Did you know that Eritrea is one of the newest countries in the world? Yet, historically privileged to be one of the earliest African countries to be introduced to modern technology? Or that it was a center for commercial activities in the Horn of Africa in the early 1900s? Or that its people struggled for more than thirty years to secure their independence? Or that one of the great Russian literary figures, Alexander Pushkin has his roots in Eritrea? Indeed, Eritrea is a land of diverse and fascinating history that many people don't know much about. Location the Horn of Africa Area 124,300 sq. km. Red sea Coastlines 1,151 km. Neighboring states Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Yemen Lowest area Kobar Sink, -75 meters Highest Point Amba Soira, 3,013 meters Capital city Asmara Other cities and towns Massawa, Assab, Keren, Dekamare, Mendefera Climate lowland area from 25-40centigrades Highland area from 10-30 degree centigrade Time zone +3GMT Main seaports Massawa, Assab Population Population size: 3.56 million (2002) Religion: Christianity ( Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Churches), Muslim Ethnic groups: Nine ethnic groups A way of life: 60 percent lives in rural areas, 40 percent lives in urban areas Major economic sectors Agriculture: Agriculture about 20 percent of GDP Infrastructure: 14,560kms road, 10 international and local airports, airstrips,15 massive bridge infrastructure Free Zone area: 200,000 square meters of coastlines for use of industrial areas with better opportunity for investors. Mining: 14,000 kilograms of potential gold reserves: others include base metal deposits, industrial minerals, construction materials and geothermal potentials. Fisheries: Virgin territory in the richest part of the Red Sea. Tourism: Historical and archaeological sites that are comparable with Egypt and other east African ancient civilizations. In Eritrea sectors with high prospects for development and lucrative investment opportunities.