Eritrea

The population of Eritrea is approximately 3.7M (2024).

The capital of Eritrea is Asmara.

Eritrea's GDP per capita is $2.4K (2011).

Life expectancy in Eritrea is 68.89 years (2024).

Eritrea covers 117,600 km² (45,406 sq mi).

Eritrea is sparsely populated, averaging 31 people per km², below the global average of 60.

Eritrea's population is growing rapidly at 1.9% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Eritrea falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $2.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Eritrea's intentional homicide rate is 15.6 per 100,000 people, above the global average.

Eritrea has 3 official languages: Arabic, English, Tigrinya.

Eritrea uses the Eritrean nakfa (Nfk) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Eritrea are May, June, October, based on climate data for the capital.

The population of Eritrea is approximately 3.7 million according to current estimates. This figure is based on a steady annual growth rate of 1.9%. The nation currently ranks global 131 of 215 in terms of total population and regional (Africa) 40 of 54.

Current estimates project the GDP per capita in Eritrea at $2,400. In international comparisons, the country ranks global 203 of 212 for this metric. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and the mining of valuable natural resources like gold and copper.

Eritrea has an extensive coastline along the Red Sea that stretches for 2,234 km (1,388 mi). This maritime border provides the nation with critical access to international shipping lanes and supports a significant domestic fishing industry, setting it apart from its landlocked neighbor, Ethiopia.

The current life expectancy at birth in Eritrea is 68.9 years. This reflects the country's ranking of global 160 of 215 for longevity. Improvements in health outcomes are linked to focused national programs targeting maternal care and the reduction of infectious diseases.

Approximately 20% of the population in Eritrea currently uses the internet. This level of connectivity ranks the country global 195 of 212 for internet users. Most digital activity is concentrated in urban areas, with infrastructure expansion continuing to reach more remote highland and coastal communities.

Eritrea is a multilingual and multi-ethnic nation where Tigrinya, Arabic, and English serve as the primary languages. The population is composed of several groups, with the Tigrinya making up 50% and the Tigre accounting for 30%, followed by Saho, Afar, and Kunama each at 4%.

The latest available data indicates that the adult literacy rate in Eritrea is 64.7%. The nation currently ranks global 146 of 170 for literacy. The government continues to focus on educational outreach, providing schooling in multiple local languages to support its diverse ethnic population.

Eritrea's population is currently ranked 131st in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it is the 40th most populous nation in Africa and ranks 12th out of 16 countries in the Eastern Africa subregion. These rankings are based on the latest 2024 and 2026 data projections.

The estimated 2026 population density of Eritrea is 30.3 people per km² (78.5 per sq mi). This density ranks the nation 172nd globally and 40th in Africa. Population distribution is uneven, with higher concentrations typically found in the central highlands around the capital city of Asmara.

The population of Eritrea is increasing at an annual growth rate of 1.9%. Recent data indicates that there are approximately 278 births and 58 deaths every day, leading to a net daily population increase of 180 people. This growth trend has remained relatively stable over the last several years.

The fertility rate in Eritrea is currently 3.68 births per woman. This ranks the country 36th highest in the world for fertility. While this rate has declined from historical peaks, it remains high enough to drive significant natural population growth and maintain a relatively young demographic profile.

Recent data indicates that 34.5% of Eritrea's population lives in urban areas. This urbanization rank is 184th globally, reflecting a society where the majority of people still live in rural environments. Urbanization is most concentrated in the capital, Asmara, and major port cities like Massawa and Assab.