Maekel Region
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Central Region إقليم المركزية ዞባ ማእከል Iqlim al-Merkezhia Zoba Maekel |
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|---|---|
| Zoba | |
 Central Region in Eritrea |
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| Country | Eritrea |
| Capital | Asmara |
| Government | |
| • Administrator | Ramadan Osman Awliyai |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,300 km2 (500 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,053,254 |
| • Density | 810/km2 (2,100/sq mi) |
| ISO 3166 code | ER-MA |
Central Region, also known as the Ma'ekel or Maakel Region is an administrative region (or zoba) in central Eritrea. The region was formed on 15 April 1996, from the historical province of Hamasien. The region is located on the central plateau, and sits at an average of about 2,250 metres (7,380 ft) above sea level. It contains Asmara, the capital and largest city of Eritrea.
Central is the smallest region in Eritrea, and contains the major city and national capital, Asmara. As of 2005, the region had a population of 675,700 compared to a population of 595,900 in 2001. The net growth rate was 11.81 per cent. The total area of the province was 1300.00 sq. km and the density was 519.77 persons per sq. km.
The People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) (originally Eritrean Liberation Front), an authoritarian government, rules the country and the region. The regional and local elections are conducted on a periodic basis on a restricted framework. All men and women of any ethnic or religious background are eligible to vote. No parties or groups other than PFDJ are allowed to contest and the elections are presided by representatives from PDFJ.
Central is the smallest region in Eritrea, and contains the major city and national capital, Asmara. Maekel is situated inland, and borders Anseba to the north-west, the Northern Red Sea region to the north-east, the Debub (Southern) region to the south, and Gash-Barka to the west. Much of the architecture in the region reflects Italian colonial influences. The topography of the region has highland plateau, which are cooler than the regions around the coastal plains. There are two rainy seasons, the heavier one during summer and the lighter one during spring. The climate and geography of the region along with other regions of Eritrea is similar to the one of Ethiopia. The average elevation in the region is around 1,800 m (5,900 ft) to 2,100 m (6,900 ft). The hottest month is May recording temperatures up to 30 °C (86 °F), while the coldest month is December to February when it reaches freezing temperature. The region received around 508 mm (20.0 in) of rainfall and the soil is conducive for agriculture.
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Wikipedia