The real GDP (2009 est.): $4.4 billion, and the annual growth rate (2011 est.):14%.
Eritrea has an extensive amount of resources such as copper, gold, granite, marble, and potash. The Eritrean economy has undergone extreme changes due to the War of Independence.
The Eritrean–Ethiopian War severely hurt Eritrea's economy.
Even during the war, Eritrea developed its transportation infrastructure by asphalting new roads, improving its ports, and repairing war-damaged roads and bridges as a part of the Warsay Yika'alo Program. The most significant of these projects was the construction of a coastal highway of more than 500 km connecting Massawa with Asseb, as well as the rehabilitation of the Eritrean Railway. The rail line has been restored between the port of Massawa and the capital Asmara, although services are sporadic. Steam locomotives are sometimes used for groups of enthusiasts.
Eritrea has two main ports, Assab and Massawa. Both ports are located on the sea lane. The Massawa port has a quay length of 1007M with six berths where the largest is 208.6M long and 12M deep. The port also has a 204,057M2 storage area with a holding capacity of 150,000 metric tones including 79,000M2 of heavy duty paved concrete blocks for container stacking with a computerized container terminal management system.
The Assab port has 7 deep sea berths with an over all length of 1025M. The deepest berth is 10.97M with a length of 210M. The port has above 275,320M2 of storage area with 385,930 metric tones of holding capacity.
The ports of Massawa and Assab are both well structured and fully equipped with experienced personnel. Both ports offer radio communication from port to vessel and vice versa. International telephone communications, telex and fax facilities as well as maritime and clearing agencies which adequately meet the needs of importers and exporters are all available. The ports also provide essential pilotage, tugging, cargo handling and storage service including IMDG (dangerous goods).