Regions of Eritrea

Eritrea is divided into six regions.

During the Independence of 1993, Eritrea was organized as ten cities. These cities have the same urban order as colonial times.

In 1996, they were divided into six regions. The boundaries of these new regions were determined by basins.

Six Regions of Eritrea

A color-coded map of Eritrea, featuring region labels, a compass rose, a scale, and a white background.
Regions of Eritrea Map
Eritrea political map (with region names in Tigrinya, the local language).
Eritrea political map (with region names in Tigrinya, the local language).

Every regional president appointed by the President of Eritrea has a local council. During the cabinet meetings, the President meets with the Regional Presidents to discuss activities related to the regions.

The local programs of the Regional Assemblies make budget negotiations for the shortcomings of the local people.

These local programs are cultural events, maintenance, and repair of roads.

Eritrea is divided into six regions:

  • Central Region
  • Anseba Region
  • Gash-Barka Region
  • Southern Region
  • Northern Red Sea Region
  • Southern Red Sea Region

Anseba Region

A close-up of a colorful wall mural depicting a stylized door with a barred window, alongside brickwork and shadowy bird figures in flight.

Anseba Region is one of the six regions in Eritrea. It is located in the inner western part of the country. Its capital is Keren.

The area has an area of 23,200 square kilometers and its population is 893,587. It took the name because the river passed through the area.

The river starts from the high plateaus in the center of Eritrea, flows into the suburbs of the north west of the capital Asmara, and north through the mountains of Rora Habab and the Sahel, and flows into the Red Sea from the Gulf of Suakin near Sudan.

The other town in this region is Halhal. It is bordered by Gash-Barka in the south, Central region in the south-east, Northern Red Sea region in the north and west and Sudan in the west.

Central Region

A photo shows people near a large brick church with a clock tower, under a clear sky. A red bus is on the left.

Maekel or Central Region is one of the six regions in Eritrea. It has the smallest area and the capital city, Asmara, is the biggest city.

The area is 1,300 square kilometers and the population is 1,053,254.

The region is far from the sea and is surrounded by the Anseba region in the north-west, the North Red Sea region in the north-east, the Southern region in the south and the Gash-Barka region in the west.

Most of the architectural structures in the region are traces of Italian traces from the late 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century.

Gash-Barka Region

A herd of zebras grazing on a savannah with sparse trees and rolling hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Gash-Barka Region is one of the six regions in Eritrea. It is located in the south west of the country. It is surrounded by the Anseba region to the north, the Central and North regions to the east, Sudan to the west, and the Ethiopian countries to the north.

The area has a surface area of 33,200 square kilometers and a population of 1,103,742.

Many people call the region a “granary” because it is rich in agriculture. It was known that there were over 3.5 million poultry and numerous camels in 2005. The region is rich in marble and other important minerals, including gold.

In Augaro there are several old mine wells and machines from the time of Italian gold exploration.

Almost all the people in the region tend to be more healthy and well-fed than these regions of Africa.

Northern Red Sea Region

A coastal scene with multiple boats floating on calm water, with buildings in the background against a backdrop of hills or mountains.

Northern Red Sea Region is one of the six regions in Eritrea. It extends to the northern half of the Red Sea. The Dahlak Archipelago and the coastal town of Massawa is located here.

It is surrounded by Anseba, Central and Southern regions in the west and the Southern Red Sea region in the east. It is approximately 27,800 square kilometers and its population is 897,454.

Southern Region

A variety of grains and spices in large open sacks displayed in an outdoor market setting.

Southern Region is one of the six regions in Eritrea. Also known as the Debub Region. This region has a border with Ethiopia.

It shares the western border with the Gash-Barka region, the north with the Central Region and the eastern border with the Northern Red Sea Region.

The region has an area of 8,000 square kilometers and its capital is Mendefera. The population of the region is 1,476,765. Metera and Qohaito archaeological sites are also found in this region.

Southern Red Sea Region

A scenic view of a lush green valley with terraced fields and hills in the background under a blue sky with light cloud cover.

Southern Red Sea is one of the six regions in Eritrea. It extends to the southern half of the Red Sea, and the coastal town of Assab is located here. It is surrounded by the northern Red Sea region.

The region has an area of 27,600 square kilometers and has a population of 398,073. It stretches along the Red Sea coast, 500 km long and only 50 km wide.

The Danakil Desert occupies a large part of the country, and the major towns are Asseb, Beilul, Rahaita, and Thio. Not counting, the coastline is considered one of the most difficult areas of life on Earth.

Image Sources and Copyright Information
  • Eritrea political map: © Mappr