Egypt is a country situated in North Africa, and it is known for its ancient history, beautiful landmarks, and rich culture. One of the most important aspects of any country is its population, and Egypt is no exception. The population of Egypt has been a topic of interest for many years, and people have been curious about the number of people living in the country and how it has changed over time.
As of 2021, the estimated population of Egypt is approximately 104 million people. This makes Egypt the third most populous country in Africa after Nigeria and Ethiopia. The population of Egypt has been steadily increasing over the years, with an average growth rate of around 2% per year. Despite this growth, Egypt faces several challenges related to its population, including high unemployment rates, poverty, and a lack of resources to support its citizens.
Current Population of Egypt
Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the third most populous country in Africa, after Nigeria and Ethiopia. As of 2021, the estimated population of Egypt is around 104 million people. This number is expected to reach 150 million by 2050, according to the United Nations.
The population of Egypt is concentrated in the Nile Valley and Delta, where the land is more fertile and agriculture is possible. The capital city, Cairo, is the largest city in Egypt and home to over 20 million people. Other major cities include Alexandria, Giza, and Shubra El-Kheima.
Egypt has a relatively young population, with around 60% of the population under the age of 30. The population growth rate is around 2% per year, which is one of the highest in the world. This is due to a combination of high birth rates and declining death rates.
The population of Egypt is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities and religions. The majority of the population is Arab, with a significant minority of Nubians and Berbers. The official language is Arabic, and Islam is the dominant religion, with around 90% of the population being Muslim.
Overall, the current population of Egypt is significant and diverse, with a relatively young population and high population growth rate.
Historical Population Trends
Egypt has a rich history that spans over millennia. Its population has also undergone significant changes over time. Here are some of the key historical population trends in Egypt:
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Ancient Egypt: The precise population of ancient Egypt is unknown, but it is estimated to have been around 3 million people at its peak in the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 BCE). This population was concentrated in the Nile Valley and Delta, where agriculture was possible thanks to the river's annual flooding.
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Islamic Egypt: After the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 CE, the country's population began to grow rapidly. By the end of the 9th century, it had reached around 7 million people. This growth was due in part to the expansion of agriculture and trade, as well as the arrival of immigrants from other parts of the Islamic world.
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Modern Egypt: In the early 20th century, Egypt's population was around 12 million people. By the 1950s, it had doubled to 24 million, and by the end of the century, it had reached 60 million. This rapid growth was due in part to improvements in healthcare and sanitation, as well as the availability of new technologies such as the birth control pill.
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Current Population: As of 2021, Egypt's population is estimated to be around 102 million people. This makes it the most populous country in the Arab world and the third most populous country in Africa, after Nigeria and Ethiopia. The majority of the population (around 95%) lives in the Nile Valley and Delta, where the land is most fertile.
Overall, Egypt's population has grown significantly over the centuries, with some periods of rapid growth and others of slower growth. Today, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment and poverty rates, as well as environmental issues such as water scarcity and pollution.
Factors Affecting Population Growth
Birth and Death Rates
The birth rate in Egypt has been declining since the 1980s. In 2020, the birth rate was estimated to be 22.8 births per 1,000 people. This is a significant decrease from the 1960s, when the birth rate was over 40 births per 1,000 people. The decline in birth rates can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to family planning services, education, and urbanization.
The death rate in Egypt has also been declining steadily. In 2020, the death rate was estimated to be 4.6 deaths per 1,000 people. This is a significant decrease from the 1960s, when the death rate was over 15 deaths per 1,000 people. The decrease in death rates can be attributed to several factors, including improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition.
Migration
Migration is another factor that affects population growth in Egypt. In recent years, Egypt has experienced a significant influx of refugees and migrants from neighbouring countries, particularly from Syria, Sudan, and Libya. In 2020, the United Nations estimated that there were over 250,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt. Additionally, there are also many economic migrants who come to Egypt in search of work.
The impact of migration on population growth in Egypt is complex. On the one hand, the arrival of refugees and migrants can increase the population. On the other hand, many of these individuals are not counted in official population statistics, which can lead to an underestimation of the actual population. Moreover, the arrival of refugees and migrants can put a strain on resources such as housing, healthcare, and education.
Overall, birth and death rates, as well as migration, are important factors that affect population growth in Egypt. While the decline in birth and death rates can lead to a decrease in population growth, migration can have both positive and negative impacts on the population.
Population Distribution
Urban vs Rural
Egypt is predominantly an urban country, with over 43% of its population living in urban areas. The remaining population lives in rural areas, where agriculture is the main source of income. The urban population is concentrated in the major cities, with Cairo being the largest and most densely populated city in Egypt. Other major cities include Alexandria, Giza, and Shubra El-Kheima.
By Region
Egypt is divided into 27 governorates, each with its own capital city. The population distribution varies greatly between these governorates. The most populous governorate is Cairo, with a population of over 9 million people. Other highly populated governorates include Giza, Alexandria, and Dakahlia.
On the other hand, some governorates have a much lower population density. For example, the New Valley Governorate has a population of just over 225,000 people, making it one of the least populated governorates in Egypt.
The following table shows the population distribution by governorate:
| Governorate | Population |
|---|---|
| Cairo | 9,120,350 |
| Giza | 7,988,864 |
| Alexandria | 5,200,000 |
| Dakahlia | 6,000,000 |
| New Valley | 225,416 |
| Red Sea | 345,000 |
| South Sinai | 167,000 |
| North Sinai | 434,781 |
| Luxor | 506,588 |
| Aswan | 1,394,687 |
| Qena | 3,000,000 |
| Beheira | 6,000,000 |
| Fayoum | 3,170,150 |
| Gharbia | 4,000,000 |
| Ismailia | 1,178,641 |
| Kafr El Sheikh | 3,172,753 |
| Matrouh | 447,846 |
| Minya | 5,156,702 |
| Monufia | 4,000,000 |
| Qalyubia | 5,105,972 |
| Sharqia | 6,000,000 |
| Sohag | 4,585,284 |
| Suez | 622,859 |
| Assiut | 4,468,000 |
| Beni Suef | 2,750,000 |
| Damietta | 1,029,000 |
| Port Said | 750,000 |
Demographics
Age Structure
Egypt has a young population, with a median age of 24.5 years. The largest age group is between 15-29 years old, which makes up 34.3% of the population. The second largest age group is between 30-44 years old, which makes up 24.5% of the population. The age group over 65 years old is the smallest, making up only 3.5% of the population.
Gender Ratio
Egypt has a slightly higher proportion of males than females, with a gender ratio of 1.03 males to 1 female. The male population makes up 50.6% of the total population, while the female population makes up 49.4%.
In terms of education, the literacy rate in Egypt is 73.9%, with males having a slightly higher literacy rate than females. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, with 43.6% living in the Greater Cairo area.
Overall, Egypt has a diverse and young population, with a slightly higher proportion of males than females.
Future Population Projections
Egypt's population is projected to continue growing in the coming years. According to the United Nations, the country's population is expected to reach 128 million by 2030, up from an estimated 100 million in 2021. This represents an increase of over 25% in less than a decade.
The growth rate of Egypt's population is expected to slow down in the coming years, but it will still be significant. The United Nations predicts that the annual population growth rate will be around 1.7% between 2021 and 2030, down from 2.5% between 2010 and 2020.
The main driver of population growth in Egypt is high fertility rates. Despite a decline in recent years, the country's total fertility rate is still above the replacement level of 2.1, meaning that the population will continue to grow even if the fertility rate stays constant.
The government of Egypt has recognized the challenges posed by a rapidly growing population and has taken steps to address them. These include initiatives to increase access to family planning services and to improve the quality of education, particularly for girls. However, progress has been slow, and more needs to be done to ensure that Egypt's population growth is sustainable and does not outstrip the country's resources and infrastructure.