Eritrea is a small country in the eastern part of the continent of Africa and sits on the horns of Africa. It is one of the underrated countries which is not known to many people around the world.
Famous for its colonial architecture, warrior women, and even tank graveyard, there are many unique and interesting facts about Eritrea that you probably don’t know.
So, in this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about this small African country, Eritrea/
- A million-year-old human skull was found here
Even though it seems that Eritrea is one of the youngest countries on the African content, it is, in fact, one of the oldest occupied areas in the world. That is a really surprising fact about Eritrea for many people.
In the late 1990s, one of the oldest human skulls in the world was found in Eritrea. This skull is believed to be at least one million years old. The paleoanthropologist who found this skull thought it is closely related to the Homo Erectus and Homo sapiens human species.
- Eritrea is more than 300,000 years
The discovery of the human skull takes us back 300,000 years ago of the development of humans. Along with the skull, incisors and pelvic fragments were also retrieved from ancient lake sediment in Eritrea. This serves as proof and suggests that Eritrea is an ancient country.
- Its population is approximately 3.7 million
Eritrea, officially known as the “State of Eritrea,” is a nation with an approximate population of 3.7 million people. The country is famous for its rich history and vibrant culture. Also, it is one of the last nations to receive independence in Africa.
The battle for independence continued for 30 years, from 1961 to 1991. Although the nation had British and Italian colonial masters, it only had to gain independence from its neighboring country Ethiopia. The nation gained de facto independence in 1991 and de jure independence in 1993.
- The three colonial rules
The country Eritrea had brief spells of Italian, British, and Ethiopian rule. The Italians were the first to dominate Eritrea in 1888 and named it Italian Eritrea. They ruled the nation long until they were ousted by the British in 1941.
After a few years under the British administration, the British federated the nation to Ethiopia in the year 1950. So, Ethiopia ruled Eritrea from the 1950s until Eritrea became independent.
- Kingdom of Aksum’s political and social center
According to legends, a great African kingdom was once called the “Kingdom of Aksum.” The kingdom stretched over present-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Tigray. It is believed that the capital of this Kingdom and also its political and social center is present-day Eritrea.
The Kingdom of Aksum ruled between 100 AD and 940 AD and was also famous beyond the shores of the continent of Africa. It was home to an enormous monolithic stela, the burial place of the deceased elites.
- It was a major trade route between the Roman Empire and the Middle East
The kingdom of Aksum also had a notable and influential presence there. It was the greatest and most popular market in Northeast Africa. It was a vital trade route between the Roman Empire and the Middle East.
Moreover, according to many people, this area was the home to the famous biblical figure queen Sheba and also the Ark of Covenant.
- It is home to the hottest place on earth
Another very interesting fact about Eritrea is that it is home to the hottest place on earth. The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia and Eritrea is believed to be the hottest place on Earth.
This place is located in the African rift valley and is about 300ft below sea level. It covers about 60,000 square km.
The whole place is covered in salt mines and is also one of the most visited places in the country. So, many people plan to visit the Danakil Depression while exploring Eritrea.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Asmara is famous as the capital of the country Eritrea. It is regarded as an incredibly well-preserved colonial planned city. An interesting fact about Asmara is that it is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in entire Eritrea. It was described as a Modern African City by UNESCO and became a World Heritage Site on July 8, 2017.
This makes Eritrea one of the few countries with their capital city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some other old cities in Eritrea, like Massawa port city, also called the “pearl of the red sea.”
- Massawa: One of the best tourists attractions in Eritrea
Locals and tourists have voted Massawa as one of the best tourist attractions in the country of Eritrea. Due to Eritrea’s location and coastline on the red sea, it is a fact that the country hosts several of the most captivating beaches in East Africa. Also, in Massawa, you can see some of the best beaches.
Massawa is a great destination for unwinding; tourists can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling here. Beyond the beaches, this beautiful port city also has some historical buildings.
- Adulis Port City: One of the oldest port cities in Africa
A very interesting fact about Eritrea is that this country is home to one of the oldest port cities in Africa. The famous Adulis port city is an integral area and strategic port city of the Aksum kingdom. Located on the gulf of the red sea, it has been known to host human activities since the 6th century BC.
Adulis faced its peak year between the 3rd and 4th centuries and also had great popularity in the 7th century. Many artifacts have been discovered from powerhouses of that era in Zula or present-day Adulis.
- Eritrea has no official language
Eritrea is multilingual, and according to its constitution, all languages and tribes in Eritrea are equal. Due to this, Eritrea has no official language.
English and Tigrinya are the most popular languages in Eritrea. However, many more languages, such as Nara, Italian, Beja, Saho, and Arabic, are widely spoken in the country.
- Zigni: The national dish of Eritrea
Because of the geographical location of Eritrea, most of the food in the country is heavily stew-based. Tourists can enjoy some amazing stew in Eritrea. Fermented bread and food items like barley, sorghum, wheat, millet, and legumes are also common in Eritrean cuisine.
Zigni is Eritrea’s national dish, traditionally a beef stew. However, beef is not the only meat that is used in making this dish.
Goat or lamb meats are also famous options used to make zigni, where the meat is cooked with a rich spice mix, including sweet paprika, chili pepper, and even turmeric.
- There is a temple in Qohaito
The Qohaito city is home to a temple that is believed to be a pre-Christian church, which is famous as the “Temple of Mariam Wakiro.” Apart from this famous historical landmark of Eritrea, the Temple of Mariam Wakiro, there are more than six temple ruins visited by many.
It even has some rock-art sites, like the infamous Adi Alauti, a cave of rock art, and some other sites with more than 100 painted art figures.
- The border and name of Eritrea
Eritrea is located in East Africa bordered by the Red Sea and three other countries, such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. An individual from the country is called an Eritrean.
According to legend, the country’s name, Eritrea, originated from ancient Greek. The country’s name came from the root word “ Erythra Thalassa,” which means the Red Sa.
- The national sports of Eritrea
Similar to many other countries in the African continent, there are many sports in Eritrea. Traditional pastimes like gena (traditional field hockey) and testa (traditional martial arts mainly focusing on headbutting) are well-loved within the nation.
Athletics, like long-distance running and half-marathon, are also common; however, football and cycling are national sports in Eritrea.
Cycling and football were introduced to the country by the Italians in the 19th century during their reign. People of Eritrea love soccer; however, the country has seen the most success in running.
- Eritrea and the Olympics
Eritrean athlete Zersenay Tadese won Eritrea its first Olympic medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics. For over eight years, he held the world record related to the half marathon. Until today, Zersenay ranks amongst the top ten people worldwide for 10,000 meters race and half-marathon.
- Eating and Greeting Etiquette in Eritrea
In Eritrea, a handshake is a customary greeting gesture, especially for same-sex people. Also, while shaking hands in Eritrea, the word “Selam,” meaning “Peace,” usually accompanies the greeting.
While you are greeting an individual of the opposite sex, the man must wait for the woman to extend her hands, or it is better to offer a verbal greeting, “Selam.”
When eating, people of Eritrea prefer to use their hands; hence, eating with their hands is a part of the culture in the country, though foreigners can use silverware as well.
- The country’s freedom fighters had a female population of over 30%
EPLF, or Eritrean People’s Liberation Front, or the country’s freedom fighters, had a surprising female population of over 30%.
The Soviet Union supported the EPLF, and also they were able to become the winner of the war against the Ethiopians. During this battle, more than a quarter of a million people died. However, the goal of independence was accomplished in the process, so their death was not in vain.
So, Eritrea is an interesting African country with its interesting history, vibrant culture, remarkable people, beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and many more.
At the end of this article, we have learned 18 interesting facts about the country Eritrea, that offer us a clear picture of this unique country. To get some additional amazing facts, you can see our website.
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