Eritrea is a small, diverse country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan to the west, Ethiopia to the south, and Djibouti to the southeast. It also has a long coastline along the Red Sea to the northeast, stretching about 1,200 kilometers. The country's geography is varied, featuring coastal plains, rugged highlands, and arid deserts.
The central region is dominated by the Eritrean Highlands, part of the larger Ethiopian Plateau, with elevations reaching over 3,000 meters. This area enjoys a temperate climate and is home to the capital, Asmara. To the east, the land descends sharply into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, dipping below sea level. The western lowlands, bordering Sudan, consist of semi-arid plains and savannahs, while the coastal zone is hot and dry with little rainfall.
Eritrea's Red Sea coastline includes over 350 islands, the largest being the Dahlak Archipelago, known for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Due to its varied terrain, the country experiences different climatic zones, from cool highlands to scorching deserts. Despite limited arable land, Eritrea's geography supports diverse ecosystems and strategic maritime significance.
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