![]() |
EGYPT
Background:The regularity and richness of the annualNileRiver flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest by Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517.
Location:Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip
Geographic coordinates:27 00 N, 30 00 E
Area: 1,001,450 sq km
Coastline: 2,450 km
Population:76,117,421(July 2004 est.)
Ethnic groups:Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%
Languages:Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes
Economy:Egypt improved its macroeconomic performance throughout most of the last decade by following IMF advice on fiscal, monetary, and structural reform policies. As a result, Cairo managed to tame inflation, slash budget deficits, and attract more foreign investment. Monetary pressures have increased since 11 September 2001 because of declines in tourism, Suez Canal tolls, and exports, and Cairo has devalued the pound several times in the past year. The development of a gas export market is a major bright spot for future growth prospects.
Religions:Islam(90%),chiristian (7%) Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc
7/13/2008
|
![]() |
