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.