EGYPT

Date of establishment: February 28, 1922

Brief history:

Predynastic Period (c. 5500–3100 BCE): This period marks the time before the establishment of the first Egyptian state. During this time, different cultures and societies developed along the Nile River, leading to the formation of early dynasties.

Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BCE): Known for the establishment and stabilization of the Egyptian state, this period saw the construction of the pyramids and the rule of powerful pharaohs like Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

First Intermediate Period (c. 2181–2055 BCE): A time of political instability and chaos, power fragmented among various local dynasties and regions.

Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE): A period of restoration and stability where Egyptian culture, art, and architecture flourished. Notable pharaohs include Mentuhotep II and Senusret III.

Second Intermediate Period (c. 1650–1550 BCE): Another period of instability marked by the invasion and rule of the Hyksos tribes from the north.

New Kingdom (c. 1550–1069 BCE): Egypt’s time of greatest expansion and power, with famous pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II.

Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069–664 BCE): A period of decline and political fragmentation, with various regional dynasties and foreign powers influencing Egypt.

Late Period (c. 664–332 BCE): This era saw Egypt becoming part of the Persian Empire, with intermittent periods of independence, until it was later conquered by Alexander the Great and became part of the Greek kingdom of the Ptolemies.

Hellenistic Period (c. 332–30 BCE): Egyptian culture and art were heavily influenced by Greek culture and philosophy, with the Ptolemaic Dynasty ruling until the death of Cleopatra VII and the Roman conquest.

Roman Period (30 BCE–395 CE): Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, experiencing significant changes in administration and culture.

Arab Period (641–1517 CE): Egypt was conquered by Arab Muslims in 641 CE, leading to the spread of Islam and Arab culture. The country became an important center of Islamic learning and commerce under various Islamic dynasties, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids.

Mamluk Period (1250–1517 CE): Egypt became a major commercial and cultural center in the Mediterranean under the rule of the Mamluks, a military class that seized control and ruled until the Ottoman conquest.

Ottoman Period (1517–1867 CE): Egypt was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire as a province. During this time, cities, infrastructure, and culture continued to develop.

Modern Period: In the 19th century, Egypt underwent significant modernization and industrialization under rulers like Muhammad Ali Pasha. The Suez Canal opened in 1869, enhancing Egypt’s strategic importance. In 1882, Britain occupied Egypt, and it remained under British control until gaining formal independence in 1922, although British influence persisted.

20th Century and Beyond: The 20th century saw significant political and social changes, including the 1952 revolution that led to the establishment of a republic and the end of the monarchy. Gamal Abdel Nasser emerged as a prominent leader, promoting pan-Arabism and nationalizing the Suez Canal. After Nasser’s death, Anwar Sadat became president, signing the Camp David Accords in 1978 and making peace with Israel. Hosni Mubarak succeeded Sadat after his assassination in 1981 and ruled until 2011, when he was ousted during the Arab Spring. A brief period of democratic elections followed, with Mohamed Morsi becoming president, but he was overthrown by the military in 2013, leading to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s presidency, which continues to this day.

 

International abbreviation: EG

 

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), commonly abbreviated as LE (from the French “livre égyptienne”). One pound is divided into 100 piastres. The available banknotes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds. There are also coins in denominations of 25 and 50 piastres, and 1 pound.

 

Internet domain: .eg

 

Dialing code: +20

 

Time zone: GMT +2

 

Geography:

Egypt is located in northeastern Africa and partly in Asia on the Sinai Peninsula. It borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel and the Gaza Strip to the east. Egypt also has a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east.

Egypt is predominantly a desert country, containing parts of the Sahara Desert and the Libyan Desert. The Nile River, which flows from south to north, is the lifeline of the country, providing fertile land along its banks and in the Nile Delta.

Among the most important cities in Egypt are Cairo (the capital and largest city), Alexandria (a major port city on the Mediterranean coast), Giza (home to the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx), Luxor (known for its ancient temples and the Valley of the Kings), and Aswan (known for its dams and proximity to ancient Nubian monuments).

 

Highest peak: Mount Catherine 2 629 m (8 625 feet) above sea level

It is located on the Sinai Peninsula in southern Egypt. It is the highest mountain in Egypt. At the top of the mountain is the monastery of Saint Catherine, which was built in the 6th century on the spot where, according to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria appeared. The monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and is today an important place of pilgrimage.

Mount Catherine can be climbed on foot along a special hiking trail. The most popular and easiest route starts at the monastery and follows stone steps, stony paths, and rocky terrain to the top. Climbing the mountain is possible all year round, but the best times are spring and autumn, when the temperature is milder.

 

Climate:

Egypt has a predominantly arid and hot climate with minimal rainfall and high temperatures for most of the year. The Nile region, forming a narrow oasis in the desert, has a slightly milder climate compared to the surrounding desert areas. The coastal region along the Mediterranean, particularly around Alexandria, experiences milder temperatures and can be cooler in the winter.

The hottest season in Egypt is summer, which lasts from June to September. During this period, temperatures can reach between 35-45°C (95-113°F) and occasionally higher in the southern regions and deserts. In winter, which lasts from November to February, temperatures are milder. In Cairo and the Nile Delta, winter daytime temperatures average around 18-20°C (64-68°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F) or lower. Coastal areas like Alexandria can experience even cooler temperatures.

Rainfall in Egypt is very low and mainly occurs during the winter months in the northern part of the country. Alexandria and the northern coast can receive around 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall annually, while Cairo gets about 25 mm (1 inch). Rainfall is almost non-existent in the deserts. The primary source of water for Egypt is the Nile River, which brings water from Central Africa and enables agriculture in the Nile Valley and Delta.

 

Fauna and flora:

The fauna and flora of Egypt are diverse and adapted to its varied environments, from the Nile River to the deserts and coastal areas.

Among the local animal species, the Nile crocodile is one of the most notable, primarily found in the southern parts of the Nile River. Other mammals include the golden jackal, desert fox (fennec fox), striped hyena, and the Nubian ibex. Smaller mammals such as the gerbil and jerboa are also common in desert areas. Birdlife in Egypt is rich and varied, including species such as eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons, and various seabirds like gulls and terns. Migratory birds also pass through Egypt, making it an important location for birdwatching.

The Red Sea coast is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Coral reefs along the coast host a variety of fish species, invertebrates, and coral species, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

Typical plants in Egypt’s dry areas include acacias, tamarisks, oleanders, and various types of palms such as date palms and doum palms. Eucalyptus trees are also found, particularly in cultivated areas. Various cacti and succulents are well-adapted to the arid climate and are common in desert regions.

The Nile River supports a wide range of fish species, including tilapia and catfish, which are important for local fisheries. Other animals found in and around the Nile include the Nile monitor lizard, various amphibians, and numerous bird species that depend on the river and its surrounding wetlands.

 

Agriculture:

Agriculture in Egypt is primarily concentrated in the fertile areas along the banks of the Nile River, which flows from south to north through the country. The Nile is a vital source of water for Egypt, and most of the population and economic activities are located along its banks. Due to extremely low rainfall, irrigation is essential for successful crop cultivation.

The most important crop in Egypt is wheat, which is grown extensively in the Nile Delta and other parts of the country. Other significant crops include sugar cane, cotton, rice, maize, beans, onions, and tomatoes. Additionally, a variety of fruit crops are cultivated, including citrus fruits, grapes, mangoes, and dates.

Egypt also produces other vegetables such as peppers, potatoes, and garlic. The country is known for its production of high-quality cotton, which is an important export product.

Fishing is another important activity, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Nile River. Key species include tilapia, mullet, catfish, sardines, and shrimp. In the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, more valuable species such as tuna, mackerel, and lobsters are caught.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

Egypt has significant natural resources, and the extraction of raw materials is an important part of its economy. The country has notable reserves of oil and natural gas, which are crucial for both domestic consumption and export. Egypt’s oil fields are located primarily in the Gulf of Suez, the Western Desert, and the Sinai Peninsula. In recent years, natural gas production has increased significantly, particularly with the discovery of large offshore gas fields in the Mediterranean, such as the Zohr field.

Copper, gold, and silver are mined, particularly in the Eastern Desert rather than the Sinai. The Eastern Desert has a long history of gold mining, with several active mines today. Phosphates are indeed mined, but the main production areas are in the Western Desert and along the Red Sea coast, rather than the southern coast.

Egypt also quarries a variety of construction materials, including marble, limestone, sand, and gravel, which are essential for the construction industry and for manufacturing ceramics.

In addition to fossil fuels, Egypt has significant potential for renewable energy production, particularly solar and wind energy. The country has been investing in renewable energy projects, such as the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, one of the largest solar installations in the world, and several wind farms in the Gulf of Suez area.

 

Industry:

The food industry is one of the largest in Egypt. It produces a wide range of food products, including bread, sugar, oil, canned foods, dairy products, and beverages. Egypt’s agricultural production supports this industry significantly.

Egypt is renowned for its high-quality cotton, which forms the backbone of the textile industry. This industry produces clothing, bedding, carpets, and other textile products, and is a significant employer in the country.

The chemical industry in Egypt is also well-developed, focusing on the production of fertilizers, which are essential for the agricultural sector. Additionally, the chemical industry produces pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, and industrial chemicals.

The construction industry is another critical sector, contributing to the production of building materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, tiles, and cement. The cement industry is particularly significant, given the ongoing construction projects across the country, including infrastructure development and housing projects.

The metallurgy industry includes the production of steel, aluminum, and other metals, supporting various manufacturing and construction activities.

The wood processing industry produces furniture, wood panels, and other wood-based products, catering to both domestic and export markets.

Egypt has a developed tourism industry, which is a major source of revenue. This industry encompasses accommodation, restaurants, transportation, travel agencies, and other services catering to tourists. Egypt’s rich historical heritage, including ancient monuments, temples, and museums, along with its Red Sea resorts, attracts millions of tourists annually.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: tourism and telecommunications

 

Natural and historical attractions:

Tourism is a crucial sector of the Egyptian economy, and the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Egypt offers visitors a wealth of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

The most iconic tourist attraction is the Pyramids of Giza, which include the Great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other significant historical sites include the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, and the ancient city of Memphis.

Egypt also boasts numerous natural wonders. The coral reefs in the Red Sea are renowned for their biodiversity and are a haven for divers and snorkelers. The deserts, including the Western Desert and the Eastern Desert, offer stunning landscapes, with oases like Siwa and Bahariya providing unique cultural and natural experiences. The Sinai Peninsula features Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery, important religious and historical sites.

The Nile River, which is the lifeblood of Egypt, offers a variety of options for boat trips and cruises, allowing tourists to explore the country from a unique vantage point.

 

 

Form of government: semi-presidential republic

The system of government in Egypt is structured as a semi-presidential republic. The president, who is the head of state, is elected for a six-year term and can be re-elected for multiple terms. The president has broad powers, including the ability to issue decrees, appoint the government, judges, and other officials, as well as declare a state of emergency.

Legislative power in Egypt is vested in a bicameral parliament, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (Maglis Al-Nowaab) and the Senate (Maglis Al-Shura). The House of Representatives has 596 members who are elected for five-year terms. The Senate, established in 2020, has 300 members, two-thirds of whom are elected and one-third appointed by the president. Parliament has the power to pass laws, approve the national budget, oversee the executive branch, and ratify international agreements.

The government is appointed by the president and must be approved by the House of Representatives. The government is responsible for running the country and managing state institutions. The prime minister is the head of the government and coordinates the work of the ministers.

The judiciary in Egypt is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The Supreme Constitutional Court has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws and resolve disputes between state institutions. Other important judicial bodies include the Court of Cassation and the Administrative Court.

Egypt is divided into 27 governorates, which are further subdivided into smaller administrative units such as districts and villages. Each governorate is headed by a governor appointed by the president.

 

Capital city: Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and, with a metropolitan population of about 22.6 million inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It is located in the Nile Delta region, primarily on the eastern bank of the Nile River.

Cairo is the historical and cultural center of Egypt and has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs. While the Pyramids of Giza are located nearby in Giza, not within Cairo itself, the city is home to many significant monuments, ancient temples, bustling markets, museums, and other historical and cultural sites. Modern Cairo is a vibrant city that offers numerous options for shopping, entertainment, and tourist activities. The city has a well-developed industry, trade, and services sector, making it a vital economic center in the region.

Among the top tourist attractions in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds and artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Another key attraction is the Cairo Citadel, a historic fortification that dates back to the time of the Ayyubid dynasty under Saladin, not Ottoman rule. The Citadel includes several important mosques and museums. The Islamic Cairo district, known for its historical mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais, also features traditional markets like Khan el-Khalili, where visitors can buy traditional Egyptian products and souvenirs.

 

Area: 1 002 450 km² (387 050 sq. miles)

 

Population: 110 990 000 (2022)

Most of the people of Egypt are ethnic Egyptians, who make up roughly 90% of the population. The rest of the population consists mainly of Nubians, Berbers (particularly the Siwi Berbers in the Siwa Oasis), and the Copts. The Coptic Christian minority has roots in early Christianity and makes up about 10% of the population. The majority of Egyptians follow Islam, predominantly Sunni Islam, which is the country’s official religion.

Egypt has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 24. Most of the population lives in urbanized areas, particularly in the Nile Delta, the Nile Valley, and the Cairo metropolitan area. Cairo, Alexandria, and other major cities host significant portions of the population due to better access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 7

 

1. Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (1979). Includes the ruins of the city of Thebes, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, and Valley of the Queens.
2. Historic Cairo (1979). One of the world’s oldest Islamic cities with many historical mosques, madrasas, hammams, and fountains.
3. Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (1979). Includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the ancient city of Memphis, as well as the pyramids and tombs in Saqqara and Dahshur.
4. Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (1979). Includes the temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae.
5. Saint Catherine Area (2002). Located in the Sinai Peninsula, includes the Monastery of Saint Catherine, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
6. Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) (2005). Located in the Western Desert, contains fossil remains of the earliest and now extinct suborder of whales, Archaeoceti, dating back to the Eocene epoch.
7. Abu Mena (1979). An early Christian site built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, includes remains of churches, monasteries, houses, and workshops.

 

National parks: 5

 

1. Ras Muhammad National Park
2. Wadi El Rayan National Park
3. Gebel Elba National Park
4. White Desert National Park
5. Wadi El Gemal National Park