Egyptian People, Society, Independence, Natural Resources and Economy
Egypt is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia, via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula. The area of its territory is one million square kilometres. Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west. With over 86 million inhabitants, Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East, and the 15th most populated in the world. About half of Egypt’s residents live in urban areas, with most spread across densely populated centres of greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major cities in the Nile Delta.
Egypt has one of the longest histories of any modern state, having been continuously inhabited since the 10thmillennium BC. Its monuments such as the Giza Necropolis and its Great Sphinx were constructed by its ancient civilisation, which was one of the most powerful of its time and one of the first of six civilisations to arise independently in the world.
Its ancient ruins, such as those of Memphis, Thebes, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings outside Luxor, are a significant focus of archaeological study and popular interest from around the world. Egypt’s rich cultural legacy, as well as the attraction of its Red Sea Riviera, have made tourism a vital part of the economy, employing about 12 per cent of the country’s workforce.
The economy of Egypt is one of the most diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services contributing to its GDP. Egypt is considered to be a regional and middle power, with significant cultural, political and military influence in North Africa, the Middle East and the Muslim World.
Other Facts About This Great Country
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The Capital (and largest city): Cairo
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Language: The Arabic language is the official language in addition to English and French used for business. Government: Republic
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Legislative Authority: House of Representatives
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Establishment: 3200 BC
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The National Day: 23 July
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Area: 1.002.450 km2
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Population (2014): 86,502,500
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GDP: $262.8 billion (2012)
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Currency: Egyptian Pound (1 USD = LE 7.15 June 4, 2014)
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Time Zone: (UTC + 2)
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Telephone code of the Arab Republic of Egypt: +20
Administrative Division:
The Republic is administratively divided into 27 governorates. The governorates are either completely urban, or a blend of urbanand rural areas.
Cities and Ports:
Cities: The biggest cities are Greater Cairo, Zagazig, Alexandria, Port Said, Al Mahala Al Kubra, Luxor, Mansoura, Tanta, Asyut, and Menya.
Ports: There are 32 ports in Egypt due to the extension of the coastlines to the north and East, and the most important ones are Alexandria, Damietta, Suez, Port Said and Safaga.
Etymology:
“Kemet” was the name the Pharaohs gave to their homeland, which means “the black land”, a metaphor for the fertile land of the Nile Valley which is black, compared to the lands of the surrounding red desert “deshret”. In many European languages, Egypt is known with names derived from its Latin name “Aegyptus”, which is derived from the Greek Αίγυπτος. Some scientists think that it is derived from the name of Ptah’s Temple in the ancient capital of Memphis, applying a practice which is still carried on today to name the country after its capital.
For further details, please check Embassy of Egypt in Denmark.
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