
Egypt
Egypt is a country in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge to Western Asia. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west.
Official Name: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
Short Form: Misr
International Short Form: Egypt
Country Calling Code: +20
Capital City: Cairo (pop. estimated 19 million in metropolitan area)
Other Cities: Alexandria (6 million), Aswan, Asyut, Port Said, Suez, Ismailia
Government Type: Republic
Independence: 1922 (from the UK)
Nationality: Egyptian(s)
Population: 82 million (2012)
Ethnic groups: Egyptian, Bedouin Arab, Nubian
Religions: Sunni Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian
Languages: Arabic (official), English, French
Natural Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc.
Agriculture Products: Cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats.
Industries: Textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Source: www.nationsonline.org/Africa; www.bbc.com/ Egypt Profile; other.