Egypt
Arab Republic of Egypt
Africa Cairo
Population
112.87M
Area
1,001,450 km²
GDP
$389.06B
GDP Per Capita
$16,800
Pop. Density
113/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
£Egyptian pound(EGP)
Calling Code
+20
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
Arabic
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Egyptian
Background
The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations in Egypt. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Arab conquerors introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and ruled for the next six centuries. The Mamluks, a local military caste, took control around 1250 and continued to govern after the Ottoman Turks conquered Egypt in 1517.
Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869 elevated Egypt as an important world transportation hub. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but the country's nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Egypt gained partial independence from the UK in 1922 and full sovereignty in 1952. British forces evacuated the Suez Canal Zone in 1956. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have reaffirmed the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's fast-growing population as it implements large-scale infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and foreign direct investment appeals.
Inspired by the 2010 Tunisian revolution, Egyptian opposition groups led demonstrations and labor strikes countrywide, culminating in President Hosni MUBARAK's ouster in 2011. Egypt's military assumed national leadership until a new legislature was in place in early 2012; later that same year, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed MORSI won the presidential election. Following protests throughout the spring of 2013 against MORSI's government and the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egyptian Armed Forces intervened and removed MORSI from power in July 2013 and replaced him with interim president Adly MANSOUR. Simultaneously, the government began enacting laws to limit freedoms of assembly and expression. In 2014, voters approved a new constitution by referendum and then elected former defense minister Abdel Fattah EL-SISI president. EL-SISI was reelected to a second four-year term in 2018 and a third term in December 2023.
Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869 elevated Egypt as an important world transportation hub. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but the country's nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Egypt gained partial independence from the UK in 1922 and full sovereignty in 1952. British forces evacuated the Suez Canal Zone in 1956. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have reaffirmed the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's fast-growing population as it implements large-scale infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and foreign direct investment appeals.
Inspired by the 2010 Tunisian revolution, Egyptian opposition groups led demonstrations and labor strikes countrywide, culminating in President Hosni MUBARAK's ouster in 2011. Egypt's military assumed national leadership until a new legislature was in place in early 2012; later that same year, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed MORSI won the presidential election. Following protests throughout the spring of 2013 against MORSI's government and the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egyptian Armed Forces intervened and removed MORSI from power in July 2013 and replaced him with interim president Adly MANSOUR. Simultaneously, the government began enacting laws to limit freedoms of assembly and expression. In 2014, voters approved a new constitution by referendum and then elected former defense minister Abdel Fattah EL-SISI president. EL-SISI was reelected to a second four-year term in 2018 and a third term in December 2023.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑262.2% since 2006$107B (2006)$389B (2024)
Population
↑40.9% since 200682.7M (2006)116.5M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 71.6 years2006: 68.5 years2023: 71.6 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography21
Location
Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula
Geographic coordinates
27 00 N, 30 00 E
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 1,001,450 sq km
land: 995,450 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km
land: 995,450 sq km
water: 6,000 sq km
Area - comparative
more than eight times the size of Ohio; slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico
Land boundaries
total: 2,612 km
border countries: Gaza Strip 13 km; Israel 208 km; Libya 1,115 km; Sudan 1,276 km
border countries: Gaza Strip 13 km; Israel 208 km; Libya 1,115 km; Sudan 1,276 km
Coastline
2,450 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or the equidistant median line with Cyprus
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or the equidistant median line with Cyprus
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters
Terrain
vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta
Elevation
highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m
lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
mean elevation: 321 m
lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m
mean elevation: 321 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, rare earth elements, zinc
Land use
agricultural land
4.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 3.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest
0% (2023 est.)
other
95.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
36,500 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km)
salt water lake(s): Lake Manzala - 1,360 sq km
note - largest of Nile Delta lakes
note - largest of Nile Delta lakes
Major rivers (by length in km)
An Nīl (Nile) river mouth (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan) - 6,650 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Major aquifers
Nubian Aquifer System
Population distribution
approximately 95% of the population lives within 20 km (12 mi) of the Nile River and its delta; vast areas of the country remain sparsely populated or uninhabited, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes; flash floods; landslides; hot, driving windstorms called khamsin occur in spring; dust storms; sandstorms
Geography - note
controls Sinai Peninsula, the only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
People & Society36
Population
total: 112,870,457 (2025 est.)
male: 57,960,635
female: 54,909,822
male: 57,960,635
female: 54,909,822
Nationality
noun: Egyptian(s)
adjective: Egyptian
adjective: Egyptian
Ethnic groups
Egyptian 99.7%, other 0.3% (2006 est.)
Languages
Languages: Arabic (official); English and French widely understood by educated classes
major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، أفضل مصدر للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، أفضل مصدر للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox, other Christians include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, and Anglican) 10%
Age structure
0-14 years: 33.8% (male 19,349,395/female 18,243,571)
15-64 years: 60.6% (male 34,646,369/female 32,792,151)
65 years and over: 5.6% (2024 est.) (male 3,146,720/female 3,069,042)
15-64 years: 60.6% (male 34,646,369/female 32,792,151)
65 years and over: 5.6% (2024 est.) (male 3,146,720/female 3,069,042)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 63.7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 54.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 9.5 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 10.5 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 54.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 9.5 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 10.5 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 24.6 years (2025 est.)
male: 24.3 years
female: 24.4 years
male: 24.3 years
female: 24.4 years
Population growth rate
1.4% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
18.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.33 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
approximately 95% of the population lives within 20 km (12 mi) of the Nile River and its delta; vast areas of the country remain sparsely populated or uninhabited, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 43.1% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
22.183 million CAIRO (capital), 5.588 million Alexandria, 778,000 Bur Sa'id (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.6 years (2014 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
17 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 17.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 17.8 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 15.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 75 years (2024 est.)
male: 73.8 years
female: 76.2 years
male: 73.8 years
female: 76.2 years
Total fertility rate
2.53 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.23 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.67 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
1.1 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 99.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
32% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 25.8% (2025 est.)
male: 51% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
male: 51% (2025 est.)
female: 0.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.7% (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.6% (2021 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.8% (2021)
women married by age 18: 15.8% (2021)
women married by age 18: 15.8% (2021)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 3.9% of GDP (2015 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12% national budget (2015 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 12% national budget (2015 est.)
Literacy
total population: 79.5% (2022 est.)
male: 85.3% (2022 est.)
female: 73.3% (2022 est.)
male: 85.3% (2022 est.)
female: 73.3% (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 13 years (2023 est.)
female: 13 years (2023 est.)
Government26
Country name
conventional long form
Arab Republic of Egypt
conventional short form
Egypt
local long form
Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
local short form
Misr
former
United Arab Republic (short-lived unification with Syria)
etymology
the English name Egypt derives from the ancient Greek name for the country, "Aguptos," and the ancient Roman name, "Aegyptus," with the Greek form coming from the words aia gupos, or "land of the vulture;" the Arabic name for the country, Misr, can be traced to the Assyrian word misir, meaning "fort"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Cairo
geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends last Friday in October
etymology: the ancient Egyptian name of the original city was Khere-ohe or Kheri-aha; the modern city's name may also derive from the Arabic al-qahir, meaning "the victorious;" this is an Arabic name for the planet Mars, which was in the ascendant on the day in 969 A.D. when construction on the new part of the city began
geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends last Friday in October
etymology: the ancient Egyptian name of the original city was Khere-ohe or Kheri-aha; the modern city's name may also derive from the Arabic al-qahir, meaning "the victorious;" this is an Arabic name for the planet Mars, which was in the ascendant on the day in 969 A.D. when construction on the new part of the city began
Administrative divisions
27 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah (Alexandria), Al Isma'iliyah (Ismailia), Al Jizah (Giza), Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah (Cairo), Al Qalyubiyah, Al Uqsur (Luxor), Al Wadi al Jadid (New Valley), As Suways (Suez), Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id (Port Said), Dumyat (Damietta), Janub Sina' (South Sinai), Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina' (North Sinai), Suhaj
Legal system
mixed system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws; Supreme Constitutional Court reviews laws
Constitution
history: several previous; latest approved by a constitutional committee in December 2013, approved by referendum held on 14-15 January 2014, ratified by interim president on 19 January 2014
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by one fifth of the House of Representatives members; a decision to accept the proposal requires majority vote by House members; passage of amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote by House members and passage by majority vote in a referendum; articles of reelection of the president and principles of freedom are not amendable unless the amendment "brings more guarantees"
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or by one fifth of the House of Representatives members; a decision to accept the proposal requires majority vote by House members; passage of amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote by House members and passage by majority vote in a referendum; articles of reelection of the president and principles of freedom are not amendable unless the amendment "brings more guarantees"
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: if the father was born in Egypt
dual citizenship recognized: only with prior permission from the government
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: if the father was born in Egypt
dual citizenship recognized: only with prior permission from the government
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch
chief of state
President Abdel Fattah EL-SISI (since 8 June 2014)
head of government
Prime Minister Mostafa MADBOULY (since 7 June 2018)
cabinet
Cabinet ministers nominated by the executive branch and approved by the House of Representatives
election/appointment process
president elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 6-year term (eligible for 3 consecutive terms); prime minister appointed by the president, approved by the House of Representatives
most recent election date
10-12 December 2023
election results
2023: Abdel Fattah EL-SISI reelected president in first round; percent of valid votes cast - Abdel Fattah EL-SISI (independent) 89.6%, Hazam OMAR (Republican People’s Party) 4.5%, Farid ZAHRAN (Egyptian Social Democratic Party 4%, Abdel-Samad YAMAMA 1.9%
2018: Abdelfattah ELSISI reelected president in first round; percent of valid votes cast - Abdelfattah ELSISI (independent) 97.1%, Moussa Mostafa MOUSSA (El Ghad Party) 2.9%; note - more than 7% of ballots cast were deemed invalid
expected date of next election
2029
Legislative branch
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab)
number of seats
596 (568 directly elected; 28 appointed)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
10/24/2020 to 12/8/2020
parties elected and seats per party
Future of the Nation (Mostakbal Watan) (317); Republican People's party (El Shaab el Gomhory) (49); Independents (117); Other (109)
percentage of women in chamber
27.7%
expected date of next election
November 2025
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Majlis Al-Shiyoukh)
number of seats
300 (200 directly elected; 100 appointed)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
8/4/2025 to 8/28/2025
parties elected and seats per party
Future of the Nation (Mostakbal Watan) (148); Republican People's party (17); Independents (88); Other (47)
percentage of women in chamber
10.7%
expected date of next election
July 2030
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) (consists of the court president and 10 justices); the SCC serves as the final court of arbitration on the constitutionality of laws and conflicts between lower courts regarding jurisdiction and rulings; Court of Cassation (CC) (consists of the court president and 550 judges organized in circuits with cases heard by panels of 5 judges); the CC is the highest appeals body for civil and criminal cases, also known as "ordinary justices"; Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) (consists of the court president and NA judges and organized in circuits with cases heard by panels of 5 judges); the SAC is the highest court of the State Council
judge selection and term of office: under the 2014 constitution, all judges and justices selected and appointed by the Supreme Judiciary Council and approved as a formality by the president of the Republic; judges appointed for life; under the 2019 amendments, the president has the power to appoint heads of judiciary authorities and courts, the prosecutor general, and the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; courts of limited jurisdiction; Family Court (established in 2004)
judge selection and term of office: under the 2014 constitution, all judges and justices selected and appointed by the Supreme Judiciary Council and approved as a formality by the president of the Republic; judges appointed for life; under the 2019 amendments, the president has the power to appoint heads of judiciary authorities and courts, the prosecutor general, and the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; courts of limited jurisdiction; Family Court (established in 2004)
Political parties
Al-Nour
Arab Democratic Nasserist Party
Congress Party
Conservative Party
Democratic Peace Party
Egyptian National Movement Party
Egyptian Social Democratic Party
El Ghad Party
El Serh El Masry el Hor
Eradet Geel Party
Free Egyptians Party
Freedom Party
Justice Party
Homeland’s Protector Party
Modern Egypt Party
My Homeland Egypt Party
Nation's Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan)
National Progressive Unionist (Tagammu) Party
Reform and Development Party
Republican People’s Party
Revolutionary Guards Party
Wafd Party
Arab Democratic Nasserist Party
Congress Party
Conservative Party
Democratic Peace Party
Egyptian National Movement Party
Egyptian Social Democratic Party
El Ghad Party
El Serh El Masry el Hor
Eradet Geel Party
Free Egyptians Party
Freedom Party
Justice Party
Homeland’s Protector Party
Modern Egypt Party
My Homeland Egypt Party
Nation's Future Party (Mostaqbal Watan)
National Progressive Unionist (Tagammu) Party
Reform and Development Party
Republican People’s Party
Revolutionary Guards Party
Wafd Party
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Motaz Mounir ZAHRAN (since 17 September 2020)
chancery
3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 895-5400
FAX
(202) 244-4319
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Herro MUSTAFA GARG (since 15 November 2023)
embassy
5 Tawfik Diab St., Garden City, Cairo
mailing address
7700 Cairo Place, Washington DC 20512-7700
telephone
[20-2] 2797-3300
FAX
[20-2] 2797-3200
email address and website
consulate(s) general
Alexandria
International organization participation
ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BRICS, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, CICA, COMESA, D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, LCBC (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the military-led revolution that began on 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June 1953 and all British troops withdrawn on 18 June 1956)
National holiday
Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; centered in the white band is the national emblem, a gold Eagle of Saladin; it faces the left side, with a shield on its chest, above a scroll with the country's name in Arabic
meaning: the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black) overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)
meaning: the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black) overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)
National symbol(s)
golden eagle, white lotus
National color(s)
red, white, black
National coat of arms
adopted in 1984, the coat of arms features the national symbol, the Eagle of Saladin; the eagle holds a golden scroll with the name of the country, “Gumhuriyet Miṣr al-ʿArabiyyah” (Arab Republic of Egypt), in Arabic script; the shield on the eagle’s chest shows the national colors of red, white, and black
National anthem(s)
title: "Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" (My Homeland, My Homeland, My Homeland)
lyrics/music: Younis-al QADI/Sayed DARWISH
history: adopted 1979; the current anthem was written after the 1979 peace treaty with Israel; the composer is considered the father of modern Egyptian music; of the three verses, only the first verse is sung, preceded and followed by the chorus
lyrics/music: Younis-al QADI/Sayed DARWISH
history: adopted 1979; the current anthem was written after the 1979 peace treaty with Israel; the composer is considered the father of modern Egyptian music; of the three verses, only the first verse is sung, preceded and followed by the chorus
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 7 (6 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Memphis and its Necropolis (c); Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (c); Nubian Monuments (c); Saint Catherine Area (c); Abu Mena (c); Historic Cairo (c); Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Memphis and its Necropolis (c); Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (c); Nubian Monuments (c); Saint Catherine Area (c); Abu Mena (c); Historic Cairo (c); Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) (n)
Economy32
Economic overview
Africa’s second-largest economy; 2030 Vision to diversify markets and energy infrastructure; improving fiscal, external, and current accounts; underperforming private sector; poor labor force participation; expanded credit access
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.958 trillion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.912 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.842 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $1.912 trillion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.842 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 2.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 6.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 6.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $16,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $16,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $16,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $16,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $16,400 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$389.06 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 28.3% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 33.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 13.9% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 33.9% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 13.9% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 13.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 32.6% (2024 est.)
services: 48.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 32.6% (2024 est.)
services: 48.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
87.6% (2024 est.)
government consumption
6.3% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
11.7% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
1.3% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
16.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-23.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, sugar beets, wheat, maize, potatoes, tomatoes, rice, milk, onions, oranges (2023)
Industries
textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals, light manufactures
Industrial production growth rate
-1.9% (2024 est.)
Labor force
33.749 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 7.2% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 7.4% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 7.4% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 7.4% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 18.7% (2024 est.)
male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 47.1% (2024 est.)
male: 12.4% (2024 est.)
female: 47.1% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
29.7% (2019 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 28.5 (2021 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 36.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 4.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.2% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 24.6% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 24.6% (2021 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 4.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 7.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 7.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $69.999 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $96.057 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $96.057 billion (2015 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 103% of GDP (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
12.5% (of GDP) (2015 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$12.564 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$10.537 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$18.611 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$10.537 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$18.611 billion (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $68.218 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $76.295 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $58.339 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $76.295 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $58.339 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Saudi Arabia 10%, Turkey 9%, Italy 6%, USA 5%, UAE 5% (2023)
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, natural gas, fertilizers, garments, crude petroleum (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $82.265 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $97.144 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $94.039 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $97.144 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $94.039 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 16%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Russia 6%, USA 6%, Germany 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, wheat, plastics, natural gas, packaged medicine (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $44.921 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $33.07 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $32.144 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $33.07 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $32.144 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $117.272 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Egyptian pounds (EGP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
45.299 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
30.626 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
19.16 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
15.645 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
15.759 (2020 est.)
Energy8
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 59.68 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 162.026 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.785 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 187 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 45.67 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 162.026 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.785 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 187 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 45.67 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 87.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 4 (2025)
Coal
production: 69,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.262 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 68,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3.263 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 182 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 3.262 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 68,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 3.263 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 182 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 667,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 830,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 3.3 billion barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 830,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 3.3 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 57.181 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 58.695 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 5.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 9.126 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.784 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 58.695 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 5.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 9.126 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1.784 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 34.975 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 13.3 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 113 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
mix of state-run and private broadcast media; state-run TV operates 2 national and 6 regional terrestrial networks, as well as a few satellite channels; dozens of private satellite channels and a large number of Arabic satellite channels are available for free; some limited satellite services are also available via subscription; state-run radio operates about 30 stations belonging to 8 networks; privately-owned radio includes 8 major stations (2019)
Internet country code
.eg
Internet users
percent of population: 73% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 13.6 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
SU
Airports
73 (2025)
Heliports
60 (2025)
Railways
total: 5,085 km (2014)
standard gauge: 5,085 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified)
standard gauge: 5,085 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 441 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 14, container ship 6, general cargo 23, oil tanker 42, other 356
by type: bulk carrier 14, container ship 6, general cargo 23, oil tanker 42, other 356
Ports
total ports
31 (2024)
large
5
medium
1
small
8
very small
16
size unknown
1
ports with oil terminals
17
key ports
Ain Sukhna Terminal, Al Iskandariyh (Alexandria), As Suways, Bur Sa'id, Damietta, Ras Shukhier
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF): Army (includes Republican Guard), Navy (includes Coast Guard), Air Force, Air Defense Forces, Border Guard Forces
Interior Ministry: Public Security Sector Police, the Central Security Force, National Security Agency (2025)
Interior Ministry: Public Security Sector Police, the Central Security Force, National Security Agency (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 450,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the EAF's inventory is comprised of a mix of domestically produced, Soviet-era, and more modern, typically Western, weapons systems; in recent years, the EAF has embarked on an equipment modernization program with purchases from foreign suppliers, including China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, UAE, the UK, and the US; Egypt's defense industry produces a range of products from small arms to armored vehicles and naval vessels; it also has licensed and co-production agreements with several countries, including Germany and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
voluntary enlistment possible from age 16 for men and 17 for women; 18-30 years of age for compulsory service for men; service obligation 14-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve obligation; active service length depends on education; high school drop-outs serve for the full 36 months, while college graduates serve for lesser periods of time, depending on their education level (2025)
Military deployments
775 (plus nearly 200 police) Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 1,100 Somalia (AUSSOM); also has about 200 police deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo under MONUSCO (2025)
Military - note
the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) are responsible for external defense but also have an internal role assisting police and paramilitary security forces during emergencies and in anti-terrorism operations; the EAF also participates in foreign peacekeeping and other security missions, as well as both bilateral and multinational exercises; the military has considerable political power and independence; it has long had a crucial role in Egypt’s politics and has a large stake in the civilian economy, including running banks, businesses, gas stations, shipping lines, and utilities, and producing consumer and industrial goods, importing commodities, and building and managing infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, hospitals, and housing
key areas of concern for the EAF include Islamist militant groups operating out of the Sinai Peninsula, regional challenges such as ongoing conflicts and instability, and maritime security; since 2011, the EAF has been conducting operations alongside other security forces in the North Sinai governorate against several militant groups, particularly the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); over the past decade, it has deployed additional units along the border with Libya, provided air support to the Saudi-led coalition's intervention in Yemen, and most recently boosted its presence on the border with Gaza in response to the HAMAS-Israel conflict; the Navy in recent years has sought to modernize and expand its capabilities and profile in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea, including the acquisition of helicopter carriers, modern frigates, and attack submarines, as well as the establishment of a joint service military base on the Red Sea
the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) has operated in the Sinai since 1982 as a peacekeeping and monitoring force to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace; the MFO is an independent international organization, created by agreement between Egypt and Israel; it has about 1,150 troops from 13 countries; Colombia, Fiji, and the US are the leading providers of troops to the MFO (2025)
key areas of concern for the EAF include Islamist militant groups operating out of the Sinai Peninsula, regional challenges such as ongoing conflicts and instability, and maritime security; since 2011, the EAF has been conducting operations alongside other security forces in the North Sinai governorate against several militant groups, particularly the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); over the past decade, it has deployed additional units along the border with Libya, provided air support to the Saudi-led coalition's intervention in Yemen, and most recently boosted its presence on the border with Gaza in response to the HAMAS-Israel conflict; the Navy in recent years has sought to modernize and expand its capabilities and profile in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea, including the acquisition of helicopter carriers, modern frigates, and attack submarines, as well as the establishment of a joint service military base on the Red Sea
the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) has operated in the Sinai since 1982 as a peacekeeping and monitoring force to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace; the MFO is an independent international organization, created by agreement between Egypt and Israel; it has about 1,150 troops from 13 countries; Colombia, Fiji, and the US are the leading providers of troops to the MFO (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 876,962 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)