Overview of Egypt

Profile

While approximately 95% of the country is desert, population and economic activity concentrate along the Nile River's blessings. The Suez Canal is a vital link for Euro-Asian maritime traffic, with Egypt facing both the Red Sea and Mediterranean. Possessing diverse tourism resources from ancient pyramids to Islamic architecture and Red Sea resorts, culturally Egypt holds significant influence as the center of Arab world cinema, music, and media. Recent years have seen massive infrastructure investment and construction of a new administrative capital, reorganizing urban functions.

Official name: Arab Republic of Egypt
Common name: Egypt
Numeric code: 818
Alpha-3 code: EGY
Alpha-2 code: EG
Population: approximately 101 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 104
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
National anthem: Bilady, Bilady, Bilady (My Homeland)
Calling code: +20
Internet TLD: .eg

History

Transitioned to a republic in 1953 after ancient Egyptian dynasties, Roman rule, and Islamic domination.

A unified dynasty formed about 5,000 years ago, creating the ancient civilization symbolized by pyramids. Subsequently ruled by Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, it was Islamized in the 7th century. After the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, the Muhammad Ali Dynasty pushed modernization in the 19th century. Becoming a British protectorate in 1882, the Free Officers coup in 1952 abolished the monarchy. President Nasser advocated Suez Canal nationalization and pan-Arabism, while Sadat onwards shifted toward pro-American policy. The 2011 Arab Spring toppled the long-standing Mubarak regime, with the Sisi administration continuing since 2014.

Geography & climate

The Nile Valley and Delta form greenlands, with the Sahara and Arabian deserts spreading elsewhere. Southern Sinai features granite mountains.

Desert climate (northern coast is Mediterranean)

Area: Africa / 1002450 km²
Capital: Cairo
Largest city: Cairo
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Nasser, Lake Qarun
Bordering countries: Libya, Sudan, Israel, Palestine (Gaza Strip)

Natural resources

Petroleum and natural gas, Phosphate rock, Iron ore, Manganese, Limestone, Talc, Barite, Gypsum, Gold, Natural salt, Wind and solar power, Nile water resources, Fishery resources (Nile and Red Sea), Premium cotton, Silica sand

Politics

Government: Semi-presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

GDP (nominal): 387 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1.54 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Egyptian Arabs, Nubians, Bedouins, Siwa Berbers, Greek Egyptians, Armenians, Turks, South Sudanese migrants

Life expectancy

approximately 71.7 years

Literacy rate

approximately 73%

National sports

Football, Squash, Handball, Wrestling, Weightlifting