Egypt

Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia through the Sinai Peninsula. It is next to the Mediterranean Sea, Palestine, Israel, the Red Sea, Sudan, the Sahara, and Libya. The Gulf of Aqaba is between Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Cairo, the capital, is a big cultural city. Alexandria is the second-biggest city and helps with industry and tourism. Egypt has more than 107 million people, making it the biggest country in the Arab world.

Egypt has a very long history, going back thousands of years along the Nile Delta. Ancient Egypt was important for early writing, farming, cities, religion, and government. The country was a center for Christianity before it became mostly Islam in the seventh century. Alexandria was once the capital and had a famous Library. Later, Cairo became important under the Fatimid Caliphate and the Mamluk Sultanate. Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire before it became independent.

Recently, Egypt became a republic after the 1952 revolution. It has had some disagreements with its neighbors but worked toward peace. After the Arab Spring and the 2011 Egyptian revolution, the country went through changes. Today, Egypt is growing and has a strong economy. It is seen as a regional power in the Middle East and the Muslim world. Arabic is the main language, and Islam is the official religion.

Names

Ancient Egypt had many names. One important name was km.t, meaning "black." This described the dark soil along the Nile River.

Today, Egypt is called "Miṣr" in Arabic. This name means "civilisation" or "metropolis." The English word "Egypt" comes from ancient Greek.

History

Main article: History of Egypt

Prehistoric Egypt

Main article: Prehistoric Egypt

Evidence of rock carvings along the Nile shows that people lived in Egypt long ago. Around the time people first started farming, they settled near the Nile River. This led to the growth of towns and villages.

By about 6000 BCE, a new way of life began in the Nile Valley. Different groups of people lived in Upper and Lower Egypt, developing their own ways of life but staying in touch through trade.

Ancient Egypt (3150 BCE–305 BCE)

Main article: Ancient Egypt

Around 3150 BCE, a king named Menes brought all of Egypt together. For thousands of years, many kings, called pharaohs, ruled Egypt. The Old Kingdom is famous for the building of the pyramids, like those at Giza. Later, Egypt became a strong power in the area under rulers such as Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses II.

Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt (305 BCE–641 CE)

Main articles: Ptolemaic Kingdom and Roman Egypt

After Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, his general Ptolemy I Soter started a new rule called the Ptolemaic dynasty. The most famous ruler was Cleopatra VII. Later, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire. During this time, many people in Egypt began to follow Christianity.

Medieval Egypt (641–1517)

In the 7th century, Muslim forces from Arabia took over Egypt. New leaders came and went, but Egypt stayed important for trade. The city of Cairo became a center for learning and culture.

Ottoman Egypt (1517–1805)

The Ottoman Turks took control of Egypt in 1517. Even though they were in charge, local leaders kept some power. Later, Napoleon Bonaparte briefly invaded Egypt, changing its history.

Modern Egypt (1805–1867)

Main article: History of Modern Egypt

In 1805, Muhammad Ali Pasha took power and started modern changes. He built new roads, schools, and factories. His family ruled Egypt for many years, making it stronger and more like Europe.

Monarchical Egypt (1867–1952)

Main articles: Khedivate of Egypt (1867–1914), Sultanate of Egypt (1914–1922), and Kingdom of Egypt (1922–1953)

In 1869, the Suez Canal was built, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. This made Egypt very important for world trade. Later, Britain took control of Egypt, but it became officially independent in 1922.

Republican Egypt under Nasser (1952–1970)

Main articles: History of republican Egypt and History of Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser

In 1952, a group of officers led by Gamal Abdel Nasser took over Egypt. They ended the monarchy and made Egypt a republic. Nasser helped improve education and made many changes to help poor people.

Egypt under Sadat and Mubarak (1971–2011)

Main articles: History of Egypt under Anwar Sadat and History of Egypt under Hosni Mubarak

After Nasser died, Anwar Sadat became president. He made peace with Israel, which was very important. Later, Hosni Mubarak took over and ruled for many years. During this time, Egypt faced many challenges.

Contemporary (2011–present)

In 2011, many people in Egypt protested for change. The leader at the time, Hosni Mubarak, left office. New leaders came, but the country went through difficult times with protests and changes in government. Today, Egypt continues to face challenges as it works toward a stable future.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Egypt

Egypt is a big country in northeastern Africa, with a small part in Asia through the Sinai Peninsula. It is one of the larger countries in the world, covering over one million square kilometers. Most people in Egypt live close to the Nile River, because the rest of the land is mostly desert.

Egypt is bordered by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel and the Gaza Strip to the east. The country has a special place as a land bridge between Africa and Asia, with the Suez Canal connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. The Sinai Peninsula, part of Egypt, is home to Mount Catherine, the country's highest peak, and the beautiful Red Sea Riviera, known for its coral reefs and marine life. Major cities include Cairo, the capital, and Alexandria.

Government

Main article: Politics of Egypt

Egypt's government is led by a president and a prime minister. The president is chosen by a vote and serves a four-year term. The House of Representatives, made up of elected members, helps make laws.

Egypt works with many countries. It works closely with the United States, Russia, and China on different issues. Egypt also helps solve problems in the Middle East and is a member of groups like the African Union and the Arab League.

The country's military is large and helps protect Egypt and take part in peace efforts around the world. The legal system mixes Islamic and civil law traditions.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Egypt

Egypt has a big economy and is the second-largest in Africa. It is part of many groups like the African Union, Arab League, BRICS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country has changed a lot since the early 2000s, moving toward a market-based system. These changes have helped bring stability and better jobs and living conditions.

The government still employs many people, and public works projects create jobs. Recently, Egypt has been trying to spend less on these projects to encourage more private investment, which has grown. Egypt also gets money from people working abroad, which helps the country's finances. International trade is important, and Egypt is working to grow its exports.

Manufacturing

See also: Automotive industry in Egypt

Egypt is a leader in manufacturing in Africa. The country makes many things, including chemicals, electronics, steel, cars, medicines, and textiles. Special areas have been set up to help these industries grow. The textile industry is very important, giving jobs to millions and making high-quality cotton products. Steel production is also a strength for Egypt.

Retail and services

Egypt's retail and services sector has grown, helped by more people, higher incomes, and bigger cities. Traditional small shops still sell most food, but big supermarkets and malls are becoming more common, especially in cities like Cairo. The government owns the main telecommunications company, and mobile internet use has grown fast. Banks are changing with new technology, and many new finance companies have started.

Hydrocarbons and mining

Main articles: Mining industry of Egypt and Energy in Egypt

Egypt used to produce a lot of oil, but now it imports most of it and focuses on natural gas. A large gas field was found in 2015 and has helped Egypt's energy supply. The country also has useful minerals like gold, copper, and iron ore, and mining of these has been growing.

Agriculture

Egypt's farming sector is very important. Egypt grows a lot of wheat, maize, fruits, vegetables, and rice, but still needs to import some foods, especially wheat. Projects are underway to turn desert areas into farms using better water methods. Egypt has become self-sufficient in many foods like vegetables, fruits, and chicken.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Egypt

Tourism is a big part of Egypt's economy. In 2024, a record number of tourists visited, bringing in lots of money. Egypt plans to attract even more tourists by improving places to visit and building new facilities. Famous sites like the Giza Necropolis attract visitors from all over the world, and the country's beautiful beaches are also very popular.

Infrastructure

Main articles: Energy in Egypt and Electricity sector in Egypt

Main article: Transport in Egypt

Main article: Water supply and sanitation in Egypt

Egypt has improved its electricity by using more natural gas and clean energy. It is building big solar and wind farms and its first nuclear power plant. Transport in Egypt centers around Cairo and the Nile River. The country has many railways and is adding new fast rail lines. Cairo has a busy subway, and there are plans for more rail in Alexandria. Egypt has more roads now, making travel easier. EgyptAir is the main airline, flying from Cairo to many places. The Suez Canal is an important route linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, helping ships move between Europe and Asia.

Egypt’s water mainly comes from the Nile River. The government is working to manage water better and build treatment plants to clean water. Most people have clean drinking water now, though some places still need help. Farms depend on water from the Nile to grow crops in the Nile Valley and Delta.

Demographics

Egypt is the most populated country in the Arab world and the third most populous on the African continent, with about 95 million people as of 2017. Its population grew quickly from 1970 to 2010 because of medical advances and better farming from the Green Revolution. Most people live near the Nile River, where the land is fertile. The large Sahara desert areas are mostly empty. About 43% of Egyptians live in cities, especially in greater Cairo, Alexandria, and other towns in the Nile Delta.

Egyptians live either in big cities or as fellahin, or farmers, in rural villages. The inhabited area is small, so many people live close together.

Ethnic groups

Ethnic Egyptians make up nearly all of the population. Small groups include the Abazas, Turks, Greeks, Bedouin Arab tribes in the eastern deserts and the Sinai Peninsula, the Berber-speaking Siwis of the Siwa Oasis, and Nubian communities along the Nile. There are also tribal Beja communities in the southeast and Dom clans in the Nile Delta and Faiyum.

Egypt has many visitors from over 133 countries, especially from Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Libya.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Egypt

The official language of Egypt is Literary Arabic. Most people speak Egyptian Arabic, while some speak Sa'idi Arabic or other dialects. Schools teach English, French, German, and Italian as foreign languages.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Egypt

Islam is the state religion of Egypt and is practiced by most people. Egypt also has the largest Christian population in the Middle East and North Africa, mainly Coptic Christians. The government recognizes Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Education

Main article: Education in Egypt

In 2022, about 75% of adults in Egypt could read and write. Education became free for everyone in the 1950s. It includes six years of primary school and three years of preparatory school. After that, students choose between general or technical secondary education. Egypt has many universities, with Cairo University being one of the highest ranked.

Health

Main articles: Health in Egypt and Healthcare in Egypt

As of 2024, people in Egypt live about 75 years on average. Healthcare has improved, and most people are protected from diseases. The Ministry of Health and Population runs public hospitals, and there are also private hospitals and clinics. Refugees and asylum-seekers can use public healthcare.

Largest cities

See also: List of cities and towns in Egypt

Culture

Main article: Culture of Egypt

Egypt has a big impact on the culture of the Arabic-speaking world. Its music, films, and TV influence the Middle East. This began in the 1950s and continues today.

Egyptian culture is rich and diverse. Many groups have shaped it, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The Arabic language is widely spoken, along with Egyptian Arabic, which has its own special style.

Arts

Main articles: Contemporary art in Egypt and Art of ancient Egypt

See also: Architecture of Egypt

Ancient Egyptians were among the first to create art and architecture. They used a special blue paint called Egyptian blue and built pyramids, temples, and tombs. Famous examples include the Pyramid of Djoser, the Sphinx, and the temple at Abu Simbel.

Today, Egyptian art has many styles. Artists often use symbols from ancient Egypt. They also explore international styles like Surrealism and Cubism. The Cairo Opera House and festivals like the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival showcase new art.

Literature

Egypt has one of the oldest literary traditions in the world. Writing was used to record stories on papyrus and stone. The Story of Sinuhe is a well-known ancient tale.

In recent times, Egypt led a cultural revival in the Arab world. Famous writers like Taha Hussein and Naguib Mahfouz have won awards. Today, Egyptian literature grows with new voices and stories.

Media

Main article: Media of Egypt

See also: List of radio stations in Egypt

Egypt is a key center for media in the Arab world. It has many newspapers, magazines, and journals. Radio began in the 1920s, and television started in the 1960s. Today, Egypt has many TV channels and is a major player in satellite broadcasting.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Egypt

Egyptian cinema is the oldest in Africa and the Arab world, starting in 1896. It became very popular in the 1940s to 1960s. Famous filmmakers and actors helped make Egyptian films well-known. Today, Egypt continues to produce films and hosts several film festivals.

Music

Main article: Music of Egypt

Egyptian music mixes many influences, including African, Mediterranean, and Western. Ancient Egyptians used music in their culture. In the 20th century, famous musicians like Umm Kulthum and Mohammed Abdel Wahab became icons. Today, Egypt has a lively music scene with new artists and styles.

Dances

Egypt has many traditional folk dances. In Lower Egypt, dances use colorful costumes and props. In Upper Egypt, stick dances are common. Belly dance is very famous, with two main styles: raqs baladi and raqs sharqi.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in Egypt

Egypt is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations. Museums like the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization hold thousands of artifacts. The Grand Egyptian Museum, still being built, will be one of the largest museums in the world.

Festivals

Egypt celebrates many festivals, both Muslim and Christian. Sham Ennessim marks the beginning of spring and is enjoyed by all. Moulids are festivals that celebrate saints and include music, food, and games.

Cuisine

Egyptian food comes from farming along the Nile River. Common dishes include mahshi (stuffed vegetables), falafel, shawarma, kabab, and kofta. Bread, especially Eish baladi, is a staple. Egypt uses many vegetables, fruits, and spices. Popular desserts include baqlawa and basbousa.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Egypt

Football is the most popular sport in Egypt. The Cairo Derby is a big rivalry. The national team has won the African Cup of Nations many times. Other popular sports include squash, tennis, handball, and basketball. Egypt has taken part in the Olympic Games since 1912 and has hosted many international competitions.