Eritrea is a country in Eastern Africa, Africa. In 2025 it has about 3.6 million people (UN estimate), the 129th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1993Population: 129th
Eritreaエリトリア
Region
Eastern Africa, Africa
Population
about 3.6 million (129th)
Area
121,144 km² (95th)
UN member since
May 28, 1993
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Eritrea in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 3.6 million, the 129th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/34 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 121,144 km², the 95th largest of the 193. That is about 1/3 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 30.
Joining the United Nations
Eritrea joined the United Nations on May 28, 1993.
That was 37 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Monaco.
Think about it
Q1Compare Eritrea’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Eritrea on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Eritrea, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 18 UN member states in Eastern Africa. The one with the most people is Ethiopia.