Egypt – Society, History & Politics

Biggest country in the Middle East
Known as one of the most populated countries not only in the African continent but also in the Arab World, the number of Egypt’s inhabitants is continuously growing: Over the past decade, the population has expanded by 15 millions and it is estimated to reach 138 millions within the next 50 years. According to the United Nations, the annual population growth rate for 2000–2005 was about 2%. More than 90 percent of the 76 millions Egyptians are Muslim, while the second major adherents are of Christianity. And the society is very young: More than the half of the country’s population is not even 20 years old. The official language is Arabic, common trade languages are also English and French. The biggest ethnic group are the Egyptians. Besides there is a large number of ethnic minorities, like the Bedouin Arabs and the Berber-speaking Siwis.

5000 years of unique culture  

Egypt is one of the oldest ancient civilisations in the world. When Napoleon came to Egypt in 1798, he began his speech in the pyramid’s shadows with the words: “We are facing five millenniums of history.” And with his campaign another important stage of academic research of one of the world’s oldest cultures began. Egyptian history dates back to about 3000 B.C., when the kingdoms of upper and lower Egypt, already highly sophisticated, were united. Then started what is now generally accepted as the first of at least 30 Egyptian dynasties.

In the 27th century B.C. the first pyramid was built, Monarchical power was at its peak during the 4th dynasty, when the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven world wonders, arose.

Political mediator in the Middle East

The country’s independent political role as a leading power began after the revolution of 1952 by dropping the monarchy and installing a republic. Traditionally, Egypt acts as a political mediator in the peace process in the Middle East. President Muhammad Husni Mubarak, who has been in office for more than 25 years, assures the country’s political continuity. He focuses on a cagey democratization but without risking Egypt’s political and social stability. Head of the government is Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Mahmud Muhammad Nazif, member of the NDP party (National Democratic Party). A changeover from a states-dominated to an open political economy supports the country’s economical progress. Egypt has pushed through customs reforms, reduced or abolished taxes and privatized enterprises.

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