The State of Eritrea is a country in northern part of East Africa. The countries that border Eritrea are Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southwest. The present day Eritrea was a colony of Italians prior to World War II. Following the loss of Italy in World War II, the Eritrea was made a British Protectorate between 1941 to 1952. Eritrea was awarded to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a federation. Eritrea’s freedom struggle started in 1961, which lasted for next 30 years. Eritrea declared its independence on May 24, 1991. Eritrea’s independence was recognized on May 24, 1993.  Eritrea adopted its’ constitution in 1997, though taken fully into practice due to border conflict with neighboring Ethiopia.

Eritrea is a multilingual and multicultural country with two dominant religions (Sunni Islam and Oriental Orthodox Christianity) and nine ethnic groups. The country has no official languages at national level. The Tigrinya, Arabic and English are the languages that Eritrea practice into official use. Italian is widely spoken particularly among older people.

The Eritrea is a presidential republic. The president of Eritrea is both the head of the state and head of the government. The present day government system in Eritrea includes legislative, executive, and judicial bodies. During the time of independence Eritrea has faced dreadful challenges. Starting from nascent judicial system, and an education system in shambles, Eritrea has attempted to build government institutions right from scratch.

There is scarcity of skilled manpower in Eritrea, as country remains volatile due to border conflict with neighboring Ethiopia and continuous army mobilization.

The administration of Eritrea is divided into 6 regions, namely- 1. Central (Maekel Zoba) (Al-Wasat), 2. Southern (Debub Zoba) (Al-Janobi), 3. Gash-Barka, 4. Anseba, 5. Northern Red Sea (Semienawi-QeyH-Bahri Zoba) (Shamal Al-Bahar Al-Ahmar), and 6. Southern Red Sea (Debubawi-QeyH-Bahri Zoba) (Janob Al-Bahar Al-Ahmar). These regions are further divided into sub regions. The main cities of the country are the capital city of Asmara and the port town of Asseb in the southeast, as well as the towns of Massawa to the east, and Keren to the north.

Eritrea has achieved impressive economic growth in recent years. The growth in GDP recorded in 2004 was 2.5% higher when compared to previous year 2003 GDP.  The Eritrean economy largely depends on agriculture and agriculture-based products, which accounts for 22% of GDP. The main agriculture based products that Eritrea exports are- coffee, cotton, fruit, hides, and meat.

About 80% of Eritrean men and women work into fields. The growth in agriculture sector is not good as there is water shortage and farmers largely depend on rainwater. 

Small businesses, like  restaurants, bars, stores, auto repair, and crafts continue to thrive in the Asmara area. A brewery, cigarette factory, small glass and plastics factories, several companies involved in making leather goods, and textile and sweater factories also operate in Asmara. Since independence the leather and textile industries have made a vigorous recovery.