Egypt: Difference between revisions
imported>Meg Taylor (correct) |
imported>John Stephenson (linking; mentioned UK influence after independence; Mubarak regime and military mentioned earlier; copyedit) |
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| national_anthem = [[Bilady, Bilady, Bilady]] | | national_anthem = [[Bilady, Bilady, Bilady]] | ||
| image_map = Map of Egypt.gif | | image_map = Map of Egypt.gif | ||
| capital = Cairo | | capital = [[Cairo]] | ||
| largest_city = Cairo | | largest_city = Cairo | ||
| official_languages = [[Arabic]] | | official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]] | ||
| government_type = [[Semi-Presidential system|Semi-Presidential]] [[Republic]] | | government_type = [[Semi-Presidential system|Semi-Presidential]] [[Republic]] | ||
| leader_title1 = President | | leader_title1 = [[President of Egypt|President]] | ||
| leader_name1 = [[Hosni Mubarak]] | | leader_name1 = [[Hosni Mubarak]] | ||
| leader_title2 = Prime Minister | | leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Egypt|Prime Minister]] | ||
| leader_name2 = [[Ahmed Nazif]] | | leader_name2 = [[Ahmed Nazif]] | ||
| area = 1,001,450 | | area = 1,001,450 | ||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
| population_density_rank = 120 | | population_density_rank = 120 | ||
| population_densitymi²= 192 | | population_densitymi²= 192 | ||
| currency = Egyptian pound | | currency = [[Egyptian pound]] | ||
| currency_code= EGP | | currency_code= EGP | ||
| HDI = 0.708 | | HDI = 0.708 | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
| calling_code = +20 | | calling_code = +20 | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Egypt''' (Arabic ''Misr'') is a country in the | '''Egypt''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: ''Misr'') is a [[country]] mainly in the north-eastern corner of [[Africa]]. It borders [[Sudan]] to the south, [[Libya]] to the west, the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the north, and the [[Red Sea]], the [[Gaza Strip]] and [[Israel]] to the east, where its [[Sinai Peninsula]] forms part of [[Asia]]. Egypt's [[official language]] is Arabic, and its [[capital (city)|capital]] and largest [[city]] is [[Cairo]]. [[Hosni Mubarak]] has been [[President of Egypt|President]] since 1981, wielding very strong political powers; there has been little organised political opposition during this time, and the [[Egyptian Armed Forces|Egyptian military]] remains a strong force in supporting the regime.<ref>''New York Times'': '[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/world/middleeast/12egypt.html Succession gives army a stiff test in Egypt].' September 11, 2010.</ref> | ||
Egypt has been inhabited for the past ten thousand years, and its [[Ancient Egypt|ancient culture]] was one of the most important in antiquity, producing monuments like the [[Sphinx]] and [[Pyramids of Egypt|pyramids]]. It was an important province in the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] empires. In the 7th century, it was invaded by the [[Arabs]], and thereafter became a center of Arab and [[Islam|Islamic]] scholarship. Today it is arguably the political and cultural center of the [[Arab world]]. | Egypt has been inhabited for the past ten thousand years, and its [[Ancient Egypt|ancient culture]] was one of the most important in [[antiquity]], producing monuments like the [[Sphinx]] and [[Pyramids of Egypt|pyramids]]. It was an important province in the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] empires. In the 7th century, it was invaded by the [[Arab people|Arabs]], and thereafter became a center of Arab and [[Islam|Islamic]] scholarship. Today it is arguably the political and cultural center of the [[Arab world]]. | ||
==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
Egypt is mostly desert, and almost never receives | Egypt is mostly [[desert]], and almost never receives [[rain]]fall. The [[Nile river]] flows through the center of the country, and 97% of Egypt's population lives within a few miles of its fertile banks, where all farming takes place. Egypt is historically divided into [[Upper Egypt]], the upstream areas of the Nile in the south of the country, and [[Lower Egypt]] in the north which includes the [[Nile Delta]], which contains Eqypt's best farmland. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Egypt was first united in 3200 BC, by the Wild Bull Lord, Menes. The civilization created lasted for the next 3,000 years until 332 BC, when it was conquered by [[Alexander the Great]]. This era produced many magnificent temples and monuments, and of course the pyramids. After Alexander, the Greek [[Ptolemy dynasty]], descended from one of Alexander's generals, ruled until 30 BC, when Egypt fell to the Romans. It remained a province of the Romans, and later the Byzantines, until 639, when the Arabs conquered it. Egypt was an integral part of the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] and the later [[Abbasid Cailphate]]. In 969, it was conquered by the [[Fatimid dynasty|Fatimids]], who built the city of [[Cairo]] to be their capital. In 1171, the [[Ayyubid dynasty|Ayyubids]] under [[Saladin]] came to power. They were replaced by the [[Mamluks]] in 1250, who lasted until 1517, when the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] took over. In the 19th century, Egypt was gradually taken over by the British, who made it part of their [[British Empire|empire]]. Egypt gained independence in 1922. In 1952, the monarchy was overthrown in a coup, and after a brief struggle, [[Gamel Abdul Nasser]] came to power. He believed that [[Pan-Arabism|all Arab countries should be united into one]], and [[United Arab Republic|unified]] Egypt with [[Syria]] for a brief time, though the union (called the [[United Arab Republic]]) failed. He also opposed | Egypt was first united in 3200 BC, by the Wild Bull Lord, [[Menes]]. The civilization created lasted for the next 3,000 years until 332 BC, when it was conquered by [[Alexander the Great]]. This era produced many magnificent temples and monuments, and of course the pyramids. After Alexander, the Greek [[Ptolemy dynasty]], descended from one of Alexander's generals, ruled until 30 BC, when Egypt fell to the Romans. It remained a province of the Romans, and later the Byzantines, until 639, when the Arabs conquered it. Egypt was an integral part of the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] and the later [[Abbasid Cailphate]]. In 969, it was conquered by the [[Fatimid dynasty|Fatimids]], who built the city of [[Cairo]] to be their capital. In 1171, the [[Ayyubid dynasty|Ayyubids]] under [[Saladin]] came to power. They were replaced by the [[Mamluks]] in 1250, who lasted until 1517, when the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] took over. In the 19th century, Egypt was gradually taken over by the [[United Kingdom|British]], who made it part of their [[British Empire|empire]]. Egypt gained independence in 1922, though Britain retained influence behind the scenes. In 1952, the [[monarchy]] was overthrown in a [[coup]], and after a brief struggle, [[Gamel Abdul Nasser]] came to power. He believed that [[Pan-Arabism|all Arab countries should be united into one]], and [[United Arab Republic|unified]] Egypt with [[Syria]] for a brief time, though the union (called the [[United Arab Republic]]) failed. He also opposed Israel, leading to his defeat in the [[Six Day War]]. In 1970, he was succeeded by [[Anwar Sadat]], who made peace with Israel in the [[Camp David Accords]]. Today, Egypt is ruled by Sadat's successor, Hosni Mubarak. | ||
== | ==Demography== | ||
Egypt's population is almost entirely Arabic speaking. About 94% of the population is Muslim | Egypt's population is almost entirely Arabic-speaking. About 94% of the population is Muslim; most of the rest are [[Copts|Coptic Christians]]. | ||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
Egypt is a republic. Its constitution provides for a democratic system with separation of powers and civil liberties, but in reality it is a dictatorship. The ruling president, Hosni Mubarak, and his National Democratic | Egypt is a [[republic]]. Its constitution provides for a democratic system with separation of powers and civil liberties, but in reality it is a dictatorship. The ruling president, Hosni Mubarak, and his [[National Democratic Party (Egypt)|National Democratic Party]] maintain a tight grip on political power, and [[human rights]] violations are widespread. | ||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
Egypt's [[economy]] is historically [[agriculture|agricultural]], although it now imports food. Egypt has small [[oil]] reserves, and [[cotton]] exports and tourism are important. Egypt is still a [[developing country]], and a large percentage of the population lives in [[poverty]]. | |||
==Footnotes== | |||
{{reflist|2}} | |||
Revision as of 06:09, 28 January 2011
| Arab Republic of Egypt | |
|---|---|
| |
| File:Flag of Egypt.gif | |
| National anthem | Bilady, Bilady, Bilady |
| Capital | Cairo |
| Largest city | Cairo |
| Official language | Arabic |
| Government type | Semi-Presidential Republic |
| President | Hosni Mubarak |
| Prime Minister | Ahmed Nazif |
| Area | 1,001,450 km² 386,660 mi² |
| Population | 80,335,036 (2007 estimate) |
| Population density | 74/km² (120) 192 mi² |
| HDI | 0.708 (medium) (112) (2007) |
| Currency | Egyptian pound (EGP) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) Summer:EEST (UTC+3) |
| Country codes | Internet TLD : .eg Calling code : ++20 |
Egypt (Arabic: Misr) is a country mainly in the north-eastern corner of Africa. It borders Sudan to the south, Libya to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east, where its Sinai Peninsula forms part of Asia. Egypt's official language is Arabic, and its capital and largest city is Cairo. Hosni Mubarak has been President since 1981, wielding very strong political powers; there has been little organised political opposition during this time, and the Egyptian military remains a strong force in supporting the regime.[1]
Egypt has been inhabited for the past ten thousand years, and its ancient culture was one of the most important in antiquity, producing monuments like the Sphinx and pyramids. It was an important province in the Roman and Byzantine empires. In the 7th century, it was invaded by the Arabs, and thereafter became a center of Arab and Islamic scholarship. Today it is arguably the political and cultural center of the Arab world.
Geography
Egypt is mostly desert, and almost never receives rainfall. The Nile river flows through the center of the country, and 97% of Egypt's population lives within a few miles of its fertile banks, where all farming takes place. Egypt is historically divided into Upper Egypt, the upstream areas of the Nile in the south of the country, and Lower Egypt in the north which includes the Nile Delta, which contains Eqypt's best farmland.
History
Egypt was first united in 3200 BC, by the Wild Bull Lord, Menes. The civilization created lasted for the next 3,000 years until 332 BC, when it was conquered by Alexander the Great. This era produced many magnificent temples and monuments, and of course the pyramids. After Alexander, the Greek Ptolemy dynasty, descended from one of Alexander's generals, ruled until 30 BC, when Egypt fell to the Romans. It remained a province of the Romans, and later the Byzantines, until 639, when the Arabs conquered it. Egypt was an integral part of the Umayyad Caliphate and the later Abbasid Cailphate. In 969, it was conquered by the Fatimids, who built the city of Cairo to be their capital. In 1171, the Ayyubids under Saladin came to power. They were replaced by the Mamluks in 1250, who lasted until 1517, when the Ottomans took over. In the 19th century, Egypt was gradually taken over by the British, who made it part of their empire. Egypt gained independence in 1922, though Britain retained influence behind the scenes. In 1952, the monarchy was overthrown in a coup, and after a brief struggle, Gamel Abdul Nasser came to power. He believed that all Arab countries should be united into one, and unified Egypt with Syria for a brief time, though the union (called the United Arab Republic) failed. He also opposed Israel, leading to his defeat in the Six Day War. In 1970, he was succeeded by Anwar Sadat, who made peace with Israel in the Camp David Accords. Today, Egypt is ruled by Sadat's successor, Hosni Mubarak.
Demography
Egypt's population is almost entirely Arabic-speaking. About 94% of the population is Muslim; most of the rest are Coptic Christians.
Politics
Egypt is a republic. Its constitution provides for a democratic system with separation of powers and civil liberties, but in reality it is a dictatorship. The ruling president, Hosni Mubarak, and his National Democratic Party maintain a tight grip on political power, and human rights violations are widespread.
Economy
Egypt's economy is historically agricultural, although it now imports food. Egypt has small oil reserves, and cotton exports and tourism are important. Egypt is still a developing country, and a large percentage of the population lives in poverty.
Footnotes
- ↑ New York Times: 'Succession gives army a stiff test in Egypt.' September 11, 2010.