Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country occupying the northeast corner of Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula extending into southwest Asia. This unique geographic position has made Egypt a historic crossroads between two continents, shaping its culture, trade, and history for millennia.
Geography and Borders
Egypt's location gives it a distinctive set of natural and political boundaries. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the east, and Libya to the west. To the south lies Sudan and the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. In the northeast, Egypt shares borders with Palestine and Israel, while the Gulf of Aqaba separates the country from Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
- North: Mediterranean Sea
- Northeast: Palestine and Israel
- East: Red Sea
- South: Sudan and the Sahara
- West: Libya
- Gulf of Aqaba (northeast): separates Egypt from Jordan and Saudi Arabia
Major Cities
Egypt is home to two of the most significant cities in the Arab world and Africa. Cairo serves as the nation's capital and largest city, and is widely regarded as the country's leading cultural centre. Alexandria, the second-largest city, holds importance as a major hub for both industry and tourism, drawing on its rich history as a Mediterranean port city.
Population
Egypt is a demographic powerhouse in its region. With a population exceeding 107 million people, it holds the distinction of being the most populous country in the Arab world. On the African continent, Egypt ranks as the third-most populous country, and globally it is the 15th-most populated nation in the world.