Animals and Plants
Colorful and diverse in the water
Not only the landscapes of Eritrea are diverse, the fauna is too. Since the coasts of the sea have not yet been developed for tourism, most of the animals still have their rest here. In addition to the animals that colonize the coral world near the coast, there are also various species of shark such as angel sharks.
There are fish species that can no longer live anywhere else. There are also crabs, prawns and lobsters. The colors of the fish in the coral landscapes of the Red Sea are particularly fascinating. Perhaps the fish in the adjacent photo looks familiar to you?
And in the country?
Leopards, lions and cheetahs live in Eritrea. Some animals also found a home in Eritrea’s two national parks. Various gazelle and antelope species have a home in the vastness of Eritrea, such as the oryx antelope. Spotted hyenas and jackals roam the plains, always in search of food. You can also spot baboons and monkeys.
Flamingos, herons and sea eagles live on the coasts. Flamingos can also be found on the salt lakes of the Danakil Depression, which runs through Ethiopia and Eritrea. Saddle storks also settle here. In general, the bird life in Eritrea is colorful and diverse. The same goes for butterflies.
What is crawling there?
Reptiles such as snakes also feel very comfortable in the desert and steppe landscapes. Both poisonous snakes like the black mamba or the Egyptian cobra and non-poisonous snake species like the rock python live here. The Nile monitor, a very old lizard species, has also discovered one or the other place in Eritrea.
What is growing there?
The north of Eritrea is more fertile than the south, here there are dry forests with yews, juniper bushes or tamarisks. The mountain slopes are also often covered with grass and various shrubs. There is no longer any conifers, as most of them have been cut down, firewood has been extracted from them and the stocks have not been reforested.
A large part of Eritrea is occupied by savannahs and semi-deserts. Only plants that are able to adapt to the harsh living conditions can survive here. Succulents, acacias, aloes and myrrh grow there. Mangrove forests can also be found on the coast.
Economy
Eritrea: one of the poorest countries in the world
As a country located in Africa according to pharmacylib, Eritrea is one of the poorest countries in the world. This is also due to the consequences of the longstanding war with Ethiopia. In this 30-year war, the country was almost completely destroyed. Added to this are drought disasters and poor government economic policies. Many people from Eritrea flee abroad and transfer money from there to their relatives. Without this money, the people there were even worse off.
Agriculture
Most of the people in Eritrea work in agriculture, which however only generates a small part of the GDP. Many people also support themselves. The climate in large parts of the country is not necessarily conducive to the cultivation of plants. Millet, vegetables, corn, tobacco, legumes, cotton and coffee are primarily grown. On the coasts, many people feed themselves with the help of fishing.
Little industry and some natural resources
There is little industry in Eritrea. There is a bit of a textile industry and there are a few smaller factories that produce furniture or cement, for example. There are natural resources like copper and gold. There are also marble, zinc and iron. Oil and natural gas were also found.
In particular, the mining of gold and copper has advanced the economy a little. There is also some hope in the mineral resources for an improvement in the economic situation. However, the money does not reach the population and hardly improves conditions. Many goods have to be imported from abroad.
Tourists? Nothing
Due to the seclusion of the country, almost no tourists come, although the beaches and beautiful diving areas on the Red Sea could certainly attract more people. But there is no tourist infrastructure in the country. In addition, people from abroad are not welcomed, at least not by the government. One isolates oneself, although only an opening to the outside world could help the country.
Everyday Life
Everyday life of the people in Eritrea
While a lot of things in the capital Asmara seem very clean and orderly at first glance, there is still a lot of poverty, not only in the capital, but throughout Eritrea. Many live below the poverty line. The people in the country live very simply, often still in huts, and from hand to mouth. Recurring droughts destroy agricultural products. Many could not survive without outside help. The government’s mismanagement is contributing to the bad situation.
Eating in Eritrea
Injera
Because of history, the cuisine of Eritrea is closely linked to the cuisine of Ethiopia. Flatbreads are an important basis. They are available on the one hand as a thinly baked and crispy kitcha and on the other hand as a fluffy injera. They are missing from almost every meal in Eritrea.
Injera are baked from sourdough and teff flour and are then spongy. Teff is a type of millet, i.e. a grain. To do this, a pot of vegetables, for example carrots and potatoes, is boiled. Another pot contains meat in a hot sauce. Sauces for the Injeras are called wots. Then there is also salad. One gives a little of everything in one injera. Then you tear off some of the injera with your right hand and use it to pick up the vegetables and meat. You only eat with your right hand and you do not want to lick your fingers!
Zegni and Shiro
A stew called Zegni is typical of Eritrea. This consists of tomatoes and other vegetables and is spiced very hot with a chili paste. Meat and fish are also added and then the whole thing is cooked for a long time. If you can’t afford meat, you eat Shiro, which is a porridge made from chickpeas.
Meat and fish
Since Eritrea is a poor country, meat is not often available. When there is meat, it is mostly from goat, mutton or beef. Fish, one would think, is often on the table, since Eritrea has a long coastline. Fish is also rare.
