Eritrea: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Eritrea — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
6,209,262
#112 of 197 countries
Area
117,600 km²
#103 of 248 countries
Density
52.8 / km²
#161 of 245 countries

Eritrea has a population of 6,209,262 spread across 117,600 km², giving it an average density of 52.8 people per km².

Most Populous Cities

Asmara
563,930
5230 / km²
Keren, Eritrea
74,800
2655 / km²
Himora
46,100
324 / km²
Massawa
23,100
1355 / km²
Assab
21,300
708 / km²
Mendefera
17,781
1111 / km²
Barentu, Eritrea
15,891
598 / km²
Adi Keyh
13,061
788 / km²
Edd, Eritrea
11,259
42 / km²
Dekemhare
10,959
2303 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
21.7
Life Expectancy
67.5 yrs
Government
authoritarian
Ethnic Groups

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Eritrea is classified as a low income country by the World Bank.

Income Level
Low income