II.

Land and Resources

Eritrea has four main physiographical regions: the Red Sea coastal plain; the south-central plateau highland, which forms the core of the country; the hills of the northern and west-central areas; and the broad western plains. The Red Sea coast stretches more than 1,000 km (600 mi), and it is from this body of water that the country derived its name (Greek, erythraea, “red”). To the west, the coastal plain rises sharply to the highland plateau, where altitudes range from 1,830 to 2,440 m (6,000 to 8,000 ft) above sea level and annual rainfall is significantly higher than at the coast. The hill country north and west of the core plateau ranges from about 760 to 1,370 m (2,500 to 4,500 ft) above sea level, and it generally receives less rainfall than the plateau. The broad plains lie to the west of the Baraka River and north of the Setit River.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

A number of rivers drain the plateau and highland regions. The Gash (or Mereb), the Baraka, and the Anseba flow from the plateau west into Sudan, while the Falkat, Laba, and Alighede flow from the northern highlands to the Red Sea.

B.

Climate

The narrow coastal plain receives little rainfall and is extremely hot. The Danakil depression in the south-east falls below sea level and has been the site of some of the highest temperatures recorded on Earth, often exceeding 50° C (122° F). Average annual temperatures range from 17° C (63° F) in the highlands to 30° C (86° F) in the seaport of Mitsiwa.

C.

Natural Resources

Eritrea’s resources have traditionally supported a largely agricultural way of life, although a significant industrial base was developed during Italian rule around Asmara. The nation possesses potentially valuable potash deposits and possibly gold, iron, and oil, but exploration and exploitation of such mineral resources have been severely hindered by three decades of war. The country suffers repeated droughts and severe problems of famine, desertification, soil erosion from overgrazing, and loss of infrastructure from civil war.

D.

Environmental Concerns

Eritrea's environment suffers from frequent droughts and from the effects of the country's decades-long war of independence. Only 22 per cent (1990-1998) of the people in Eritrea have access to safe water, and only 13 per cent (1990-1998) have access to sanitation; in rural areas sanitation is not available at all. Much of the country's highland forests have been destroyed for fuel wood, and only 2.8 per cent (1995) of Eritrea's total land area is forested. Only 3.9 per cent (1997) of the country's land is arable or under permanent crop cultivation. The intense pressure on agricultural land is made worse by a 3.9 per cent (2000) population growth rate and extremely high temperatures in some regions. Consequently, marginal lands have been cultivated and overgrazed, leading to soil erosion and desertification.

The Eritrean administration has planted millions of trees in recent years to help stop erosion and desertification. In addition, the administration has designated 5 per cent (1997) of the country's total land area as protected. The government has ratified international environmental agreements pertaining to biodiversity, climate change, desertification, and endangered species.