Country Profile: Egypt

Egypt, located in Northern Africa, is a country steeped in history and cultural significance, characterized by its vast desert landscapes and the life-giving Nile River. As the most populous country in the Arab world, with an estimated population of over 112 million in 2025, it grapples with rapid population growth and limited arable land. Economically, Egypt is the second-largest economy in Africa, focusing on diversifying its markets and enhancing energy infrastructure. Governed as a presidential republic, the current president is Abdel Fattah EL-SISI, who has held office since 2014.

Geography

Egypt's geographical landscape is marked by the Nile River, which is vital for agriculture and sustenance in a predominantly desert climate. The country's total area is approximately 1,001,450 square kilometers, with a lengthy coastline of 2,450 kilometers along the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The Sinai Peninsula serves as a crucial land bridge connecting Africa to the Middle East.

Total area: 1,001,450 sq km
Population distribution: 95% live within 20 km of the Nile
Terrain: Vast desert plateau with the Nile valley and delta
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, and phosphates among others

People and Society

The Egyptian population is predominantly Egyptian, at about 99.7%, with Arabic as the official language. The society is mostly Muslim (90%), with a significant Christian minority (10%). The population is youthful, with a median age of 24.6 years, but faces challenges such as urbanization and high dependency ratios.

Population (2025 est.): 112,870,457
Urban population (2023): 43.1%
Literacy rate: 79.5% (2022 est.)
Life expectancy: 75 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Egypt's economy is diverse, with a GDP of approximately $1.958 trillion (PPP) in 2024. The country seeks to enhance its fiscal policies while addressing issues such as unemployment and the underperformance of its private sector. Agriculture, industry, and services sectors contribute respectively 13.7%, 32.6%, and 48.9% to the GDP.

GDP (2024 est.): $1.958 trillion (PPP)
Unemployment rate (2024 est.): 7.2%
Major exports: Refined petroleum, natural gas, and fertilizers
Poverty rate: 29.7% (2019 est.)

Government

Egypt operates under a presidential republic system, with a bicameral legislature composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The political landscape is controlled by the military, which plays a significant role in both governance and the economy. Abdel Fattah EL-SISI was re-elected in December 2023, with the next elections expected in 2029.

Capital: Cairo
Government type: Presidential republic
Next presidential election: 2029
Constitution approved: January 2014

Military and Security

The Egyptian Armed Forces are significant for both national defense and internal security, estimated to consist of around 450,000 active personnel. Military expenditures account for about 0.7% of the GDP, and the military is deeply integrated into the Egyptian economy.

Active military personnel: 450,000 (2025)
Military expenditure (2024 est.): 0.7% of GDP
Military deployments: Includes personnel in Central African Republic and Somalia

Energy

Egypt has achieved 100% electrification, primarily relying on fossil fuels for energy production. The installed electricity capacity reached approximately 59.68 million kW in 2023, with plans to increase reliance on renewable sources.

Electricity consumption: 162.026 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 57.181 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Renewable energy sources: 2.2% solar, 2.8% wind

Environment

Egypt faces significant environmental challenges, including rapid population growth straining resources and increasing pollution levels. Water scarcity outside the Nile presents major concerns, compounded by desertification and soil salinity issues.

Total water withdrawal: 61.35 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Urban population: 43.1% (2023)
CO2 emissions: 236.618 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)

Transportation

Egypt's transportation infrastructure includes 73 airports and an extensive railway network of over 5,000 km. The country has 31 ports, with significant activity at major ports like Alexandria and Ain Sukhna.

Total railways: 5,085 km
Airports (2025): 73
Merchant marine size: 441 vessels (2023)

Communications

Communications in Egypt are diverse, featuring both state-run and private media. Internet usage has risen to 73% of the population, with a growing number of mobile cellular subscriptions.

Fixed-line telephones: 13.3 million (2024 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 113 million (2024 est.)
Internet users: 73% of the population (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	112,870,457 (2025 est.)
Area	1,001,450 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.958 trillion (2024)
Unemployment rate	7.2% (2024 est.)
Electricity access	100% (2022 est.)
Life expectancy	75 years (2024 est.)
Urban population	43.1% of total (2023)
CO2 emissions	236.618 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Total water withdrawal	61.35 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Major exports	Refined petroleum, natural gas, fertilizers