Introduction
Culture
History
Politics
The Lost Domain

The Ottomans ruled the hot coastal areas for nearly three hundred years until 1865. The land was then passed to the Italians in 1885.
 
British forces defeated the Italian army in Eritrea in 1941 and placed the colony under military administration.  After World War II Eritrea was annexed by Ethiopia.

In 1991 the People's Liberation Front defeated the armies of the Ethiopian dictator Mengistu.

Eritrea officially celebrated its independence on 24 May 1992. 

What is there now to celebrate on 24 May each year?  The Eritrean state may still be independent, but its people are certainly not free. Sign up for the Visit Eritrea bulletin to find out how you can get involved.