Overview

A land of dramatically changing terrain, Eritrea spans 670 miles of coastline along the Red Sea on the northeast Horn of Africa. It has six provinces covering mountainous highlands and arid lowlands over a total of 48,000 square miles. To the north and west lies Sudan, and to the south, Ethiopia. The tiny country of Djibouti is located to Eritrea's southeast.

About 400,000 people live in the capital city of Asmara, located in the smallest province, Maakel. The low-lying plains states of Semenawi Qayih Bahri and Debubawi Qayih Bahri make up the coast line. Anseba, Gash-Barka, Debub, and Maakel are located inland and are comprised of the central highlands, the western lowlands, and the mountainous north. Over 100 islands lie in the Red Sea.

At least nine languages are spoken in Eritrea, although linguists report a total of twelve languages, including one used only for religious purposes. The government...