Eritrea is the focal point of one of the most interesting tribal cultures of eastern Africa. Located on the edge of the strange geographical formation called Horn of Africa, this country is an abode of particular natural beauty. Eritrea mirrors the exotic African wilderness to the best and its attractions include sun-kissed beaches by the Red Sea, thickly forested mountains and striking rock formations. Interestingly, the long, rolling ranges of the Great Rift Valley bisects the topography of Eritrea perfectly with desert and arid lands on the east and more arable terrains on the west. The country jurisdiction also includes the Dahlak Archipelago. Another absorbing fact about this country is that the centrally located Afar Triangle or Danakil Depression of Eritrea is the probable meeting point of three tectonic plates; the Arabian Plate and the two parts of the African Plate. The lowest point of Eritrea lies near Lake Kulul within the Afar Depression that is 75m below sea level.
Eritrea is one of the youngest independent states of the world after it achieved sovereignty on May 24, 1993. Previously part of Ethiopian kingdom, Eritrea went under rules of Ottoman Empire, Egyptian and Italian forces. The British captured the country in 1941 and was made an Ethiopian province on November 14, 1962. Today Eritrea hosts a transitional government committed to a democratic system.