Keren, formerly known as
Cheren and
Sanhit, is the second-largest city in
Eritrea. It is situated around 91 kilometers northwest of
Asmara, at an elevation of 1,390 meters from sea-level. The town sprawls on a wide basin surrounded by granitic mountains on all sides. It serves as the capital of the
Anseba region, and is home to the
Bilen ethnic group.