Map:
Flag description: red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side)
dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the
lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centred
on the hoist side of the red triangle.
Location: North-eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan.
Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 39 00 E
Climate: hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semi-arid in western hills and lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-September except in coastal desert.
Independence: 23-25 April 1993 referendum was held with vote for independence as the outcome; 24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia; formerly the Eritrea Autonomous Region).
Nationality: Eritrean(s).
Capital City: Asmara (formerly Asmera).
Population: 4,135,933 (July 2000 est.)
Head of State: President ISAIAS Afworki.
Area: 121,320 sq km.
Type of Government: transitional government.
Currency: 1 nafka = 100 cents
Major peoples: ethnic Tigrinya 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (Red Sea coast dwellers) 3%.
Religion: Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant.
Official Language:
Principal Languages: Afar, Amharic, Arabic, Tigre and Kunama, Tigrinya, other Cushitic languages.
Major Exports: livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small manufactures.
History: Currently being up-dated.