Country Profile: Egypt

Egypt, located in Northern Africa, is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, with a significant portion of its population residing near the Nile River. The country has a population of approximately 112 million, making it the most populous in the Arab world. Egypt's economy is classified as the second-largest in Africa, driven by a mix of agriculture, industry, and services, though it faces challenges such as inflation and unemployment. Governed as a presidential republic, Egypt's political landscape has evolved since the 2011 revolution, leading to a focus on infrastructure development and economic reform.

Geography

Egypt's geographic location serves as a bridge between Africa and Asia, controlling the Sinai Peninsula and the vital Suez Canal. The country features a vast desert plateau, the Nile Valley, and a coastline of 2,450 km along the Mediterranean and Red Seas. With limited arable land, approximately 95% of the population lives within 20 km of the Nile, highlighting the reliance on this critical water source.

• 1,001,450 sq km: Total area
• 36,500 sq km: Irrigated land (2012)
• 2,612 km: Total land boundaries
• Nile River: 6,650 km long, essential for agriculture
• 0%: Forest land (2023 est.)
• 4.1%: Agricultural land (2023 est.)
• 0%: Permanent pasture (2022 est.)

People and Society

Egypt's population is approximately 112.87 million, with a median age of 24.6 years. The society is predominantly Muslim (90%), with a significant Christian minority (10%). The literacy rate is around 79.5%, but the country faces challenges in health and education, including a maternal mortality rate of 17 deaths per 100,000 live births and a birth rate of 18.63 births per 1,000 people.

• 112,870,457: Estimated population (2025)
• 60.6%: Population aged 15-64 years
• 1.4%: Population growth rate (2025 est.)
• 43.1%: Urban population (2023)
• 75 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
• 4.6%: Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021)
• 0.67: Physicians per 1,000 population (2020)

Economy

As Africa's second-largest economy, Egypt's GDP (PPP) is projected at $1.958 trillion in 2024. The economy aims to diversify and improve fiscal stability, although it grapples with a high inflation rate of 28.3%. Key industries include textiles, food processing, and tourism, while agriculture plays a crucial role despite only accounting for 13.7% of GDP.

• $1.958 trillion: GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
• 7.2%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• $389.06 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2024 est.)
• 28.3%: Inflation rate (2024 est.)
• $44.921 billion: Foreign exchange and gold reserves (2024 est.)
• 29.7%: Population below the poverty line (2019 est.)
• $68.218 billion: Exports (2023 est.)

Government

Egypt is a presidential republic where the President serves as both the head of state and government. The current constitution was adopted in 2014, following a series of political changes after the 2011 revolution. The legislative body is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with suffrage granted to citizens aged 18 and older.

• Abdel Fattah EL-SISI: President (since 2014)
• 596: Seats in the House of Representatives
• 27%: Percentage of women in the House of Representatives
• 10%: Percentage of women in the Senate
• 27: Administrative divisions (governorates)
• Revolution Day: National holiday (23 July)
• 17 September 2020: Current Ambassador to the US took office

Military and Security

Egypt maintains a robust military presence with approximately 450,000 active personnel. The Egyptian Armed Forces partake in external defense and internal security, facing challenges from militant groups, particularly in the Sinai region. Military expenditures account for around 0.7% of GDP, indicating a continued investment in defense capabilities.

• 450,000: Active military personnel (2025)
• 0.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
• 775: Troops deployed in Central African Republic (2025)
• 1,100: Troops in Somalia (AUSSOM)
• 45.67 billion kWh: Electricity transmission/distribution losses (2023)
• 14-36 months: Compulsory service obligation for men
• 775: Personnel in multinational peacekeeping operations (2025)

Energy

Egypt's energy sector is characterized by a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for 87.9% of its installed electricity generation capacity. The country is also exploring renewable energy, with ambitious plans to expand solar and wind resources. Egypt's natural gas production is notable, contributing to both domestic consumption and exports.

• 162.026 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 100%: Electrification of the total population (2022 est.)
• 57.181 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.)
• 667,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
• 69,000 metric tons: Coal production (2023 est.)
• 4: Nuclear reactors under construction (2025)
• 34.975 million Btu/person: Energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)

Transportation

Egypt has a well-developed transportation network, including 73 airports and a railway system spanning over 5,000 km. Major ports facilitate both commercial and passenger transport. The country's merchant marine fleet includes 441 vessels, enhancing its ability to engage in international trade.

• 73: Airports (2025)
• 5,085 km: Total railway length (2014)
• 441: Total ships in the merchant marine (2023)
• 31: Total ports (2024)
• 60: Heliports (2025)
• 2,450 km: Coastline
• 14: Bulk carriers in the merchant marine

Communications

Egypt has embraced modern communication technologies, with a high percentage of internet users (73% of the population). The country has significant mobile cellular subscriptions, indicating widespread access to telecommunications.

• 113 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 est.)
• 73%: Internet penetration rate (2023 est.)
• 13.3 million: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024 est.)
• 12: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023 est.)
• 11: Fixed telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2024 est.)
• 13.6 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 est.)
• 2 national and 6 regional: State-run terrestrial TV networks

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	112,870,457	Estimated (2025)
Area	1,001,450 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.958 trillion	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	7.2%	Estimated (2024)
Energy Consumption	34.975 million Btu/person	Estimated (2023)
Birth Rate	18.63 births/1,000 population	Estimated (2025)
Life Expectancy	75 years	Estimated (2024)
Literacy Rate	79.5%	Estimated (2022)
Military Expenditure	0.7% of GDP	Estimated (2024)
Urban Population	43.1%	Estimated (2023)