Demographic situation in Eritrea
Keywords:
history, population, society, health, fertility, infant mortality, child mortality, EritreaAbstract
This paper gives estimates of the following demographic indicators for Eritrea: population size, annual growth rate, age and sex composition, fertility, infant, and child mortality. Brief background sections place the demographic characteristics in a broader perspective. The data used in the analysis of fertility and mortality are taken from sample surveys conducted after independence. Other figures are obtained from government and non-government reports. Indirect techniques were employed to analyze the fertility and mortality rates. Results indicate that the total population of Eritrea in 1993 was roughly 3.5 million. The average annual rate of population growth is found to be about 3% . Children fourteen years old or younger are estimated to be about 46% of the total population. Only 4% of Eritreans are 65 years of age or older. The findings also reveal that fertility rates in Eritrea are high. Women have on average about 7.0 children. The findings further indicate an infant mortality of 112 and an under-five mortality of 208 deaths per 1,000 live births. Given the poor socioeconomic situation of the country, these rates, especially the infant mortality rate, are considered to be underestimates. Further research is therefore needed to ascertain the prevailing situation of Eritrea.
