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 5000 B.C.: First civilization in Egypt 3200 B.C.: The first Pharoah unites the country and creates the culturally rich Egyptian civilization that built the pyramids and lasted for almost 3000 years. 341 B.C.: Egypt is conquered by the Persians. They are later overthrown by the Greeks and then the Romans. 3rd-7th centuries: Becomes part of the Byzantine Empire. Arabs take control after this. 1517: Egypt becomes part of the Ottoman Empire. 1859-1952: The Suez Canal is built, but the country is then taken over by the British. Egypt is given limited autonomy in 1922, but doesn't achieve full independence until 1952. 1956-73: Egypt begins fighting a series of wars with Israel and becomes more hostile towards the West. The Soviets donate money to the country to aid the construction of the Aswan Dam. 1974-present: Peace treaty signed with Israel. Egypt's relationship with the West begins to improve. |
EGYPT Arab Republic of Egypt
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Location Egypt is located in Northern Africa, between Libya and Sudan. |
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Size slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico |
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Coastline Egypt's northern side borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. |
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Terrain Egypt is a vast desert plateau interrupted by the Nile valley and the Nile delta. |
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Land use 3% of Egypt is fertile and can be used to grow crops. 2% of the land is used for permanent crops. No land is taken up by pastures and meadows. None of the land is made up of forests. 95% is left over for other uses. |
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Capital Cairo, which is home to more than 6 million people, is Egypt's capital. |
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Independence On February 28, 1922 Egypt gained independence from the UK. |
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National holiday Anniversary of the Revolution, July 23 (1952) |
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Languages Arabic is the official language, but English and French are widely understood by the educated classes. |
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Population Over 62 million (1995 est.) |
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Age 37% of all Egyptians are between 0-14 years of age. 59% of the population is between 15-64 years old. The remaining 4% are 65 years and over. |
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Life expectancy at birth Male Egyptians are expected to live to be 59. Female Egyptians are expected to live to be 63. |
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Total fertility rate Women have an average of 3-4 children each. |
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Ethnic divisions 99% of the population is Egyptian, Bedouin, or Berber. The remaining 1% is Greek, Nubian, Armenian, or European. |
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Religions 94% of Egyptians are Muslim (mostly Sunni). 6% are Coptic Christian or other. |
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Literacy 48% of all Egyptians are literate. 63% of males can read and write. 34% of females can read and write. |
