Eritrea
Eritrea at a glance

Region
East Africa

Country
Eritrea

Country Head
President

Capital
Asmara

Population
4.9 million (UN 2007)

GDP
$3.619bn(2007)

GDP Per Capita
$800 (2007 CIA est.)

Main Language
Arabic English

Description
Eritrea is trying to rebuild its economy after emerging from a devastating conflict with Ethiopia. Its stopping trade with Ethiopia-Ethiopia used Eritrea's ports during the war- has left a large economic gap. 80% of the population either farm or herd, though drought sometimes devastates the farming areas. Eritrea, even during the war, continued to develop its transportation infrastructure, thus the country has fairly decent roads, ports and a railway. Its major exports are livestock, hides, sorghum, textiles, salt and light manufactures.