Eritrea 10-CENTS (KM45)¶
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Obverse OSTRICH
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Reverse Soldiers
- Composition
- Nickel-clad Steel
- Country
- Eritrea
- Approx. Size
- 21mm
- Area
- Africa
- Animal Class
- Birds
- Species
- Ostrich
- KM#
- 45
The smallest adult ostrich weighs more than the Zoo Keeper, and can run faster than a car in the city. A large ostrich weighs around 130 kg, with the largest on record weighing in at 155 kg! They are the largest living species of bird, and are the only surviving species in their family and their genus. Ostrichs are farmed in more than 50 countries around the world, primarily for their skin (the strongest leather), and meat.
Eritrea¶
- Area
- Africa
Eritrea is in east Africa with a long coastline on the Red Sea. It has been independent since 1993, making it one of the youngest independent states on the continent. Before being colonized by Italy in 1885 it had many different rulers, including a long stint under the Ottomon Turks. After World War II, Eritrea was aligned by the UN with Ethiopia as part of a federation. This was problematic from the start, and soon a war for independence started that would last for 30 years. Today Eritrea is a desparately poor country, with 80% of the population engaged in subsistence agriculture. Lack of religious freedom including terrible repression by the government has created many refugees fleeing to Kenya. Continued border disputes with Ethiopia contribute to the instability of the country.
