The State of Eritrea

In Eritrea’s 1993 independence referendum, 99.8% of participating voters chose independence.

The name “Eritrea” comes from the Latin “Mare Erythraeum” (Red Sea), itself from the Greek word for “red”, and was adopted for the Italian colony in 1890.

Asmara sits about 2,325 meters above sea level, making it the sixth-highest capital in the world and the second-highest in Africa.

Asmara’s Fiat Tagliero building is famous for its airplane-shaped design and two cantilevered concrete wings, each extending approximately 15 meters without supporting columns beneath.

The Qohaito cultural landscape contains archaeological sites dating back to around 700 BC and later became an important center linked to Aksumite trade.

The ancient port of Adulis was a major Red Sea trading center that connected the Aksumite world with international maritime routes.

Operation Fenkil began on 8 February 1990 and resulted in Eritrean forces capturing the strategic port city of Massawa within days.

In 2024, Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay became the first Black African rider to win a Tour de France stage and later won the race’s green jersey.

The Dahlak Archipelago comprises more than 100 islands in the Red Sea, while Eritrean waters support more than 1,000 fish species and about 220 coral species.

Eritrea’s national emblem features a camel surrounded by an olive wreath, reflecting the camel’s important role in transporting supplies during the independence struggle.

Traditional Eritrean meals commonly include injera served with spicy stews such as zigni and are often shared from a large communal plate.

The Eritrean coffee ceremony, usually led by the woman of the household, involves roasting green beans over an open flame and serving three rounds of coffee as a blessing.