Country Profile: Egypt
Egypt, located in Northern Africa, is characterized by its vast desert landscapes, the vital Nile River, and a rich history that has shaped its culture and governance. With a population exceeding 111 million, it is the most populous country in the Arab world. The economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, industry, and services, but faces challenges such as inflation and unemployment. Governed as a presidential republic, Egypt has a complex political history marked by significant changes since its independence from British rule in 1952.
Geography
Egypt's geography is defined by its location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, featuring vast desert plateaus with the Nile River running through it. The country has a coastline of 2,450 km and shares borders with Libya, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip. Despite its large land area of over 1 million square kilometers, much of the population is concentrated near the Nile and its delta.
- Area: 1,001,450 sq km
- Elevation range: From Mount Catherine at 2,629 m to Qattara Depression at -133 m
- Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore are significant to the economy
- Climate: Hot, dry desert climate with moderate winters
People and Society
Egypt's population is estimated at over 111 million, with a majority being ethnically Egyptian and a small percentage of other groups. The official language is Arabic, with English and French widely understood. The society is predominantly Muslim, with a significant Christian minority, primarily Coptic Orthodox.
- Population (2024 est.): 111,247,248
- Urban population: 43.1% of total population
- Age structure: 33.8% are aged 0-14 years
- Literacy rate: 79.5% (2022 est.)
Economy
As Africa’s second-largest economy, Egypt aims to diversify beyond traditional sectors with initiatives like the 2030 Vision. Economic indicators reveal a struggling private sector and high inflation rates, while the country seeks to improve its fiscal situation.
- GDP (PPP, 2024 est.): $1.958 trillion
- Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.): 2.4%
- Unemployment rate (2024 est.): 7.2%
- Poverty rate: 29.7% (2019 est.)
Government
Egypt is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The political landscape has undergone significant transitions since the 2011 revolution, leading to the current leadership of President Abdel Fattah EL-SISI, who has been in office since 2014.
- Capital: Cairo
- Administrative divisions: 27 governorates
- Latest constitutional amendment: Approved January 2014
- Voting age: 18 years
Military and Security
The Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, playing a vital role in national security and political stability. The military budget reflects priorities in defense and modernization.
- Active personnel: Estimated 450,000 (2025)
- Military expenditure (2024 est.): 0.7% of GDP
- Military deployments: 775 troops in Central African Republic (2025)
Energy
Egypt's energy sector is largely dependent on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas and petroleum, but is also exploring renewable sources. The country has a significant electricity access rate and is investing in nuclear energy.
- Electricity consumption: 162.026 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Natural gas production: 57.181 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
- Installed electricity capacity: 59.68 million kW (2023 est.)
Environment
Egypt grapples with environmental challenges such as water pollution, soil salination, and the impacts of rapid population growth on natural resources. The Nile River remains critical for the country’s agriculture and ecology.
- Municipal solid waste generated annually: 21 million tons (2024 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 236.618 million metric tons (2023 est.)
- Urbanization rate: 1.9% annual increase (2020-2025 est.)
Transportation
Egypt's transportation infrastructure includes extensive railways, numerous airports, and a substantial merchant marine. Key ports facilitate significant trade and transport linkages.
- Total roads: 30,000 km (2023 est.)
- Airports: 73 (2025)
- Railways: 5,085 km (2014)
Communications
The Egyptian communications sector features a mix of state-run and private media outlets, with high penetration of mobile phone subscriptions and internet access among the population.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 106 million (2023 est.)
- Internet users: 73% of population (2023 est.)
- Telephones - fixed lines: 12.475 million subscriptions (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,247,248 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 1,001,450 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.958 trillion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 7.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 34.975 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 19.5 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75 years | 2024 estimate |
| Debt - external | $117.272 billion | 2023 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 79.5% | 2022 estimate |
| Major urban area - Cairo | 22.183 million | Population estimate for 2023 |
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