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Martinique Lifestyle and Culture

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Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Eritrea, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip. Eritrean culture is one of the most distinct and unique in Africa. An eclectic blend of the old and the new combined with the perfect mix of race and ethnicities work together to create a diversity that gives Eritrea an extraordinary charm and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.

Background

The country has for thousands of years been home to people of diverse living patterns, religions, and traditions. After the South Arabian immigration in the first millennium BC, Eritrea and much of Tigray were known as the Kingdom of the Habeshat. From the third to the seventh centuries AD, much of the present-day territory was bound within the Axumite Kingdom. The Italians took the port of Massawa in 1885.

They were relative latecomers in the so-called 'Scramble for Africa', but this was the beginning of an ambitious imperial campaign that sought to build a new Roman Empire in Africa. Around 1900 they moved their capital from the steaming coastal lowlands to the salubrious climate enjoyed by the highland settlement of Asmara. The principal aims were to develop the colony with Italian immigrants, to exploit the natural resources, and to equip it as a base for further expansion, which they later achieved in Libya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. These groups have built what we call the Eritrean culture today!

Did you know?

  • Eritrea's religious community is divided into two almost equal portions of Orthodox Christians and Muslims. There’re some Catholics, Protestants, and Jews in the highlands, especially in the capital, and some animists in the western lowland regions.
  • Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting, though you’ll also see locals performing the shoulder greeting. This looks like two people engaging in a mild scuffle as they press their shoulders together three times as a symbol of fellowship, especially among ex-fighters. As with shaking hands, this greeting may take a while, so do not be disconcerted by this.
  • Casual tourist wear is suitable for most places, but visitors should dress modestly especially if you are intending to stay longer. For business, a suit is most appropriate, though ties are not necessary, unless for very compelling formal occasions.
  • Coffee is a delicacy in this country and to be asked to take coffee is a symbol of hospitality and the way that Eritreans honor their guests. It takes up to an hour for the coffee to be prepared in a coffee ceremony and it is standard practice that you must have three cups at least and compliment the taste before leaving.
  • Smoking is not popular with traditional or elderly people in Eritrea.
  • Shoes should be taken off in churches and, particularly, in mosques. Avoid showing the bottoms of feet, soles of shoes, and moving or touching objects with the feet when interacting with Eritreans who are Muslims or follow Islam.
  • Homosexual behavior is prohibited.

Overall in Eritrea guests are treated with deep courtesy and given the best possible treatment from the host. Being proud of this tradition we recommend you stay with a host family to immerse yourself easily into its multi-dimensional culture. The people here will help you figure out some things as they are warm and hospitable.

" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada

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