Egypt

North Africa

Egypt is a country in North Africa, home to 114.5 million people, with an area of 1,002,450 km². Its capital is Cairo.

Capital: Cairo
Population: 114.5 million
Area: 1,002,450 km²
Region: North Africa
Density: 114 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Egypt · North Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Egypt is known for

Egypt is best known for The Great Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx and The Egyptian Museum.

Egypt is a country located in the northeastern corner of Africa, with a small portion of its territory located in Asia, across the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast, and the Red Sea to the east. Egypt is known for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage, including the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which are among the most famous landmarks in the world.

Egypt at a glance

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English and French are also widely spoken
Currency: Egyptian pound
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in Egypt, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. There is also a significant Coptic Christian minority
National dish: Koshari (a vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a tomato sauce and fried onions)
Climate: Egypt has a desert climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) in the summer months
Main industries: Tourism, petroleum and natural gas production, textiles, and agriculture
GDP: $363.5 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Egypt is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 114 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Egypt

Some of the main tourist attractions in Egypt include:

The Great Pyramids of Giza a complex of ancient pyramids located on the outskirts of Cairo that date back to the 26th century BC.
The Sphinx a large statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza.
The Egyptian Museum a museum located in Cairo that houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Egyptian history.
Luxor a city located on the east bank of the Nile River that is home to numerous ancient temples and ruins, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
Abu Simbel a complex of two massive rock temples located in southern Egypt that were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Aswan a city located on the Nile River that is known for its beautiful scenery and historic landmarks, including the Temple of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
The Red Sea a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with clear waters and abundant marine life.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Egypt has to offer. The country's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality make it a fascinating destination for tourists from around the world.

Egypt in pictures

Egypt on video

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Egypt compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of North Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Egypt	114.5 million	1,002,450 km²	Cairo
Sudan	50.4 million	1,861,484 km²	Khartoum
Algeria	46.7 million	2,381,741 km²	Algiers
Morocco	38.1 million	446,550 km²	Rabat