Eritrea is a small, chronically conflict-affected country in the Horn of Africa nestled between some of the most turbulent and tech-savvy countries in Africa. Small and remote as it may be, it is also one of the least connected countries in the world when it comes to technology.
Eritrea lacks adequate and reliable internet access, which has a direct impact on how its people and businesses interact with the rest of the world. This lack of connectivity means the majority of its people lack the ability to access even basic technology, let alone use the internet to search for information, connect with their peers and business contacts around the world, and keep up with the latest developments in the digital world.
In terms of digital infrastructures, Eritrea does have a telecommunications infrastructure which is improving, but is still far behind global standards. Its 3G mobile network has barely penetrated rural areas, and the dial-up network is still widely used as people are unable to access the internet with any other connection type. Moreover, only a small number of households in the major cities have access to an internet connection. As a result, Eritrea consistently ranks among the least wired countries in the world.
This lack of access to the internet, in turn, means that Eritreans are living in a world that is disconnected from the global economy. Eritrea’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal sector, which means access to online financial services, e-commerce, and other financial technology-related services is restricted in the country. There is also a lack of technology-driven jobs and opportunities, as the country is still far behind when it comes to tech.
Eritrea’s lack of access to technology puts it at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to globalisation, development and modernization. The lack of access hinders the country’s growth and development and contributes to its poverty and underdevelopment. Without reliable internet access, the country simply cannot keep up with other countries in the race to modernity and globalisation.
Why is Eritrea the least connected country?
Eritrea is a small nation located in the Horn of Africa, sharing borders with Djibouti, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Despite boasting a population of over 6 million citizens and an area of approximately 117 thousand square kilometres, the country remains one of the least connected in the world – both in terms of traditional networks, such as the internet and telephone systems, or the broader term of international language and culture. This article will look into the reasons why Eritrea is the least connected country in the world.
An assessment of the country’s physical infrastructure provides some of the most important insight into why the country remains so isolated. Developing a telephone network, for example, is a notoriously expensive endeavour and is absent from many of the world’s most isolated countries. This is especially true for Eritrea, whose population is scattered across vast rural areas and a limited city centre, with an economy not strong enough to support such a sprawl. To establish a full telephone network for any access to Eritrea would require an impressive amount of resources, something that Eritrea does not have access to.
The state of the country’s internet connectivity is also grim. According to a 2016 report by the World Bank, Eritrea has only 19.9 operational internet users per 100 people in comparison to the world average of 54.1. The country has also been blocked off from many of the major suppliers of telecommunications infrastructure, notably the Chinese state-run telecoms company Huawei, which was subject to sanctions in 2016. It is estimated that at least half the country’s population is unable to access the internet due to a lack of communication infrastructure, something that has its implications when looking at digital access to education, entertainment and communication.
Beyond the access to infrastructure, the nation’s population has limited access to international culture, particularly through the internet. This is most likely due to low literacy rates – the country ranks 169th in literacy out of the 185 countries measured by the UN; in 2014, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics estimated a 41.1% literacy rate in the nation. This is compounded by the fact that Tigrinya, the official language of Eritrea.
The economic situation in Eritrea
The economy in Eritrea has undeniably seen better times, however, it is currently in a positive place, with encouraging news from the region being reported. It is a nation that is making great strides towards economic stability, with a range of initiatives being developed to ensure the long-term prosperity of its citizens.
On the international stage, Eritrea has access to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, both of which support its economic endeavours. This means that the government has access to essential funds and resources with which to strengthen its economic prospects. The government has also embarked on a considered effort to reduce public debt and to increase guarantees of foreign investment. This includes offering tax incentives to international companies wishing to invest in Eritrea.
Domestically, a positive trend has been noted in the value of real estate and the housing sector. Increases in house prices are an excellent sign of a rising economy, as it implies that people have more disposable income and trust in the economy. This is further supported by the low number of unemployment statistics, implying that there is adequate work being done in the region.
Other sectors that are contributing to the healthy economic landscape are the fisheries and agriculture of Eritrean shores. It is an excellent example of the efficiency of the nation in working with what it has. The agricultural industry has achieved success in the production of cereals and pulses and is one of the main contributors to the Gross Domestic Product.
The nation of Eritrea has also seen successes in its economic relations with Chinese businesses, as well as its dealings with international aid organisations. An international organisation has described recent economic aid as ‘critical’ for the nation’s development, with the funds being of great aid to the healthcare system, education and housing.
The most noticeable change however is that of the growing drive and resilience of Eritreans to succeed. Despite external economic pressures, many Eritreans remain positive and determined that their economy can and will triumph. There have been a large number of success stories reported from the region, where people have overcome financial setbacks, to build a great life for themselves and their families.
What is special about Eritrea?
Eritrea is a country of hidden secrets and unexplored gems. This African nation has a history full of culture and tradition that cannot be found anywhere else. For those looking to experience something truly special, there is no better place than Eritrea.
One of the most outstanding features of this country is the number of archaeological historical discoveries that have been made here. With over 80,000 different sites, Eritrea has the second highest number of these discoveries after Egypt in Africa.
The culture in Eritrea is diverse and unique, offering visitors the opportunity to experience something new and inspiring. It is home to many different ethnic groups and religions, each with their own special traditions. With some areas of the country still untouched by modernization, there are plenty of settings for those looking for a more rustic experience.
The cuisine in Eritrea is unique and flavorful. The foods here are heavily influenced by other African countries, giving it a distinct flavour that you won’t find anywhere else. Traditional meals usually feature seafood, vegetables, beans, and fruits – giving it an eclectic mix of tastes.
Eritrea is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With its prime location on the Red Sea, the white sand stretches for miles, inviting visitors to take part in the seemingly endless amounts of activities offered. From swimming and snorkelling to boat rides in the crystal-clear waters, there’s something here for everyone.
Aside from its historical and cultural features, the country is also home to some of the best eco-tourist spots on the planet. Eco-tourism here is growing rapidly as people from all over the world come to experience the vast and remote landscapes that Eritrea offers.
Another unique feature about Eritrea is that it is the first country to allocate an entire coastline as a reserve.Eritreans are proud of their beautiful country, and this is one way they show their respect for the environment.
What is Eritrea’s main source of income?
Eritrea is a small, impoverished country located in the Horn of Africa. It has a population of just over 6 million, and it lacks many of the resources, infrastructure and opportunities that many other countries have. Despite all of this, the country is making great strides to improve its economic outlook. One of the main sources of income for the nation is agriculture, which employs over 80 percent of the population.
Agricultural production in Eritrea is largely subsistence-based; many farmers raise crops such as sorghum and millet, as well as raising animals for food and other purposes. The country also produces cash crops such as coffee and cotton, which are exported to other countries, earning valuable foreign currency.
The other major source of income for Eritrea is its mineral deposits. The country has deposits of copper and potash, as well as gold and silver. Mining and related activities bring in much-needed money to the country, and the government is actively encouraging foreign investment in the mining sector.
Eritrea also has a thriving small-scale industrial sector, with many small- and medium-scale factories producing items such as furniture and electronics. The country also has a vibrant fishing sector, with the coastal waters being a major source of export earnings. Finally, remittances from the Eritrean diaspora are another important source of income for the country; millions of Eritreans living abroad send money back home, providing a steady and reliable source of income for the nation.
Although it is still a poor and developing nation, Eritrea has made great strides in diversifying its sources of income in recent years. This is not only helping to improve the overall economic outlook of the nation, but it is also providing more options and opportunities for the nation’s citizens. With the right investments and the right policies, Eritrea has the potential to become one of the most prosperous nations in the region in the near future.
Despite being one of the least connected countries in the world, Eritrea has a lot of potential. With a growing population and a young, tech-savvy generation, the country has the potential to become a major player in the tech industry. The government is investing in infrastructure and working to attract foreign investors, so the future looks bright for Eritrea.
