Egypt's Economy
Egypt at a Glance
An overview of Egypt's economy, its population of over 100 million crowded along the Nile, and its main sources of income and foreign currency.
Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world, with over 100 million people.
Geography
Almost everyone lives along the Nile valley and delta, a small share of Egypt’s land; the rest is desert.
Main sources of foreign currency
- Suez Canal fees.
- Tourism.
- Remittances from Egyptians working abroad, especially in the Gulf.
- Gas and oil exports.
Challenges
- Fast population growth.
- Youth unemployment.
- High public debt.
- Repeated currency crises.
Structure
A large state sector and a powerful military economy sit alongside private firms.
The crowded valley
In Cairo, a city of over 20 million people in its metro area, housing presses right up to the desert's edge.
Thinking Egypt's economy depends only on tourism
The canal, remittances and gas matter a lot too.
Key takeaways
- Egypt has over 100 million people along the Nile.
- The canal, tourism, remittances and gas bring dollars.
- Debt and currency crises are recurring problems.
- The state and military play big roles.
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