 19th century. After World War II, it became a federation within Ethiopia before gaining de facto independence in 1991, and internationally recognized as an independent state in 1993 following a referendum.

Eritrea has a diverse population, estimated at around 3.6 million people, comprising various ethnic groups including Tigrinya, Tigre, and Afar. The official languages are Tigrinya and Arabic, with English widely used for education and government administration.

The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with key exports including coffee, sorghum, and livestock. Eritrea also has mineral resources such as gold, copper, and zinc. Its infrastructure and development projects are ongoing, though the nation faces economic challenges largely due to its elongated conflict history and international sanctions.

Eritrea's political system is characterized as a single-party state led by the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), with President Isaias Afwerki in power since independence. The country maintains strict control over civil liberties and has experienced ongoing border conflicts, notably with Ethiopia, which have affected regional stability.

Despite these issues, Eritrea continues to pursue economic development and regional diplomacy, while its rich cultural history and strategic geographic position make it a notable nation in the Horn of Africa.