Eritreans are not a seperate nation: the people of Eritrea are Tigrayan, Wollo, Afar, and others. Their homeland Eritrea — capital Asmara — is no longer part of Ethiopia, but an independant republic on Ethipia's north-east border.
   The Eritrean separatist movement fought for its independence for 31 years (1961-91). With support from Tigrayans (Christians as well as Muslims), who constitute the majority of the Eritrean population, the EPLF reflected the various ethnic, religious, and social interests of Eritreans. After the fall of the communist regime, certain Eritrean minorities (e.g., Afar and Kunama) opposed the independence of Eritrea. But the EPLF ousted its conservative Islamic rivals from office and declared independence following a referendum in 1993.
   Eritrea has been seen as an example for Africa, being relatively well-organized, enjoying a growing economy, mostly because of its harbors. Several senseless wars between Ethiopia and Eritrea have destroyed that image.