5. At independence, the new Government inherited a devastated economy, ruined infrastructure
and non-existent social services and the burden of nation-building has been inordinately
arduous. Eritrea embarked into the nation building task with a clear vision of creating a
viable state, economy and social fabrics. The ideals of nationalism, social justice and
progressive morality which were the embodiment of the liberation struggle thus formed the
basis for this vision. Hence, national unity and citizenship, national interest and cultural
transformation constitute as aims. In this regard, it adhered to an independent political line
and pragmatic development approaches centered on the decisiveness of the human factor.
6. After much hard work, the foundations for a social justice based all-round development are
laid. In the political process of nation building, state institutions are emerging at a reasonable
pace and various levels of peoples‟
Life expectancy rose from 46 in 1991 to 63.7
administration and power have
(male/female HDI report 2015)
evolved. The economy is also
Adult literacy rate increased from 30% to 67%
progressing steadily and ready for
(EPHS 2010)
take-off after much hard work.
Student population rose from 200,000 to 605,932
The national
capacity and
(MoE 2016), net primary school enrolment from
institutions are also evolving at a
30% in 1993 to 85% in 2015 (MDG Report 2015)
reasonable and healthy pace. The
Household access to clean and adequate water
social sector strategy for poverty
increased 85% and electricity by 43.5%,
elimination and adequate standard
A total of 103,801residential houses built. (MDG
of life is also having an impact
report 2015; NSO 2015)
(some indicators given in the box).
1100 villages got access to adequate safe water
The country‟s stellar achievements
Maternal mortality rate decreased from 1700 per
are widely recognized in spite of
100,000 in 1990 to 352 in 2015 (MDG report 2015,
the scarcity of resources and a
National Statistics Office (NSO 2015)
hostile regional climate not
Infant mortality rate reduced from 93 per 100,000
conducive to an unconstrained
lives birth in 1990 to 34 per 100,000 birth in 2015
developmental drive.
(MDG report 2015 or ‘NSO 2015)
Under-five mortality from 151 per 100,000 live
7. Eritrea‟s foreign policy also
births in 1990 to 47 in 2015 (MDG report 2015 and
promotes national interest, respect
‘NSO 2015)
for
sovereignty,
peaceful
coexistence and cooperation based on partnerships. In the last 19 years, the diplomatic
encirclement campaign waged against Eritrea as part of the geopolitical agendas in the region
has failed to subdue the nation. Nonetheless, Eritrea‟s foreign policy driven by the
independent political stance has thrived and promoted the following objectives:
Promote relations and cooperation that enables national development
Uphold regional peace, security and development
Contribute to the global sustenance of peace, security and development
Protect the rights and interests of Eritreans living abroad and guarantee their participation
and contribution in Eritrea‟s national development
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