Eritrea, a multiethnic country located in the horn of Africa covers an area of approximately 117,600 square kilometres. It has no official language with Tigrinya, Arabic and English serving as working languages.
There is an international airport in the capital city, Asmara where you can get into the country. Rail lines connect the cities Masara, Asmara, Keren and Akondat. Assab and Massawa are major ports and you can use ferries here. Shared taxis and private cabs are easy options for getting around. Bus services are also available and can take you to major landmarks.
Eritrea has no official religion and Christianity and Islam is both popular. Asmara is known for its art décor and architectural styles.
Eritrea is a high altitude country and its weather is indicative of this, the highlands have a cooler weather and the coastal areas are more humid. The coastal area gets more rain from October to March, June – September are the hottest months here. May is the hottest month in the highlands and the rainy period is between June to September. Lightweight clothing is recommended for the coastal areas and medium weight clothing for the highlands. Women should avoid shorts and showing too much skin. When visiting religious sites, dressing should be conservative.
Eritrea has a lot in common with its neighbour, Ethiopia. Coffee is an important part of the culture and coffee ceremonies in which people get together to have coffee are often held. Injera, a sourdough bread is a popular food in Eritrea. Festival Eritrea, a popular festival to celebrate Eritrean culture is a popular festival that takes place in Asmara, and diaspora.
Please look out when crossing the road as there have been issues of road accidents due to reckless driving. Taking a stroll through the city is a fun way to explore the country, you can also hike the mountains or visit one of the many historical sites, such as:
- Asmara Theatre and Opera House: it was built by the Italians and of architectural interest
- Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral: a blend of Italian and Eritrean architecture built n 1938
- Al Khalafa Al Rashiudin Mosque: also known as the great mosque of Asmara, it is an important religious centre
- Fiat Tagliero Building: an architectural innovation built in 1938
- Dahlak Archipelago: a group of islands in Massawa
- Matara Ruins: an ancient temple ruins
- Debre Sina: a 4th-century monastery
