Eritrea Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Eritrea is a country in East Africa, Africa, covering a total area of 117,600 km². It has a coastline of 2,234 km along the East Africa coast. Eritrea shares land borders with 3 countries.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Africa
geographical continent
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Region
East Africa
sub-region
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Total Area
117,600 km²
land coverage
🏙️
Pop. Density
30/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
2,234 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+3
UTC offset
🎂
Independence
1993
year established
🌡️
Climate
Hot desert, mild highland
general type

Where is Eritrea Located?

Eritrea is situated in East Africa, within the broader continent of Africa. The country has a coastline of 2,234 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Eritrea's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Asmara, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the East Africa region, Eritrea sits alongside countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania.

Size and Area of Eritrea

Eritrea covers a total area of 117,600 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 3.5M across this territory, the population density works out at 30/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Eritrea

The climate of Eritrea is hot desert, mild highland. The most favourable time to visit is October–April, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

🗺️ Countries Bordering Eritrea

Eritrea shares land borders with 3 countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti.

Sudan
Sudan
Khartoum
Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Djibouti
Djibouti
Djibouti City

Frequently Asked Questions about Eritrea's Geography

Where is Eritrea located?

Eritrea is located in East Africa, Africa. The capital city is Asmara.

How large is Eritrea?

Eritrea has a total area of 117,600 km² with a population density of 30/km².

What countries border Eritrea?

Eritrea shares land borders with 3 countries: Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti.

Does Eritrea have a coastline?

Yes, Eritrea has a coastline of 2,234 km.

What is the climate of Eritrea?

The climate of Eritrea is Hot desert, mild highland. The best time to visit is October–April.

What timezone is Eritrea in?

Eritrea observes UTC+3 timezone.

What continent is Eritrea in?

Eritrea is in Africa, specifically in the East Africa region.

When did Eritrea become independent?

Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

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