Southern region – Formed in 1996 from Seraye and Akele Guzai
The Southern region, also known as Debub, was created on 15 April 1996 by bringing together the historical provinces of Seraye and Akele Guzai, two highland areas with long-established farming communities and distinct local traditions. The region is also home to important archaeological sites such as Qohaito and Metera, whose ruins recall the ancient civilisations that flourished on the Eritrean highlands long before modern borders were drawn. Towns like Mendefera, the regional capital, and Dekemhare grew as market centres for the surrounding villages. Today the Southern region is one of Eritrea's most populous, home to around 950,000 people according to 2005 figures. Do you know stories from your village or from the old provinces? We warmly invite you to share them here.