The Basics
Country: Eritrea
Where is it?: Eritrea is in eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan.
Why do people go here?: Now that the long war with Ethiopia is over, Eritrea is using the Red Sea and its archeological ruins to attract travelers
What are the main entry points?: Flights from Egypt are the best way to get to Eritrea
Currency used: Nakfa
Country Code for Phones: 291
Area codes for Major Cities: 1 for all areas of Eritrea
Other Phone Tips: There are numerous international call cards in Eritrea that you can use if you want to make international calls outside of the country.
Religion: Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant
Population: 5 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Tigray 50%, Tigre and Kunama 30%, Afar 4%, Saho 3%
Government: Republic
Languages: Tigre, Kunama, Cushitic dialects, Nora Bana, Arabic
Travel Information
Major Cities: Asmera, Aseb
Attractions: Keren, Qohaito
Tourism Office locations and links: Eritrea – Tourist Information Office, Harenet Avenue 108 Asmara, Eritrea, Tel: (+291-1) 126997 , 123941, 122999, 120073; Fax: (+291-1) 126949;
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Dahlak Archipelago, Nakfa
Health Issues: Malaria
Tips for Visiting
When to go: With relatively little rain, you can travel in Eritrea througout the year.
Common Phrases: Greetings: Salam Aleikum, Greetings (response): wa aleikum as-salam, Thank You: Shukran, How much?: kem?, Yes: nam, No: nam
Specific Events/Holidays: May Day, Independence Day, Martyrs’ Day, Anniversary of the Start of the Armed Struggles, Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
Getting Around: Variable Islamic Holidays
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport for travellers taking flights to Eritrea is the Asmara International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Eritrea travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
