Etymology

The name Eritrea comes from the ancient Greek name for the Red Sea, called the Erythraean Sea (Ἐρυθρὰ Θάλασσα Erythra Thalassa). This name is based on the Greek word erythros, meaning "red." The name was first officially used in 1890 when the area became known as Italian Eritrea (Colonia Eritrea). The name remained in use during later periods of British and Ethiopian control. It was confirmed again in 1993 after a vote for independence and again in the 1997 constitution.