Eritrea in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Tigrinya Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Abyssinia, al-Shabaab, Land of Punt, Asmara, Nakfa, Ethiopia, Mengistu, Derg, Jabarti, Assab

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Eritrea, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Chapter 1 - Geography * Introduction * Area * Climate * Geographic Divisions * Coastal Plains * Central Highlands * Western Lowlands * Major Rivers * Major Cities * Asmara * Massawa * Nakfa * Keren * Agordat * Assab * Environmental Issues * Natural Hazards * Chapter 1 Assessment * Chapter 2 - History * Introduction * The Land of Punt * Aksumite Civilization * Christian Dynasties * Abyssinian Kings * Colonial Powers in East Africa * The Italian Era * Initial Italian Control * The Capture of Ethiopia * British Ethiopia * The Struggle for Independence * The 1950s and 1960s * Mengistu and the Derg * Continued Eritrean Resistance * Independent Eritrea * Self-Determination * Renewed Conflict * "Self-Reliance" * Recent Events * Chapter 2 Assessment * Chapter 3 - Economy * Introduction * Standard of Living * Agriculture * Industry * Banking and Currency * Trade * Energy * Tourism * Transportation * Outlook * Chapter 3 Assessment * Chapter 4 - Society * Introduction * Ethnic Groups * Languages * Religions * Gender Issues * Independence Movement * Post-Independence * Traditional Dress * The Arts * Cuisine * Sport & Recreation * Chapter 4 Assessment * Chapter 5 - Security * Introduction * United States-Eritrea Relations * Recent Events * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Ethiopia * Djibouti * Sudan * Military * National Service * Issues Affecting Stability * Insurgent Groups * Poverty and Repression * CHAPTER 1: PROFILE * Introduction * Area * Climate * Major Rivers * Major Cities * Asmara * Nakfa * Massawa * History * Ancient Times * Decline of the Empire * 19th and Early 20th Centuries * Post-Independence Era * Government * Media * Economy * Agriculture * Industry * Service Sector * Ethnic Groups * Tigrinya Christians * Jabarti (Jeberti) - The Muslim Tigrinya * CHAPTER 1: ASSESSMENT * CHAPTER 2: RELIGION * Introduction * Orthodox Christianity * Islam * Religion and Government * Law and Religion * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Holidays/Events * Eastern Orthodox Christian Church * Muslim Holidays * Buildings of Worship * Churches * Mosques * Behavior in Places of Worship * Church Etiquette * Mosque Etiquette * CHAPTER 2: ASSESSMENT * CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS * Introduction * Codes of Politeness * Dress Codes * Hospitality and Gift Giving * Eating Habits and Cuisine * Favorite Pastimes * Nonreligious Celebrations * Dos and Don'ts * CHAPTER 3: ASSESSMENT * CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE * Introduction * Urbanization Issues * Urban Work Issues * Healthcare * Education * Restaurants * Marketplace * Street Vendors * Urban Traffic and Transportation * Cars * Street Crime and Solicitations * Beggars * Crime * CHAPTER 4: ASSESSMENT * CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE * Introduction * Land Distribution * Rural Economy * Gender Roles * Rural Transportation * Healthcare * Education * Who is in Charge? * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Borders * Checkpoints * Weapons * Landmines * CHAPTER 5: ASSESSMENT * CHAPTER 6 FAMILY LIFE * The Typical Household * The Status of Women, Children, and the Elderly * Women * Children * The Elderly * Marriage and Divorce * Marriage * Divorce * Family Events * Weddings * Childbirth * Funerals * Tigrinya Names