Country Profile: Egypt

Egypt is a transcontinental country located in Northern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Its pivotal location along the Nile River has historically supported one of the world's oldest civilizations. The nation has a population of approximately 112.9 million people in 2025, making it the most populous in the Arab world. Egypt's economy is the second-largest in Africa, characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, industry, and services, while its governance operates as a presidential republic with significant military influence.

Geography

Egypt is situated in Northern Africa, lying between Libya and Gaza to the west and east, with the Sinai Peninsula extending into Asia. The country covers an area of 1,001,450 square kilometers, of which 995,450 square kilometers is land, and has a coastline stretching 2,450 kilometers. The climate is predominantly desert, featuring hot, dry summers and moderate winters. The Nile River, the longest river in the world at 6,650 kilometers, is vital for agriculture and water supply, with about 95% of the population living within 20 kilometers of its banks.

1,001,450 sq km total area
2,612 km total land boundaries
2,450 km coastline
95% of the population lives near the Nile River
36,500 sq km irrigated land (2012)

People and Society

Egypt's population is projected to reach 112.87 million by 2025, with a youth demographic that constitutes over one-third of its populace. The majority of Egyptians identify as Muslim (predominantly Sunni), with a significant Christian minority mainly adhering to Coptic Orthodoxy. The literacy rate stands at approximately 79.5%, reflecting the country's ongoing focus on education despite challenges in access and quality. The urban population is around 43.1%, indicating rapid urbanization trends in major metropolitan areas like Cairo and Alexandria.

112.87 million total population (2025 est.)
33.8% of the population aged 0-14 years
60.6% of the population aged 15-64 years
75 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
1.4% population growth rate (2025 est.)
79.5% literacy rate (2022 est.)

Economy

As Africa's second-largest economy, Egypt's economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, industry, and services. The country aims to enhance its economic performance through its 2030 Vision, focusing on infrastructure development and market diversification. In 2024, Egypt's GDP (PPP) is estimated at $1.958 trillion, with an anticipated growth rate of 2.4%. However, challenges such as inflation—estimated at 28.3% for 2024—and a relatively high unemployment rate of 7.2% persist.

$1.958 trillion GDP (PPP) in 2024
2.4% GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
7.2% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
29.7% population living below the poverty line (2019 est.)
13.7% contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Egypt is a presidential republic with a complex political structure that combines elements of civil law and Islamic law. It has experienced significant political changes since the revolution in 2011, leading to the current governance framework. The executive branch is led by President Abdel Fattah EL-SISI, who has been in power since 2014. The legislative body is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with elections held periodically to ensure representation, although political freedoms have faced significant restrictions.

Abdel Fattah EL-SISI has been president since 2014
The government consists of 27 governorates
596 members in the House of Representatives
100 appointed members in the Senate
18 years is the minimum voting age

Military and Security

The Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and various paramilitary and internal security agencies. The military plays a critical role both in defense and in domestic security, particularly in counterterrorism operations against groups in the Sinai Peninsula. In 2025, Egypt's military personnel strength is estimated at 450,000, with military expenditures projected at 0.7% of GDP for 2024.

450,000 active military personnel (2025 est.)
0.7% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024 est.)
775 troops deployed in the Central African Republic (2025 est.)
1,100 troops in Somalia (2025 est.)

Energy

Egypt's energy sector is undergoing a transition, emphasizing the expansion of renewable energy alongside traditional fossil fuel sources. As of 2023, the country has an installed electricity capacity of about 59.68 million kW, with fossil fuels accounting for 87.9% of total capacity. The country also commenced nuclear energy projects, contributing to its future energy diversification strategy.

59.68 million kW installed electricity capacity (2023 est.)
100% electrification of the population as of 2022
57.181 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced (2023 est.)
667,000 bbl/day petroleum production (2023 est.)

Environment

Egypt faces several environmental challenges, primarily due to rapid population growth and urbanization which strain natural resources, leading to soil salination and water pollution. The country is a signatory to numerous international environmental agreements, indicating its commitment to addressing these issues. The Nile River remains crucial for water supply, while desertification and pollution pose significant threats.

4.1% of land classified as agricultural (2023 est.)
236.618 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
57.5 billion cubic meters renewable water resources (2022 est.)

Transportation

Egypt's transportation infrastructure includes 73 airports, extensive rail networks, and a significant merchant marine fleet with 441 vessels. Major ports facilitate trade and maritime transport, supported by a comprehensive road and rail system that connects key urban areas. The country continues to invest in its transportation infrastructure to bolster economic growth.

5,085 km of railway lines (2014)
441 total merchant marine vessels (2023)
73 airports (2025)

Communications

Egypt has a rapidly growing telecommunications sector, with both fixed-line and mobile services expanding access to communications. Approximately 73% of the population uses the internet, with a rising number of broadband subscriptions. The country's communication landscape includes state-run and private media outlets, showcasing a diversity of voices.

113 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
73% internet user penetration (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	112,870,457 (2025 est.)
Area	1,001,450 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$1.958 trillion (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	28.3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	7.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	75 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	79.5% (2022 est.)
Electric Capacity	59.68 million kW (2023 est.)
Military Personnel	450,000 (2025 est.)
Urban Population	43.1% (2023)