Overview

  • Capital: Asmara
  • Language: Tigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Afar.
  • Currency: Nafka (ERN) = 100 cents.
  • People: Tigrinya (50%), Tigre; (30%), Saho and Afar (10%), Hedareb and Bilen (4.5%), Kunama, Nara and Rashaida (4%).
  • Life Expectancy: Male: 53.38, Female: 57.8.
  • Religion: Christian (50%), Muslim (50%)
  • Size (sq km): 117,600 (100th)
  • Population: 4.4 million (118th)
  • Population Density per sq km: 37 (165th)
  • Country Dialling Code: 291
  • Internet Country Code: .er
  • Time Zone: GMT +2 (+3 in summer).
  • Voltage Guide: 110/220 AC
  • Finance: Credit cards accepted on a limited basis, traveller's cheques are generally accepted.
  • Business Hours: 0800-1200, 1400-1700 Monday-Friday, 0800-1200 Sat.
  • GDP: US$3.3 billion
  • GDP per Capita: US$740
  • Annual Growth: 3%
  • Inflation: 15%
  • Major Industries: food processing, beverages, clothing, textiles.
  • Major Trading Partners: Ethiopia, Sudan, Italy.
  • Personal Safety: Relatively safe, but avoid borders with Ethiopia and Sudan. Do not travel after dark, and register with embassy on arrival.
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