Located in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea is positioned on the southern end of the Red Sea.

In the western part of the country, fertile lands descend into desert as you advance eastward.

To the south, highlands dot the landscape, moving towards a high central plateau, ranging from 5,906 to 9,843 ft (1,800 to 3,000 m) above sea level.

The highest point of Eritrea is Soira at 9,901 ft (3,018 m); the lowest point of the country is located near Kulul within the Danakil Depression at -246 ft (-75 m).

Eritrea is bisected by a portion of the East African Rift - an active continental zone whose tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

There are no significant lakes or rivers.

• Landforms of Africa