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| | |conventional_long_name = Republic of Elbina | | |conventional_long_name = Republic of Elbina |
| | |common_name = Elbina | | |common_name = Elbina |
| − | |image_flag = Flag of Egypt.svg | + | |image_flag = Elbina_Flag.png |
| − | |image_coat = Coat of arms of Egypt (Official).svg
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| | |national_anthem = ''My country, my country, my country'' | | |national_anthem = ''My country, my country, my country'' |
| | |languages_type = [[National language]] | | |languages_type = [[National language]] |
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| − | '''Egypt''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Egypt.ogg|ˈ|iː|dʒ|ɪ|p|t}} {{Respell|EE|jipt|}}; {{lang-ar|مِصر}} ''{{transl|ar|Miṣr}}'', {{lang-arz|مَصر}} {{transl|arz|''Maṣr''}}, {{Lang-cop|Ⲭⲏⲙⲓ}} ''Khemi''), officially the '''Arab Republic of Egypt''', is a [[transcontinental country]] spanning the [[North Africa|northeast corner of Africa]] and [[Western Asia|southwest corner of Asia]] by a [[land bridge]] formed by the [[Sinai Peninsula]]. Egypt is a [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean country]] bordered by the [[Gaza Strip]] and [[Israel]] to the northeast, the [[Gulf of Aqaba]] to the east, the [[Red Sea]] to the east and south, [[Sudan]] to the south, and [[Libya]] to the west. Across the Gulf of Aqaba lies [[Jordan]], and across from the Sinai Peninsula lies [[Saudi Arabia]], although Jordan and Saudi Arabia do not share a land border with Egypt. It is the world's only contiguous [[Eurafrasian]] nation. | + | '''Elbina''', officially the '''Republic of Elbina''', is a country spanning the northeast corner of Gondwanna. |
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| − | Egypt has [[History of Egypt|one of the longest histories]] of any modern country, arising in the tenth millennium BC as one of the world's first [[nation states]].<ref>Midant-Reynes, Béatrix. The Prehistory of Egypt: From the First Egyptians to the First Kings. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.</ref> Considered a [[cradle of civilisation]], [[Ancient Egypt]] experienced some of the earliest developments of writing, agriculture, urbanisation, organised religion and central government. Iconic monuments such as the [[Giza Necropolis]] and its [[Great Sphinx of Giza|Great Sphinx]], as well the ruins of [[Memphis, Egypt|Memphis]], [[Thebes, Egypt|Thebes]], [[Karnak]], and the [[Valley of the Kings]], reflect this legacy and remain a significant focus of archaeological study and popular interest worldwide. Egypt's rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its national identity, having endured, and at times assimilated, various foreign influences, including Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and European. Although [[Christianization|Christianised]] in the first century of the [[Common Era]], it was subsequently [[Islamisation|Islamised]] due to the [[Islamic conquests]] of the seventh century.
| + | With over 90 million inhabitants, Elbina is the most populous country in Northern Gondwanna. The great majority of its people live near the coast, where the only arable land is found. The large regions of the desert, which constitute most of Elbina's territory, are sparsely inhabited. About half of the residents live in urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centres of greater Varia, Xandria, and other major cities on the coast. |
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| − | With over 90 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most populous country in [[North Africa]] and the [[Arab world]], the third-most populous in Africa (after [[Nigeria]] and [[Ethiopia]]), and the fifteenth-most populous in the world. The great majority of its people live near the banks of the [[Nile]] River, an area of about {{convert|40000|km2|-3}}, where the only [[arable land]] is found. The large regions of the [[Sahara]] [[desert]], which constitute most of Egypt's territory, are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt's residents live in urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centres of greater [[Cairo]], [[Alexandria]] and other major cities in the [[Nile Delta]].
| + | Modern Elbina is considered to be a regional power, with significant cultural, political, and military influence in North Gondwanna; and the Orthodox World. Its economy is one of the largest and most diversified in the Region, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels. |
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| − | Modern Egypt is considered to be a [[Regional power|regional]] and [[middle power]], with significant cultural, political, and military influence in [[North Africa]], the [[Middle East]] and the [[Muslim world]].<ref>Andrew F. Cooper, Agata Antkiewicz and Timothy M. Shaw, 'Lessons from/for BRICSAM about South-North Relations at the Start of the 21st Century: Economic Size Trumps All Else?', ''International Studies Review,'' Vol. 9, No. 4 (Winter, 2007), pp. 675, 687.</ref> Its economy is [[economy of Egypt|one of the largest and most diversified]] in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels. | + | |
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| | ==History== | | ==History== |
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| | ==Geography== | | ==Geography== |
| − | {{Main article|Geography of Egypt}}
| + | Due to the extreme aridity of Elbina's climate, population centers are concentrated along the narrow coastlines, meaning that about 99% of the population uses about 5.5% of the total land area. 98% of Elbinians live on 3% of the territory. |
| − | [[File:Aswan Nile R09.jpg|thumb|300px|A branch of the Nile near Aswan.]]
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| − | Egypt lies primarily between latitudes [[22nd parallel north|22°]] and [[32nd parallel north|32°N]], and longitudes [[25th meridian east|25°]] and [[35th meridian east|35°E]]. At {{convert|1001450|km2|-1}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html |title=World Factbook area rank order |publisher=Cia.gov |accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref> it is the world's 30th-largest country. Due to the extreme aridity of Egypt's climate, population centres are concentrated along the narrow Nile Valley and Delta, meaning that about 99% of the population uses about 5.5% of the total land area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iodeweb1.vliz.be/odin/bitstream/1834/383/1/Hamza.pdf |title=Land use and Coastal Management in the Third Countries: Egypt as a case |format=PDF |accessdate=3 November 2011}}</ref> 98% of Egyptians live on 3% of the territory.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fouberg|first1=Erin H.|last2=Murphy|first2=Alexander B.|author3=de Blij|title=Human Geography: People, Place, and Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ThFncGxOrzEC&pg=PT91|accessdate=10 February 2013|date=4 December 2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-57647-2|page=91}}</ref>
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| − | Egypt is bordered by Libya to the west, the Sudan to the south, and the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. Egypt's important role in geopolitics stems from its strategic position: a [[transcontinental nation]], it possesses a land bridge (the Isthmus of Suez) between Africa and Asia, traversed by a navigable waterway (the [[Suez Canal]]) that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean by way of the Red Sea.
| + | Elbina is bordered by Owha to the west. Elbina's important role in geopolitics stems from its strategic position: a cultural leader, and from religious power. |
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| − | Apart from the Nile Valley, the majority of Egypt's landscape is desert, with a few [[oasis|oases]] scattered about. Winds create prolific [[Dune|sand dunes]] that peak at more than {{convert|100|ft|0}} high. Egypt includes parts of the [[Sahara]] desert and of the [[Libyan Desert]]. These deserts protected the Kingdom of the Pharaohs from western threats and were referred to as the "red land" in ancient Egypt. | + | Apart from the coastlines, the majority of Elbina's landscape is desert, with a few oasis/oases scattered about. Winds create prolific sand dunes that peak at more than 100 ft high. Elbina includes parts of the Taria desert. These deserts protected the Kingdom of the Orthodox Ecclesiarchy from southern threats and were referred to as the "red land" in ancient Elbinian. |
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| − | Towns and cities include [[Alexandria]], the second largest city; [[Aswan]]; [[Asyut]]; [[Cairo]], the modern Egyptian capital and largest city; [[El-Mahalla El-Kubra]]; [[Giza]], the site of the Pyramid of Khufu; [[Hurghada]]; [[Luxor]]; [[Kom Ombo]]; [[Port Safaga]]; [[Port Said]]; [[Sharm el Sheikh]]; [[Suez]], where the south end of the Suez Canal is located; [[Zagazig]]; and [[Minya, Egypt|Al-Minya]]. [[Oasis|Oases]] include [[Bahariya Oasis|Bahariya]], [[Dakhla Oasis|el Dakhla]], [[Farafra, Egypt|Farafra]], [[Kharga Oasis|el Kharga]] and [[Siwa Oasis|Siwa]]. [[Protectorates]] include Ras Mohamed National Park, Zaranik Protectorate and Siwa. | + | Towns and cities include Xandria, the second largest city; Pounti; Varia, the modern Egyptian capital and largest city; Mahalla Kubra; Port Saga; Port Sid; Zalaziz; and Minya. |
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| | ===Climate=== | | ===Climate=== |
| − | {{Main article|Climate of Egypt}}
| + | Most of Elbina's rain falls in the winter months. South of Varia, rainfall averages only around two to five millimeters per year and at intervals of many years. On a very thin strip of the northern coast the rainfall can be as high as 410mm, mostly between October and March. Egypt is the driest and the sunniest country in the world, and most of its land surface is desert. |
| − | [[File:Snow_in_St._Katherine,_Sinai_Egypt_-_March_1,_2009.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Saint Catherine, Egypt|Saint Catherine]] in Egypt's southern [[Sinai Peninsula]], on a snowy winter morning.]]
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| − | Most of Egypt's rain falls in the winter months.<ref>Soliman, KH. ''Rainfall over Egypt''. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, vol. 80, issue 343, p. 104.</ref> South of Cairo, rainfall averages only around {{convert|2|to|5|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} per year and at intervals of many years. On a very thin strip of the northern coast the rainfall can be as high as {{convert|410|mm|abbr=on|sigfig=3}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=60326&refer= |title=Marsa Matruh, Egypt |publisher=Weatherbase.com |accessdate=3 November 2011}}</ref> mostly between October and March. [[Snow]] falls on Sinai's mountains and some of the north coastal cities such as [[Damietta]], [[Baltim]] and [[Sidi Barrani]], and rarely in Alexandria. A very small amount of snow fell on Cairo on 13 December 2013, the first time in many decades.<ref>{{cite news |title= Biblical snowstorm: Rare flakes in Cairo, Jerusalem paralyzed by over a foot |first= Jason |last= Samenow |work= The Washington Post |date= 13 December 2013 |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2013/12/13/rare-snow-in-cairo-jerusalem-paralyzed-in-historic-snow/ }}</ref> [[Frost]] is also known in mid-Sinai and mid-Egypt. Egypt is the driest and the sunniest country in the world, and most of its land surface is desert. | + | |
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| − | [[File:Sand_Dunes_(Qattara_Depression).jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Qattara depression]] in Egypt's north west.]]
| + | Elbina has an unusually hot, sunny and dry climate. Average high temperatures are high in the north but very to extremely high in the rest of the country during summer. The cooler ocean winds consistently blow over the sea coast, which helps to get more moderated temperatures, especially at the height of the summertime. |
| − | Egypt has an unusually hot, sunny and dry climate. Average high temperatures are high in the north but very to extremely high in the rest of the country during summer. The cooler Mediterranean winds consistently blow over the northern sea coast, which helps to get more moderated temperatures, especially at the height of the summertime. The [[Khamaseen]] is a hot, dry wind that originates from the vast deserts in the south and blows in the spring or in the early summer.
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| − | It bringing scorching sand and dust particles, and usually brings daytime temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F) and sometimes over 50 °C (122 °F) more in the interior, while the relative humidity can drop to 5% or even less. The absolute highest temperatures in Egypt occur when the Khamaseen blows. The weather is always sunny and clear in Egypt, especially in cities such as [[Aswan]], [[Luxor]] and [[Asyut]]. It is one of the least cloudy and least rainy regions on Earth.
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| − | Prior to the construction of the [[Aswan Dam]], the Nile flooded annually (colloquially ''The Gift of the Nile'') replenishing Egypt's soil. This gave Egypt a consistent harvest throughout the years.
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| − | The potential rise in sea levels due to [[global warming]] could threaten Egypt's densely populated coastal strip and have grave consequences for the country's economy, agriculture and industry. Combined with growing demographic pressures, a significant rise in sea levels could turn millions of Egyptians into [[environmental refugees]] by the end of the 21st century, according to some climate experts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77240 |title=Contingency planning for rising sea levels in Egypt | IRIN News, March 2008 |publisher=Irinnews.org |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=EL DEEB and KEATH|first=Sarah and Lee|title=Islamist claims victory in Egypt president vote|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_EGYPT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-06-17-23-11-03|work=Associated Press|accessdate=18 June 2012}}</ref>
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| | ==Government== | | ==Government== |
| − | The [[House of Representatives (Egypt)|House of Representatives]], whose members are elected to serve five-year terms, specialises in legislation. [[Elections in Egypt|Elections]] were last held between [[Egyptian parliamentary election, 2011–2012|November 2011 and January 2012]] which was later dissolved. [[Egyptian parliamentary election, 2015|The next parliamentary election]] will be held within 6 months of the constitution's ratification on 18 January 2014. Originally, the parliament was to be formed before the president was elected, but interim president [[Adly Mansour]] pushed the date.<ref>{{cite web|title=Egypt to Hold Presidential Polls First: Interim President|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/92617.aspx|publisher=Ahram Online|accessdate=2 April 2014|date=26 January 2014}}</ref> The [[Egyptian presidential election, 2014]], took place on 26–28 May 2014. Official figures showed a turnout of 25,578,233 or 47.5%, with [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] winning with 23.78 million votes, or 96.91% compared to 757,511 (3.09%) for [[Hamdeen Sabahi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=El-Sisi wins Egypt's presidential race with 96.91%|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/102841/Egypt/Politics-/BREAKING-PEC-officially-announces-AbdelFattah-ElSi.aspx|website=English.Ahram.org|publisher=Ahram Online|accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> | + | The House of Representatives, whose members are elected to serve five-year terms, specializes in legislation. Elections were last held between November 2011 and January 2012. |
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| | ====Human rights==== | | ====Human rights==== |
| − | [[Coptic Christians]] face discrimination at multiple levels of the government, ranging from disproportionate representation in government ministries to laws that limit their ability to build or repair churches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/christian-martyrs-victims-radical-islam/story?id=9976549&page=4 |title=Christianity's Modern-Day Martyrs: Victims of Radical Islam – Rising Islamic Extremism Is Putting Pressure on Christians in Muslim Nations |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=1 March 2010 |accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref> Intolerance of [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]] and non-orthodox Muslim sects, such as [[Sufism|Sufis]], [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] and [[Ahmadiyya|Ahmadis]], also remains a problem.<ref name="HRW"/> When the government moved to computerise identification cards, members of religious minorities, such as [[Bahá'í]]s, could not obtain [[Egyptian Identification Card Controversy|identification documents]].<ref name="International Religious Freedom Report 2008">{{cite web|url= http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108481.htm|title= Egypt, International Religious Freedom Report 2008|date=19 September 2008|publisher=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]]}}</ref> An Egyptian court ruled in early 2008 that members of other faiths may obtain identity cards without listing their faiths, and without becoming officially recognised.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|first=Cynthia |last=Johnston |title= Egypt Baha'is win court fight over identity papers|url=http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL29677385.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215133731/http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL29677385.html|archivedate=15 February 2008 |agency=Reuters |date=29 January 2008 |accessdate=30 January 2008 }}</ref>
| + | Aasific practitioners face discrimination at multiple levels of the government, ranging from disproportionate representation in government ministries to laws that limit their ability to build or repair mosques. When the government moved to computerise identification cards, members of religious minorities could not obtain identification documents. |
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| − | ===Military and foreign relations=== | + | ===[[Elbinian Armed Forces]] and foreign relations=== |
| − | {{Main article|Egyptian Armed Forces|Foreign relations of Egypt}}
| + | The military is influential in the political and economic life of Elbina and exempts itself from laws that apply to other sectors. It enjoys considerable power, prestige and independence within the state and has been widely considered part of the Elbinian "State within a state". |
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| − | The military is influential in the political and economic life of Egypt and exempts itself from laws that apply to other sectors. It enjoys considerable power, prestige and independence within the state and has been widely considered part of the Egyptian "[[State within a state|deep state]]".<ref name="nytimes.com"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Cambanis|first=Thanassis|title=Succession Gives Army a Stiff Test in Egypt|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/world/middleeast/12egypt.html?_r=1&ref=global-home&pagewanted=all|accessdate=11 September 2010|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=11 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://carnegie-mec.org/2015/04/15/egyptian-armed-forces-and-remaking-of-economic-empire | title=The Egyptian Armed Forces and the Remaking of an Economic Empire | publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]] | date=15 April 2015 | accessdate=23 June 2015 | author=Marshall, Shana}}</ref>
| + | According to the former chair of the Veridian Empire's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Gavin Bura, the Elbinian Air Force has roughly the same number of modern warplanes as the Veridian Naval Air Fleet and far more tanks, and artillery than the [[Veridian Armed Forces]]. |
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| − | According to the former chair of Israel's Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, [[Yuval Steinitz]], the [[Egyptian Air Force]] has roughly the same number of modern warplanes as the [[Israeli Air Force]] and far more Western tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft batteries and warships than the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/795822.html |title=Not the peace we expected |last=Steinitz |first=Yuval |publisher=Haaretz.com |date=4 December 2006 |accessdate=8 February 2013}}</ref> Egypt is speculated by Israel to be the second country in the region with a [[spy satellite]], [[EgyptSat 1]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Katz|first=Yaacov|url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=48099|title=Egypt to launch first spy satellite|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=15 January 2007}}</ref> in addition to [[EgyptSat 2]] launched on 16 April 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1404/16egyptsat2/ |title=Egyptian reconnaissance satellite launched by Soyuz |author=Stephen Clark |publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=16 April 2014 |accessdate=18 April 2014}}</ref>
| + | The Elbina–Veridian relations provides Elbina with annual military assistance. In 1999, Elbina was designated as a major ally of the Veridian Empire. There are further attempts relations between the two, with both governments frequently partaking in talks for a political union. |
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| − | The [[Egypt–United States relations|United States]] provides Egypt with annual [[United States Foreign Military Financing|military assistance]], which in 2015 amounted to US$1.3 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/31/obama-restores-us-military-aid-to-egypt |title=Obama restores US military aid to Egypt over Islamic State concerns |date=31 March 2015 |publisher=''[[The Guardian]]''}}</ref> In 1989, Egypt was designated as a [[major non-NATO ally]] of the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/07/09/the-u-s-gives-egypt-1-5-billion-a-year-in-aid-heres-what-it-does/ |title=The U.S. gives Egypt $1.5 billion a year in aid. Here's what it does. | work=The Washington Post |date=9 July 2013}}</ref> Nevertheless, ties between the two countries have partially soured since the [[2013 Egyptian coup d'état|July 2013 military coup]] that deposed Islamist president [[Mohamed Morsi]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RL33003.pdf | title=Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations | publisher=Congressional Research Service | date=5 June 2014 | accessdate=8 October 2014 | author=Sharp, Jeremy M.}}</ref> with the [[Obama administration]] condemning Egypt's violent crackdown on the [[Muslim Brotherhood]] and its supporters, and cancelling future military exercises involving the two countries.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/16/us-egypt-protests-obama-idUSBRE97E0N020130816 | title=Obama cancels military exercises, condemns violence in Egypt | publisher=Reuters | date=15 August 2013 | accessdate=8 October 2014 |author1=Holland, Steve |author2=Mason, Jeff }}</ref> There have been recent attempts, however, to normalise relations between the two, with both governments frequently calling for mutual support in the [[War on Terror|fight against regional and international terrorism]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32490624 | title=Business as usual for Egypt and the West | publisher=BBC | date=7 May 2015 | accessdate=23 June 2015 | author=Iqbal, Jawad}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29186686 | title=Egypt 'has key role' in fight against Islamic State – Kerry | publisher=BBC | date=13 September 2014 | accessdate=18 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/15/us-egypt-sisi-idUSBREA4E07X20140515 | title=Exclusive: Egypt's Sisi asks for U.S. help in fighting terrorism | publisher=Reuters | date=15 May 2014 | accessdate=18 October 2014 |author1=Adler, Stephen |author2=Mably, Richard }}</ref> | + | The Elbinian military has dozens of factories manufacturing weapons as well as consumer goods. The Armed Forces' inventory includes equipment from different countries around the world. Equipment from the former Old World is being progressively replaced by more modern Veridian and FPS equipment, a significant portion of which is built under license in Elbina, such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAV_III LAV-III] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stryker Striker]. Both countries have worked since then to strengthen military and trade ties among other aspects of bilateral co-operation. |
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| − | [[File:Egyptian Soldiers carrying flags Navy and Ground forces and Air Force and air defense.jpg|thumb|300px|Egyptian soldiers carrying [[Flags of the Egyptian Armed Forces|flags of the main branches of the armed forces]].]]
| + | Elbina is poised to be a founding member of the upcomming political union between it and the Veridian Empire, including four other nations. |
| − | The Egyptian military has dozens of factories manufacturing weapons as well as consumer goods. The Armed Forces' inventory includes equipment from different countries around the world. Equipment from the former [[Soviet Union]] is being progressively replaced by more modern US, French, and British equipment, a significant portion of which is built under license in Egypt, such as the [[M1 Abrams]] [[tank]].{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} Relations with [[Egypt–Russia relations|Russia]] have improved significantly following Mohamed Morsi's removal<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/russia-egypt-putin-sisi-visit-ukraine-palestine.html | title=Russia, Egypt draw closer | publisher=Al-Monitor | date=13 August 2014 | accessdate=8 October 2014 | author=Naumkin, Vitaly}}</ref> and both countries have worked since then to strengthen military<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/17/us-russia-egypt-arms-idUSKBN0HC19T20140917 | title=Russia, Egypt seal preliminary arms deal worth $3.5 billion: agency | publisher=Reuters | date=17 September 2014 | accessdate=8 October 2014}}</ref> and trade ties<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.yahoo.com/russia-boost-wheat-supplies-egypt-mulls-free-trade-144820576--sector.html | title=Russia to boost trade with Egypt after Western food ban | publisher=Yahoo News | date=12 August 2014 | accessdate=8 October 2014 | author=Anishchuk, Alexei}}</ref> among other aspects of bilateral co-operation. [[China–Egypt relations|Relations with China]] have also improved considerably. In 2014, Egypt and [[China]] have established a bilateral "comprehensive strategic partnership".<ref>"[http://thediplomat.com/2014/12/chinas-egypt-opportunity/ China's Egypt Opportunity]". ''[[The Diplomat]]''. 24 December 2014</ref>
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| − | The permanent [[headquarters of the Arab League|headquarters]] of the [[Arab League]] are located in Cairo and the body's secretary general has traditionally been Egyptian. This position is currently held by former foreign minister [[Nabil Elaraby|Nabil el-Araby]]. The Arab League briefly moved from Egypt to [[Tunis]] in 1978 to protest the [[Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty]], but it later returned to Cairo in 1989. Gulf monarchies, including the [[Egypt–United Arab Emirates relations|United Arab Emirates]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/saudi-arabia-uae-prop-egypt-5bn-aid-boost-1469781 | title=Saudi Arabia and UAE to Prop Up Egypt With $5bn Aid Boost | publisher=International Business Times | date=13 October 2014 | accessdate=17 October 2014 | author=Wilson, Nigel}}</ref> and [[Egypt–Saudi Arabia relations|Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323423804579020510228645356 | title=Saudi King Offers Support to Egyptian Military | publisher=The Wall Street Journal | date=18 August 2013 | accessdate=17 October 2014 | author=Knickmeyer, Ellen}}</ref> have pledged billions of dollars to help Egypt overcome its economic difficulties since the July 2013 coup.<ref>"[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/saudi-king-abdullah-visits-egypt-sisi-2014620183031132590.html Saudi King Abdullah visits Egypt's Sisi]". Al-Jazeera. 20 June 2014.</ref>
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| − | | footer = '''Top:''' Former President [[Hosni Mubarak]] with US President [[George W. Bush]] at Camp David in 2002; '''Bottom:''' President [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] and Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] in Sochi, August 2014.
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| − | Following the [[Yom Kippur War|1973 war]] and the subsequent peace treaty, Egypt became the first Arab nation to establish [[Egypt–Israel relations|diplomatic relations]] with Israel. Despite that, Israel is still widely considered as a hostile state by the majority of Egyptians.<ref>"Massive Israel protests hit universities" (Egyptian Mail, 16 March 2010) "According to most Egyptians, almost 31 years after a peace treaty was signed between Egypt and Israel, having normal ties between the two countries is still a potent accusation and Israel is largely considered to be an enemy country"</ref> Egypt has played a historical role as a mediator in resolving various disputes in the Middle East, most notably its handling of the [[Israeli-Palestinian conflict]] and the [[Israeli–Palestinian peace process|peace process]].<ref>{{cite book | title=Middle East Contemporary Survey: 1995, Volume 19; Volume 1995 | publisher=Moshe Dayan Center | author=Maddy-Weitzmann, Bruce | year=1997 | pages=265 | isbn=9780813334110}}</ref> Egypt's ceasefire and truce brokering efforts in [[Gaza–Israel conflict|Gaza]] have hardly been challenged following [[Israel]]'s evacuation of its settlements from the strip in 2005, despite increasing animosity towards the [[Hamas government in Gaza]] following the ouster of Mohamed Morsi,<ref>"[http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/31/world/meast/israel-gaza-region/ This time, Gaza fighting is 'proxy war' for entire Mideast]". CNN News. 1 August 2014.</ref> and despite recent attempts by countries like Turkey and Qatar to take over this role.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/08/13/the_sisi_doctrine_egypt_policy_gaza_israel_iraq | title=The Sisi Doctrine | publisher=Foreign Policy | date=13 August 2014 | accessdate=8 October 2014 | author=Hanna, Michael W.}}</ref>
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| − | Ties between Egypt and other non-Arab Middle Eastern nations, including [[Egypt–Iran relations|Iran]] and [[Egypt–Turkey relations|Turkey]], have often been strained. Tensions with Iran are mostly due to Egypt's peace treaty with Israel and its rivalry with traditional Egyptian allies in the Gulf.<ref>{{cite book | title=Egyptian Foreign Policy: Against the National Interest | publisher=[[Routledge]] | author=Shama, Nael | year=2013 | pages=129–131}}</ref> Turkey's recent support for the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and its alleged involvement in [[Libyan Civil War (2014–present)|Libya]] also made of both countries bitter regional rivals.
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| − | Egypt is a founding member of the [[Non-Aligned Movement]] and the [[United Nations]]. It is also a member of the [[Organisation internationale de la francophonie]], since 1983. Former Egyptian [[Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Boutros Boutros-Ghali]] served as [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]] from 1991 to 1996.
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| | | | |
| | ==Economy== | | ==Economy== |
| − | {{Main article|Economy of Egypt}}
| + | Elbina's economy depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism; there are also more than three million Elbinians working abroad, mainly in [[Veridian Empire]], the [[Genosha]] and [[Oynenyua]]. A rapidly growing population, limited arable land, and dependence on the ocean all continue to overtax resources and stress the economy. |
| | | | |
| − | [[File:Egypt Exports 2.jpg|thumb|350px|A proportional representation of Egypt's exports.]]
| + | Elbina has a developed energy market based on coal, oil, natural gas, and soon to be nuclear power. Substantial coal deposits in the northeast region are mined at the rate of about {{convert|600000|t|-4|lk=on}} per year. Oil and gas are produced in the southwestern desert regions, the Gulf of Owha, and the nearby islands. Elbina has huge reserves of gas, estimated at {{convert|2180|km3|-1}}, and Liquefied natural gas up to 2012 exported to many countries. Elbina produces its own energy, but has been a net oil importer since 2008 and is rapidly becoming a net importer of natural gas. |
| − | Egypt's economy depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism; there are also more than three million Egyptians working abroad, mainly in [[Saudi Arabia]], the [[Persian Gulf]] and Europe. The completion of the [[Aswan High Dam]] in 1970 and the resultant [[Lake Nasser]] have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population, limited [[arable land]], and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress the economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lexicorient.com/e.o/egypt_2.htm|title=Egypt: Economy|publisher=LookLex Encyclopedia|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref>
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| | | | |
| − | The government has invested in communications and physical infrastructure. Egypt has received [[United States foreign aid]] since 1979 (an average of $2.2 billion per year) and is the third-largest recipient of such funds from the United States following the Iraq war. Egypt's economy mainly relies on these sources of income: tourism, remittances from Egyptians working abroad and revenues from the Suez Canal.<ref>[http://www.undp.org.eg/Default.aspx?tabid=75 Egypt Country Profile]. Undp.org.eg (11 February 2011). Retrieved on 29 July 2013.</ref>
| + | Economic conditions have started to improve considerably, after a period of stagnation, due to the adoption of more liberal economic policies by the government as well as increased revenues from tourism and a booming stock market. Some major economic reforms undertaken by the government since 2003 include a dramatic slashing of customs and tariffs. A new tax law implemented in 2005 decreased corporate taxes from 40% to the current 20%, resulting in a stated 100% increase in tax revenue by the year 2006. |
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| − | Egypt has a developed energy market based on coal, oil, [[natural gas]], and [[Hydropower|hydro power]]. Substantial coal deposits in the northeast Sinai are mined at the rate of about {{convert|600000|t|-4|lk=on}} per year. Oil and gas are produced in the western desert regions, the [[Gulf of Suez]], and the Nile Delta. Egypt has huge reserves of gas, estimated at {{convert|2180|km3|-1}},<ref name="eia">{{cite web|title=Egypt|url=http://www.eia.gov/countries/country-data.cfm?fips=EG|website=U.S. Energy Information Administration|accessdate=24 February 2015|date=14 August 2014}}</ref> and [[Liquefied natural gas|LNG]] up to 2012 exported to many countries. In 2013, the Egyptian General Petroleum Co (EGPC) said the country will cut exports of natural gas and tell major industries to slow output this summer to avoid an energy crisis and stave off political unrest, Reuters has reported. Egypt is counting on top liquid natural gas (LNG) exporter Qatar to obtain additional gas volumes in summer, while encouraging factories to plan their annual maintenance for those months of peak demand, said EGPC chairman, Tarek El Barkatawy. Egypt produces its own energy, but has been a net oil importer since 2008 and is rapidly becoming a net importer of natural gas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameinfo.com/egypt-reduce-natural-gas-exports-avoid-343607 |title=Egypt to reduce natural gas exports to avoid energy crisis |publisher=AMEinfo.com |accessdate=6 July 2013}}</ref>
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| − | {{double image|right|San Stefano Grand Plaza 2.jpg|220|Flickr - archer10 (Dennis) - Egypt-2A-007.jpg|220|[[San Stefano Grand Plaza]] in [[Alexandria]] (left) and view from [[Cairo]].}}
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| − | Economic conditions have started to improve considerably, after a period of stagnation, due to the adoption of more liberal economic policies by the government as well as increased revenues from tourism and a booming [[stock market]]. In its annual report, the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) has rated Egypt as one of the top countries in the world undertaking economic reforms.<ref name=IMF>{{cite web|last=Enders|first=Klaus|title=Egypt: Reforms Trigger Economic Growth|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/survey/so/2008/car021308a.htm|work=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2 February 2011|quote=In its most recent review of Egypt's economy, the IMF has said the expansion has broadened from energy, construction, and telecommunications to labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.}}</ref> Some major economic reforms undertaken by the government since 2003 include a dramatic slashing of customs and tariffs. A new [[Tax law|taxation law]] implemented in 2005 decreased corporate taxes from 40% to the current 20%, resulting in a stated 100% increase in [[tax revenue]] by the year 2006. | + | |
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| − | [[Foreign direct investment]] (FDI) in Egypt increased considerably before the removal of Hosni Mubarak, exceeding $6 billion in 2006, due to [[Liberal theory of economics|economic liberalisation]] and [[privatisation]] measures taken by minister of investment Mahmoud Mohieddin.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} Since the fall of Hosni Mubarak in 2011, Egypt has experienced a drastic fall in both foreign investment and tourism revenues, followed by a 60% drop in foreign exchange reserves, a 3% drop in growth, and a rapid devaluation of the Egyptian pound.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/16/egypt-worst-economic-crisis-1930s |title=Egypt suffering worst economic crisis since 1930s |publisher=Guardian |accessdate=18 June 2013 |location=London |first=Patrick |last=Kingsley |date=16 May 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Although one of the main obstacles still facing the Egyptian economy is the limited trickle down of wealth to the average population, many Egyptians criticise their government for higher prices of basic goods while their [[Standard of living|standards of living]] or purchasing power remains relatively stagnant. Corruption is often cited by Egyptians as the main impediment to further economic growth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=27105 |title=IRIN Middle East | Egypt: Corruption hampering development, says opposition report | Breaking News |publisher=Irinnews.org |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rania Al Malky |url=http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2978 |title=et — Full Story |publisher=Egypttoday.com |accessdate=25 August 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20090208233152/http://www.egypttoday.com:80/article.aspx?ArticleID=2978 |archivedate=8 February 2009 }}</ref> The government promised major reconstruction of the country's infrastructure, using money paid for the newly acquired third mobile license ($3 billion) by [[Emirates Telecommunications Corporation|Etisalat]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstodayegypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6902 |title=Etisalat Wins Third License |author=Fatima El Saadani |date=August 2006 |publisher=Business Today |accessdate=21 August 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In the [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] 2013, Egypt was ranked 114 out of 177.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/12/03/egypt-ranks-114th-on-corruption-scale/#dnePhoto/0/ |title=Egypt ranks 114th on corruption scale |publisher= |date=3 December 2013 |accessdate=8 December 2013}}</ref>
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| − | [[File:USS America (CV-66) in the Suez canal 1981.jpg|thumb|The [[Suez Canal]].]]
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| − | Egypt's most prominent multinational companies are the [[Orascom Group]] and Raya Contact Center. The information technology (IT) sector has expanded rapidly in the past few years, with many start-ups selling outsourcing services to North America and Europe, operating with companies such as Microsoft, Oracle and other major corporations, as well as many small and medium size enterprises. Some of these companies are the Xceed Contact Center, Raya, E Group Connections and C3. The IT sector has been stimulated by new Egyptian entrepreneurs with government encouragement.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
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| − | An estimated 2.7 million Egyptians abroad contribute actively to the development of their country through [[remittances]] (US$7.8 billion in 2009), as well as circulation of human and social capital and investment.<ref name="IOMEgypt"/> Remittances, money earned by Egyptians living abroad and sent home, reached a record US$21 billion in 2012, according to the World Bank.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/global-remittance-flow-grows-10-77-to-514-billion-in-2012-world-bank-1.1172693|title=Global remittance flow grows 10.77% to $514 billion in 2012: World Bank|author=Saifur Rahman|date=April 2013|publisher=Gulf News|accessdate=18 June 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Egyptian society is moderately unequal in terms of income distribution, with an estimated 35 – 40% of Egypt's population earning less than the equivalent of $2 a day, while only around 2–3% may be considered wealthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/02/08/egypt_over_the_brink?page=0,1 |title=Egypt Over the Brink, interview with Tarek Osman |authors=Lauren E. Bohn, Sarah Lynch |publisher=Foreignpolicy.com |date=8 February 2011 |accessdate=8 February 2013}}</ref>
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| | | | |
| | ===Energy=== | | ===Energy=== |
| − | {{Main article|Energy in Egypt}}
| + | Elbina was producing 691,000 [[bbl/d]] of oil and 2,141.05 Tcf of natural gas (in 2013). Elbina is currently planning to build its first nuclear power plant in Xandria. |
| − | [[File:Oil refinery at lake Mariout.jpg|thumb|Oil refinery at lake Mariout]]
| + | |
| − | Egypt was producing 691,000 [[bbl/d]] of oil and 2,141.05 Tcf of natural gas (in 2013), which makes Egypt as the largest oil producer not member of the [[Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries]] (OPEC) and the second-largest dry natural gas producer in Africa. In 2013, Egypt was the largest consumer of oil and natural gas in Africa, as more than 20% of total oil consumption and more than 40% of total dry natural gas consumption in Africa. Also, Egypt possesses the largest oil refinery capacity in Africa 726,000 bbl/d (in 2012).<ref name="eia"/>
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| − | Egypt is currently planning to build its first nuclear power plant in [[El Dabaa]] city, northern Egypt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2015/08/12/russia-and-egypt-to-sign-nuclear-plant-contracts-soon-081202.aspx#.VdtdaJad5ng|title=Russia And Egypt To Sign Nuclear Plant Contracts Soon|work=nuclearstreet.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecairopost.com/news/163548/news/egypt-russia-sign-contract-to-build-dabaa-nuclear-plant-late-august-official|title=Egypt, Russia sign contract to build Dabaa nuclear plant late August: official|work=Cairo Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://freebeacon.com/national-security/russia-signed-nuclear-deals-with-traditional-u-s-allies-in-middle-east/|title=Russia Signs Nuclear Deals With Traditional U.S. Allies in Middle East|work=Washington Free Beacon}}</ref>
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| − | | + | |
| − | ===Transport===
| + | |
| − | {{main article|Transport in Egypt}}
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| − | Transport in Egypt is centred around Cairo and largely follows the pattern of settlement along the Nile. The main line of the nation's 40,800-kilometer (25,400 mi) railway network runs from Alexandria to Aswan and is operated by [[Egyptian National Railways]]. The vehicle road network has expanded rapidly to over 21,000 miles, consisting of 28 line, 796 stations, 1800 train covering the Nile Valley and Nile Delta, the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts, the Sinai, and the Western oases.
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| − | [[File:Metro-1-l.jpg|thumb|right|The Cairo Metro (line 2)]] The [[Cairo Metro]] in Egypt is the first of only two full-fledged metro systems in Africa and the Arab World. It is considered one of the most important recent projects in Egypt which cost around 12 billion Egyptian pounds. The system consists of three operational lines with a fourth line expected in the future.
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| − | Egypt is considered one of the pioneer countries in using air transport having established its most important and main flag carrier airline of Egypt, [[EgyptAir]] in 1932, 100% owned by the Egyptian Government. The airline is based at [[Cairo International Airport]], its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 75 destinations in the [[Middle East]], [[Europe]], [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and [[the Americas]]. The Current [[EgyptAir]] fleet includes 80 aeroplane.
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| − | ===Water supply and sanitation===
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| − | {{Main article|Water supply and sanitation in Egypt}}
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| − | Drinking [[water supply]] and [[sanitation]] in Egypt is characterised by both achievements and challenges. Among the achievements are an increase of piped water supply between 1990 and 2010 from 89% to 100% in urban areas and from 39% to 93% in rural areas despite rapid population growth, the elimination of [[open defecation]] in rural areas during the same period, and in general a relatively high level of investment in infrastructure. Access to an [[improved water source]] in Egypt is now practically universal with a rate of 99%. About one half of the population is connected to [[sanitary sewer]]s.<ref>As per the 2006 census</ref>
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| − | Partly because of low sanitation coverage about 17,000 children die each year because of [[diarrhoea]].<ref name="IDRC">National Water Research Center, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (2007): [http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-127200-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html Actualizing the Right to Water: An Egyptian Perspective for an Action Plan], Shaden Abdel-Gawad, retrieved on 2012-04-30</ref> Another challenge is low cost recovery due to water tariffs that are among the lowest in the world. This in turn requires government subsidies even for operating costs, a situation that has been aggravated by salary increases without tariff increases after the [[Arab Spring]]. Poor operation of facilities, such as water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as limited government accountability and transparency, are also issues.
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| − | ==Demographics==
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| − | {{Main article|Demographics of Egypt|Egyptians}}
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| − | | + | |
| − | [[File:Egypt 2010 population density1.png|thumb|Egypt's population density (people per km<sup>2</sup>).]]
| + | |
| − | {{Historical populations
| + | |
| − | |source = Population in Egypt<ref name="pop1882-2006">{{cite web|title=Population in Censuses by Sex & Sex Ratio (1882–2006)|url=http://www.sis.gov.eg/newvr/egyptinfigures/Tables/1-%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86/9.pdf|publisher=Egypt State Information Service}}</ref>
| + | |
| − | |title = Historical populations in thousands
| + | |
| − | |percentages = pagr
| + | |
| − | |1882 |6712
| + | |
| − | |1897 |9669
| + | |
| − | |1907 |11190
| + | |
| − | |1917 |12718
| + | |
| − | |1927 |14178
| + | |
| − | |1937 |15921
| + | |
| − | |1947 |18967
| + | |
| − | |1960 |26085
| + | |
| − | |1966 |30076
| + | |
| − | |1976 |36626
| + | |
| − | |1986 |48254
| + | |
| − | |1996 |59312
| + | |
| − | |2006 |72798
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| − | |2013 |84314
| + | |
| − | }}
| + | |
| − | Egypt is the most populated country in the Middle East, and the third most populous on the [[African continent]], with about 88 million inhabitants {{As of|2015|lc=y}}.<ref name="popclock"/> Its population grew rapidly from 1970 to 2010 due to [[History of medicine#Modern medicine|medical advances]] and increases in agricultural productivity <ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/6496585.stm |title=The limits of a Green Revolution? |publisher=BBC News |date=29 March 2007 |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref> enabled by the [[Green Revolution]].<ref>{{cite web|author=8 April 2000 by admin |url=http://www.foodfirst.org/media/opeds/2000/4-greenrev.html |title=Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy |publisher=Foodfirst.org |date=8 April 2000 |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref> Egypt's population was estimated at 3 million when [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]] invaded the country in 1798.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/egypt/55.htm |title=Egypt – Population |publisher=Countrystudies.us |accessdate=8 February 2013}}</ref>
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| − | Egypt's people are highly urbanised, being concentrated along the Nile (notably Cairo and Alexandria), in the Delta and near the Suez Canal. Egyptians are divided demographically into those who live in the major urban centres and the [[fellah]]in, or farmers, that reside in rural villages.
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| − | An estimated 2.7 million Egyptians live abroad. Approximately 70% of Egyptian migrants live in Arab countries (923,600 in [[Saudi Arabia]], 332,600 in [[Libya]], 226,850 in [[Jordan]], 190,550 in [[Kuwait]] with the rest elsewhere in the region) and the remaining 30% reside mostly in Europe and North America (318,000 in the United States, 110,000 in Canada and 90,000 in Italy).<ref name="IOMEgypt">{{cite journal|url=http://www.egypt.iom.int/Doc/IOM%20Migration%20and%20Development%20in%20Egypt%20Facts%20and%20Figures%20(English).pdf |publisher=International Organization for Migration|title=Migration and Development in Egypt: Facts and Figures|year=2010|accessdate=21 July 2010|ref=harv}}</ref>
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| − | Among the people of the ancient Near East, only the Egyptians have stayed where they were and remained what they were{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}, although they have changed their language once and their religion twice. In a sense, they constitute the world's oldest nation{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}. For most of their history, Egypt has been a state, but only in recent years has it been truly a nation-state, with a government claiming the allegiance of its subjects on the basis of a common identity.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
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| − | ===Ethnic groups===
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| − | Ethnic [[Egyptians]] are by far the largest ethnic group in the country, constituting 91% of the total population.<ref name=factbook/> Ethnic minorities include the [[Abaza people|Abazas]], [[Turkish people|Turks]], [[Greeks]], [[Bedouin]] Arab tribes living in the eastern deserts and the [[Sinai Peninsula]], the [[Berber language|Berber]]-speaking [[Siwis]] ([[Berber people|Amazigh]]) of the [[Siwa Oasis]], and the [[Nubian people|Nubian]] communities clustered along the Nile. There are also tribal [[Beja people|Beja]] communities concentrated in the south-eastern-most corner of the country, and a number of [[Dom people|Dom]] clans mostly in the Nile Delta and [[Faiyum]] who are progressively becoming assimilated as urbanisation increases.
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| − | Egypt also hosts an unknown number of [[refugees]] and asylum seekers, estimated to be between 500,000 and 3 million.<ref name="Refugees">{{cite web|url=http://www.forcedmigration.org/guides/fmo029/fmo029-3.htm |title=Refugees in Egypt |publisher=Wayback.archive.org |accessdate=8 February 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321055911/http://www.forcedmigration.org/guides/fmo029/fmo029-3.htm |archivedate=21 March 2005 }}</ref> There are some 70,000 [[Palestinian refugee]]s,<ref name="Refugees"/> and about 150,000 recently arrived [[Refugees of Iraq|Iraqi refugees]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hrw.org/backgrounder/refugees/iraq0407/4.htm |title=Iraq: from a Flood to a Trickle: Egypt |publisher=Human Rights Watch |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref> but the number of the largest group, the [[Sudanese refugees in Egypt|Sudanese]], is contested.<ref group="nb">See {{Wayback |df=yes|date=20070914031546 |url=http://www.refugees.org/countryreports.aspx?subm=&ssm=&cid=96 |title=The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants }} for a lower estimate. The {{cite web|url=http://www.eohr.org/ref/ |title=The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230012918/http://www.eohr.org/ref/ |archivedate=30 December 2007}} states on its web site that in 2000 the [[World Council of Churches]] claimed that "between two and five million Sudanese have come to Egypt in recent years". Most [[Sudanese refugees]] come to Egypt in the hope of resettling in Europe or the US.</ref> The once-vibrant and ancient [[Greeks in Egypt|Greek]] and [[History of the Jews in Egypt|Jewish communities in Egypt]] have almost [[Jewish exodus from Arab lands|disappeared]], with only a small number remaining in the country, but many Egyptian [[Jew]]s visit on religious or other occasions and tourism. Several important Jewish archaeological and historical sites are found in Cairo, Alexandria and other cities.
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| − | ===Languages===
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| − | {{main article|Languages of Egypt}}
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| − | The [[official language]] of the Republic is [[Modern Standard Arabic]].<ref name="Provisional Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/LastPage.aspx?Category_ID=1155 |title=Constitutional Declaration: A New Stage in the History of the Great Egyptian People |date=30 March 2011 |publisher=Egypt State Information Service |accessdate=15 April 2011}}</ref> Arabic was adopted by the Egyptians after the Arab invasion of Egypt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historytoday.com/eamonn-gearon/arab-invasions-first-islamic-empire|title=Arab Invasions: The First Islamic Empire|work=historytoday.com}}</ref> The [[spoken language]]s are: [[Egyptian Arabic]] (68%), [[Sa'idi Arabic]] (29%), [[Bedawi Arabic|Eastern Egyptian Bedawi Arabic]]<!--don't reduce the name, there are many similar named dialects--> (1.6%), [[Sudanese Arabic]] (0.6%), [[Domari language|Domari]] (0.3%), [[Nobiin language|Nobiin]] (0.3%), [[Beja language|Beja]] (0.1%), [[Siwi language|Siwi]] and others. Additionally, [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Armenian language|Armenian]] and [[Italian language|Italian]] are the main languages of immigrants. In [[Alexandria]] in the 19th century there was a large community of [[Italian Egyptians]] and Italian was the "[[lingua franca]]" of the city.
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| − | The main foreign languages taught in schools, by order of popularity, are [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]], [[German language|German]] and Italian.
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| − | Historical [[Egyptian languages]], also known as Copto-Egyptian, consist of ancient [[Egyptian language|Egyptian]] and [[Coptic language|Coptic]], and form a separate branch among the family of [[Afroasiatic languages]]. The "[[Koiné]]" dialect of the [[Greek language]], though not native to Egypt, was important in [[Hellenistic]] Alexandria. It was used extensively in the [[philosophy]] and [[science]] of that culture. Later translations from Greek to Arabic became the subject of study by Arab scholars.
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| | | | |
| | ===Religion=== | | ===Religion=== |
| − | [[File:Mohamed Ali Mosque HDR.jpg|thumb|The [[Mosque of Muhammad Ali]].]]
| + | Elbina is a predominantly Christian country with Orthodoxy as its state religion. Although Egypt was a majority Aasif country before the 7th Century. After Orthodoxy arrived, the country was slowly Christianized to become a majority Orthodox country. Elbina emerged as a center of politics and culture in the Christian world. Native Elbinian Christians are adherents of the Orthodoxy. Non-native Christian communities are largely found in the urban regions of Varia and Xandria. |
| − | Egypt is a predominantly [[Sunni]] Muslim country with [[Islam]] as its state religion. The percentage of adherents of various religions is a controversial topic in Egypt. An estimated 90% are identified as Muslim, 9% as [[Coptic Christians]], and 1% as other Christian denominations.<ref group="nb">The population of Egypt is estimated as being 90% Muslim, 9% Coptic Christian and 1% other Christian though estimates vary. by the US Department of State ({{cite web |url = http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/egypt/180843.htm|title = Background Note: Egypt|date = 10 November 2010|publisher = US Department of State|accessdate = 5 March 2011}}); the CIA World Factbook ({{cite web|url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/eg.html|title = Egypt|date = 4 September 2008|publisher = CIA}}) and the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office ({{cite web|url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121212135632/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/country-profiles/middle-east-north-africa/egypt|title = Egypt|date = 27 January 2008|publisher = UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office|access-date = 16 February 2016}}). Microsoft Encarta Online similarly estimates the Sunni population at 90% of the total. ({{cite encyclopedia|url = http://encarta.msn.com/text_761557408___0/Egypt.html|archivedate = 21 October 2009|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20091021003619/http://encarta.msn.com/text_761557408___0/Egypt.html|title = Egypt|date = 30 September 2008|publisher = Microsoft Encarta Online}}). The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life gave a higher estimate of the Muslim population at 94.6% ({{cite web|url = http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/Muslimpopulation/Muslimpopulation.pdf|title = Mapping The Global Muslim Population|publisher = Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life|page = 8|format = PDF|accessdate = 25 July 2011}})</ref> [[Non-denominational Muslims]] form roughly 12% of the population.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation] retrieved 4 September 2013</ref>
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| − | Although Egypt was a majority Christian country before the 7th Century, after Islam arrived, the country was slowly Islamified to become a majority Muslim country.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Encyclopedia Coptica: The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church Of Egypt|url = http://www.coptic.net/EncyclopediaCoptica/|website = www.coptic.net|accessdate = 2016-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title = The Arab Conquest of Egypt|last = Butler|first = Alfred J.|publisher = © Oxford University Press 1978|year = 1978|isbn = 0-19-821678-5|location = |pages = }}</ref> Egypt emerged as a centre of politics and culture in the [[Muslim world]]. Under [[Anwar Sadat]], Islam became the official [[state religion]] and [[Sharia]] the main source of law.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/countries/egypt |title=Egypt |publisher=[[Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs]] |accessdate=14 December 2011}}</ref> It is estimated that 15 million Egyptians follow [[Sufism|Native Sufi]] [[Tariqah|orders]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/sufis%E2%80%99-choice-egypt%E2%80%99s-political-wild-card |title=The Sufis' Choice: Egypt's Political Wild Card |author=Kristin Deasy |publisher=World Affairs Journal |date=October 2012 |accessdate=6 July 2013}}</ref><ref name=HuffPost15Million>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/14/sufis-in-egypt_n_3441037.html |title=Sufis In Egypt Thrive With More Than 15 Million Despite Attacks By Islamist Hardliners |author=Hassan Ammar |publisher=Huffington Post |date=14 June 2013 |accessdate=6 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hoffman|first=Valerie J.|title=Sufism, Mystics, and Saints in Modern Egypt|year=1995|publisher=University of South Carolina Press}}</ref> with the Sufi leadership asserting that the numbers are much greater as many Egyptian Sufis are not officially registered with a Sufi order.<ref name=HuffPost15Million/> | + | |
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| − | [[File:Virgin Mary Church.jpg|thumb|The Church of The Virgin Mary, Ismailia.]]
| + | |
| − | Of the [[Christianity in Egypt|Christian minority in Egypt]] over 90% belong to the native Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, an [[Oriental Orthodox]] Christian Church.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=xrGL7o69KBIC&pg=PA145&lpg=PA145&dq=coptic+orthodox|title=Who are the Christians in the Middle East?|date=18 June 2009|publisher=Betty Jane Bailey | isbn=978-0-8028-1020-5}}</ref> Other native Egyptian Christians are adherents of the [[Coptic Catholic Church]], the [[Evangelical Church of Egypt (Synod of the Nile)|Evangelical Church of Egypt]] and various other [[Protestantism|Protestant]] denominations. Non-native Christian communities are largely found in the urban regions of Cairo and Alexandria, such as the [[Syro-Lebanese in Egypt|Syro-Lebanese]], who belong to [[Melkite Greek Catholic Church|Greek Catholic]], [[Greek Orthodox]], and [[Maronite Catholic]] denominations.<ref>{{cite journal|title=CATHOLICS IN EGYPT REFLECT CHURCH'S RICH AND VARIED TRADITIONS|journal=L'Osservatore Romano|date=1 March 2000|volume=Weekly Edition in English|pages=6, 7|url=http://www.ewtn.com/library/CHISTORY/EGPTCATH.HTM}}</ref>
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| − | Ethnic [[Greeks]] also made up a large [[Greek Orthodox]] population in the past. Likewise, Armenians made up the then larger [[Armenian Orthodox]] and [[Armenian Catholic|Catholic]] communities. Egypt also used to have a large [[Roman Catholicism in Egypt|Roman Catholic]] community, largely made up of [[Italian Egyptians|Italians]] and [[Maltese in Egypt|Maltese]]. These non-native communities were much larger in Egypt before the Nasser regime and the nationalisation that took place.
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| − | Egypt hosts two major religious institutions, the [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]], established in the middle of the 1st century CE by [[Mark the Evangelist|Saint Mark the Evangelist]], and [[Al-Azhar University]], founded in 970 CE by the [[Fatimid Caliphate|Fatimids]] as the first{{Dubious|date=December 2010}} Islamic School and University in the world.
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| − | Egypt recognises only three religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Other faiths and minority Muslim sects practised by Egyptians, such as the small [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]] and [[Ahmadiyya|Ahmadi]] community, are not recognised by the state and face persecution since they are labelled as far right groups that threaten Egypt's national security.<ref>{{cite news | last = al-Shahat | first =Abdel Moneim | title =Shahat: Baha'is threaten Egypt's national security | newspaper =Egypt Independent | date =18 February 2012 | url =http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/666371 | accessdate = 25 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | url=https://www.persecutionofahmadis.org/egypt-ahmadis-detained-under-emergency-law-rights-group/ | title=Egypt Ahmadis detained under emergency law: rights group | date=14 May 2010 | accessdate=4 June 2014}}</ref> Individuals, particularly Baha'is and atheists, wishing to include their religion (or lack thereof) on their mandatory state issued identification cards are denied this ability (see [[Egyptian identification card controversy]]), and are put in the position of either not obtaining required identification or lying about their faith. A 2008 court ruling allowed members of unrecognised faiths to obtain identification and leave the religion field blank.<ref name="International Religious Freedom Report 2008"/><ref name="reuters"/>
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==Culture==
| + | |
| − | {{Main article|Culture of Egypt}}
| + | |
| − | [[File:Azhar Park Cairo View.jpg|thumbnail|left|[[Al-Azhar Park]] is listed as one of the world's sixty great public spaces by the [[Project for Public Spaces]]]]
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| − | [[File:LibraryAlexandria1-Omar.jpg|thumb|[[Bibliotheca Alexandrina]] is a commemoration of the ancient [[Library of Alexandria]] in Egypt's second largest city.]]
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| − | Egypt is a recognised cultural trend-setter of the Arabic-speaking world. Contemporary Arabic and Middle-Eastern culture is heavily influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television. Egypt gained a regional leadership role during the 1950s and 1960s, giving a further enduring boost to the standing of Egyptian culture in the Arabic-speaking world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49061 |title=MIDEAST: Egypt Makes Cultural Clout Count (IPS, Oct. 29, 2009) |publisher=Ipsnews.net |date=29 October 2009 |accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref>
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| − | Egyptian identity evolved in the span of a long period of occupation to accommodate [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and Judaism; and a new language, [[Arabic language|Arabic]], and its spoken descendant, [[Egyptian Arabic]] which is also based on many Ancient Egyptian words.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youregypt.com/issue3/topic.htm|title=The Egyptian Identity: Pharaohs, Moslems, Arabs, Africans, Middle Easterners or Mediterranean People?|author=Raymon Kondos|date=15 February 2004|accessdate=21 August 2008}}</ref>
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| − | The work of early 19th-century scholar [[Rifa'a al-Tahtawi]] renewed interest in [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian antiquity]] and exposed Egyptian society to [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]] principles. Tahtawi co-founded with education reformer [[Ali Mubarak]] a native [[Egyptology]] school that looked for inspiration to medieval Egyptian scholars, such as [[Suyuti]] and [[Maqrizi]], who themselves studied the [[History of ancient Egypt|history]], [[Egyptian language|language]] and [[Ancient Egyptian architecture|antiquities]] of Egypt.<ref>{{cite book|last=El-Daly|first=Okasha|title=Egyptology: The Missing Millennium|year=2005|publisher=UCL Press|location=London|page=29}}</ref>
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| − | Egypt's renaissance peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the work of people like [[Muhammad Abduh]], [[Ahmed Lutfi el-Sayed]], [[Muhammad Loutfi Goumah]], [[Tawfiq el-Hakim]], [[Louis Awad]], [[Qasim Amin]], [[Salama Moussa]], [[Taha Hussein]] and [[Mahmoud Mokhtar]]. They forged a [[liberalism|liberal]] path for Egypt expressed as a commitment to personal freedom, [[secularism]] and faith in science to bring progress.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jankowski|first=James|title=Egypt, A Short History|page=130}}</ref>
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| − | ===Popular culture===
| + | |
| − | Egypt's media industry has flourished, with more than thirty satellite channels and over one hundred motion pictures produced each year.
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| − | [[Media of Egypt|Egyptian media]] are highly influential throughout the [[Arab World]], attributed to large audiences and increasing freedom from government control.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm#media |title=Country profiles: Egypt |publisher=BBC News |date=15 January 2013 |accessdate=8 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbsjournal.com/Archives/Fall05/Levinson.html |title=Plus ca Change: The Role of the Media in Egypt's First Contested Presidential Elections |publisher=Tbsjournal.com |accessdate=8 February 2013}}</ref> Freedom of the media is guaranteed in the constitution; however, many laws still restrict this right.<ref name=bbc/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2007 | title=Freedom House 2007 report | publisher=Freedomhouse.org | date=10 May 2004 | accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref>
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| − | ===Dance===
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| − | Today, Egypt is often considered the home of [[belly dance]]. Egyptian [[belly dance]] has two main styles – [[raqs baladi]] and [[raqs sharqi]]. There are also numerous folkloric and character dances that may be part of an Egyptian-style belly dancer's repertoire, as well as the modern shaabi street dance which shares some elements with [[raqs baladi]].
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| | | | |
| | ===Festivals=== | | ===Festivals=== |
| − | Egypt celebrates many festivals and religious carnivals, also known as ''mulid''. They are usually associated with a particular Coptic or Sufi saint, but are often celebrated by Egyptians irrespective of creed or religion. [[Ramadan]] has a special flavour in Egypt, celebrated with sounds, lights (local lanterns known as ''fawanees'') and much flare that many Muslim tourists from the region flock to Egypt to witness during Ramadan.
| + | Elbina celebrates many festivals and religious carnivals. They are usually associated with a particular Orthodox saint, but are often celebrated by Elbinians irrespective of creed or religion. Fasting of the Lord has a special flavour in Elbina, celebrated with sounds, lights and much flare that many Orthodox tourists from the region flock to Elbina to witness during Fasting of the Lord. |
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| − | The ancient spring festival of [[Sham El Nessim|Sham en Nisim]] ([[Coptic language|Coptic]]: {{Coptic|Ϭⲱⲙ‘ⲛⲛⲓⲥⲓⲙ}} ''shom en nisim'') has been celebrated by Egyptians for thousands of years, typically between the [[Egyptian calendar|Egyptian months]] of [[Paremoude]] (April) and [[Pashons]] (May), following [[Easter]] Sunday.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ===Cuisine===
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| − | {{main article|Egyptian cuisine}}
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| − | [[File:Cairo koshary.jpg|thumb|[[Kushari]], one of Egypt's national dishes.]]
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| − | Egyptian cuisine is notably conducive to vegetarian diets, as it relies heavily on vegetable dishes. Though food in Alexandria and the coast of Egypt tends to use a great deal of fish and other seafood, for the most part Egyptian cuisine is based on foods that grow out of the ground. Meat has been very expensive for most Egyptians throughout history, so a great number of vegetarian dishes have been developed.
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| − | Some consider [[koshari]] (a mixture of rice, lentils, and macaroni) to be the [[national dish]]. Fried onions can be also added to koshari. In addition, [[ful medames]] (mashed fava beans) is one of the most popular dishes. Fava bean is also used in making [[falafel]] (also known as "ta'meyya"), which may have originated in Egypt and spread to other parts of the Middle East. Garlic fried with coriander is added to [[mulukhiyya]], a popular green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, sometimes with chicken or rabbit.
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| | | | |
| | ===Sports=== | | ===Sports=== |
| − | [[File:Crowd in Cairo Stadium.jpg|thumb|300px|A crowd at Cairo Stadium.]]
| + | Rugby is the most popular national sport of Elbina. The Varia Derby is one of the fiercest derbies in Africa, and the WBC picked it as ''one of the 7 toughest derbies in the world''. Dust Warriors is one of the most successful club of the 20th century in the Gondwanna continent according to CAF, closely followed by their rivals Malek SC. With twenty titles, the Dust Warriors is currently the world's most successful club in terms of international trophies, surpassing DuVall's Malek SC and Tolorian Empire's Bocatus, both having eighteen. |
| − | [[Association football|Football]] is the most popular [[national sport]] of Egypt. The [[Cairo Derby]] is one of the fiercest derbies in Africa, and the BBC picked it as ''one of the 7 toughest derbies in the world''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/football/features/newsid_2299000/2299305.stm | title=BBC Sport Academy | Al-Ahly v Zamalek | publisher=BBC News | date= 5 August 2002 | accessdate=25 August 2010}}</ref> [[Al Ahly SC|Al Ahly]] is the most successful club of the 20th century in the African continent according to CAF, closely followed by their rivals [[Zamalek SC]]. [[Al Ahly SC|Al Ahly]] was named in 2000 by the [[Confederation of African Football]] as the "[[CAF Clubs of the 20th Century|African Club of the Century]]". With twenty titles, Al Ahly is currently the world's most successful club in terms of international trophies, surpassing Italy's [[A.C. Milan]] and Argentina's [[Boca Juniors]], both having eighteen.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/12/11/al-ahly-master-world/ | title=Al-Ahly – master of the world | publisher=Daily News Egypt | date=11 December 2014 | accessdate=22 December 2014}}</ref>
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| − | The [[Egypt national football team|Egyptian national football team]] known as the "Pharaohs" won the [[African Cup of Nations]] seven times, including three times in a row in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Considered the most successful African national team and one of the very few African teams that reached the 9th ranking on the FIFA world ranks, Egypt has only qualified to the [[FIFA World Cup]] two times only though. The Egyptian Youth National team "Young Pharaohs" won the Bronze Medal of the [[2001 FIFA World Youth Championship|2001 FIFA youth world cup]] in Argentina. | + | The Elbinian national Football team known as the "Crusaders" won the Gondwanna Cup of Nations seven times, including three times in a row in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Considered the most successful Gondwannan national team and one of the very few Gondwannan teams that reached the 9th ranking on the WFA world ranks. |
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| − | [[Squash (sport)|Squash]] and [[tennis]] are other popular sports in Egypt. The Egyptian squash team has been known for its fierce competition in international championships since the 1930s. [[Amr Shabana]] and [[Ramy Ashour]] are Egypt's best players and both were ranked as "World's Number One Squash Player".
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| − | Among all African nations, the [[Egypt national basketball team]] holds the record for best performance at the [[FIBA Basketball World Cup|Basketball World Cup]] and at the [[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/event/p/cid//sid/2902/_/1950_FIBA_World_Championship_for_Men/index.html | title=1950 World Championship for Men | publisher=FIBA | date= 9 June 2012 | accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/team/p/sid/2933/tid/276/_/1952_Olympic_Games_Tournament_for_Men/index.html | title=Egypt – 1952 Olympic Games; Tournament for Men | publisher=FIBA | date= 9 June 2012 | accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref> Further, the team has won a record number of 16 medals at the [[FIBA Africa Championship|African Championship]].
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| − | In 1999, Egypt [[1999 World Men's Handball Championship|hosted]] the [[IHF World Men's Handball Championship]], and in 2001, the [[Egypt national handball team|national handball team]] achieved its best result in the tournament by reaching the fourth place. Egypt has won first place five times in the [[African Men's Handball Championship]], five times second place, and four times third place. In addition to that, it also championed the [[Egypt at the 2013 Mediterranean Games|Mediterranean Games]] in [[Handball at the 2013 Mediterranean Games|2013]], the [[Beach Handball World Championships]] in [[2004 Beach Handball World Championships|2004]] and the [[Egypt at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics|Summer Youth Olympics]] in [[Handball at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics – Boys' tournament|2010]].
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| − | [[Egypt at the Olympics|Egypt has taken part]] in the [[Summer Olympic Games]] since 1912 and hosted [[1951 Mediterranean Games|the first]] [[Mediterranean Games]] in 1951, [[Alexandria]].
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| − | Egypt has hosted several international competitions. the last one was [[2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup]] which took place between 24 September – 16 October 2009.
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| − | On Friday 19 September of the year 2014, [[Guinness World Records]] has announced that [[Scuba diver|Egyptian scuba diver]] ''Ahmed Gabr'' is the new title holder for deepest salt water [[scuba dive]], at 332.35 metres.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/56/111120/Sports/Omni-Sports/BREAKING-Egyptian-Ahmed-Gabr-breaks-deepest-scuba-.aspx|title=Egyptian Ahmed Gabr breaks world's deepest scuba dive record – Omni Sports – Sports – Ahram Online|work=ahram.org.eg}}</ref> Ahmed set a new world record Friday when he reached a depth of more than 1,000 feet. The 14-hour feat took Gabr 1,066 feet down into the abyss near the Egyptian town of [[Dahab]] in ther [[Red Sea]], where he works as a diving instructor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/egyptian-scuba-diver-ahmed-gabr-plunges-1-066-feet-set-n207061|title=Egyptian Scuba Diver Ahmed Gabr Plunges 1,066 Feet to Set World Record|work=NBC News}}</ref>
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| − | On 1 September 2015 [[Raneem El Weleily]] was ranked as the world number one woman squash player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://psaworldtour.com/news/view/2204|title=Raneem El Welily Is New Women's World No.1|work=psaworldtour.com}}</ref> Other Egyptian squash player women are [[Nour El Tayeb]], [[Omneya Abdel Kawy]], [[Kanzy Emad El-Defrawy]] and [[Nour El Sherbini]].
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| − | ==Telecommunication==
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| − | {{main article|Telecommunications in Egypt}}
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| − | The wired and wireless telecommunication industry in Egypt started in 1854 with the launch of the country's first telegram line connecting [[Cairo]] and [[Alexandria]]. The first telephone line between the two cities was installed in 1881.<ref name=te>{{cite web|title=Historical synopsis of Telecom Egypt's developments|url=http://telecomegypt.com.eg/English/te_history.asp|}}</ref> In September 1999 a national project for a technological renaissance was announced reflecting the commitment of the Egyptian government to developing the country's IT-sector.
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| − | ===Cellular===
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| − | Cellular [[GSM]] services were first launched in Egypt in 1996.<ref name=te/> It is currently offering 2G/3G service, while LTE is under trials. Egypt has 3 companies offering cellular services;
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| − | * [[Mobinil]] owned by [[Global Telecom Holding]] and [[Orange S.A.]].
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| − | * [[Vodafone Egypt]] owned by [[Vodafone]] and [[Telecom Egypt]].
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| − | * [[Etisalat Egypt|Etisalat]] owned by [[Emirates Telecommunication Corporation]].
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| − | ===Post===
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| − | {{main article|Egypt Post}}
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| − | [[Egypt Post]] is the company responsible for postal service in Egypt. Established in 1865, it is one of the oldest governmental institutions in the country. Egypt is one of 21 countries that contributed to the establishment of the [[Universal Postal Union]], initially named the General Postal Union, as signatory of the [[Treaty of Bern]].
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| | ==Education== | | ==Education== |
| − | {{main article|Education in Egypt}}
| + | The illiteracy rate has decreased since 1996 from 39.4 to 25.9 percent in 2013. The adult literacy rate as of July 2014 was estimated at 83.9%. The illiteracy rate is highest among those over 60 years of age being estimated at around 64.9%, while illiteracy among youth between 15 and 24 years of age was listed at 8.6 percent. |
| − | [[File:CairoUniv.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Cairo University]].]]
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| − | The illiteracy rate has decreased since 1996 from 39.4 to 25.9 percent in 2013.The adult literacy rate as of July 2014 was estimated at 73.9%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indexmundi.com/egypt/literacy.html|title=Egypt Literacy|work=indexmundi.com}}</ref> The illiteracy rate is highest among those over 60 years of age being estimated at around 64.9%, while illiteracy among youth between 15 and 24 years of age was listed at 8.6 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://egyptianstreets.com/2014/09/09/more-than-25-of-egypts-population-illiterate/|title=More than 25% of Egypt's population 'illiterate'|author=The Cairo Post|work=Egyptian Streets}}</ref> | + | |
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| − | In the 1950s, president Nasser phased in free education for all Egyptians.<ref name=edu-chatham/> The Egyptian curriculum influenced other Arab education systems, which often employed Egyptian-trained teachers.<ref name=edu-chatham/> Demand soon outstripped the level of available state resources, causing the quality of public education to deteriorate.<ref name=edu-chatham/> Today this trend has culminated in poor teacher–student ratios (often around one to fifty) and persistent gender inequality.<ref name=edu-chatham>{{cite web|title=Education in Egypt: Key Challenges|url=http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Middle%20East/0312egyptedu_background.pdf|publisher=Chatham House|date=March 2012}}</ref>
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| − | Basic education, which includes six years of primary and three years of preparatory school, is a right for Egyptian children from the age of six.<ref name=oecd-edu>{{cite book|title=Higher education in Egypt|year=2010|publisher=OECD|isbn=978-92-64-08434-6|page=60|url=http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/reviews-of-national-policies-for-education-higher-education-in-egypt-2010_9789264084346-en|edition=2010}}</ref> After grade 9, students are tracked into one of two strands of secondary education: general or technical schools. General secondary education prepares students for further education, and graduates of this track normally join higher education institutes based on the results of the [[Thanaweya Amma]], the leaving exam.<ref name=oecd-edu/>
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| − | Technical secondary education has two strands, one lasting three years and a more advanced education lasting five. Graduates of these schools may have access to higher education based on their results on the final exam, but this is generally uncommon.<ref name=oecd-edu/>
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| − | Egypt is currently opening new research institutes for the aim of modernising research in the nation, the most recent example of which is [[Zewail City of Science and Technology]].
| + | Basic education, which includes six years of primary and three years of preparatory school, is a right for Elbinian children from the age of six. After grade 9, students are tracked into one of two strands of secondary education: general or technical schools. General secondary education prepares students for further education, and graduates of this track normally join higher education institutes based on the results of the leaving exam. |
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| − | ==Health==
| + | Technical secondary education has two strands, one lasting three years and a more advanced education lasting five. Graduates of these schools may have access to higher education based on their results on the final exam, but this is generally uncommon. |
| − | {{main article|Health in Egypt}}
| + | |
| − | Egyptian life expectancy at birth was 73.20 years in 2011, or 71.30 years for males and 75.20 years for females. Egypt spends 3.7 percent of its gross domestic product on health including treatment costs 22 percent incurred by citizens and the rest by the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Demography|url=http://www.sesrtcic.org/oic-member-countries-infigures.php?c_code=17&cat_code=7|publisher=SESRIC}}</ref> In 2010, spending on healthcare accounted for 4.66% of the country's GDP. In 2009, there were 16.04 physicians and 33.80 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants.<ref>{{cite web|title=Health|url=http://www.sesrtcic.org/oic-member-countries-infigures.php?c_code=17&cat_code=8|publisher=SESRIC}}</ref>
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| − | As a result of modernisation efforts over the years, Egypt's healthcare system has made great strides forward. Access to healthcare in both urban and rural areas greatly improved and immunisation programs are now able to cover 98% of the population. Life expectancy increased from 44.8 years during the 1960s to 72.12 years in 2009. There was a noticeable decline of the infant mortality rate (during the 1970s to the 1980s the infant mortality rate was 101-132/1000 live births, in 2000 the rate was 50-60/1000, and in 2008 it was 28-30/1000).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsurance.com/health-insurance/egypt/|title=Egypt Health Insurance|work=globalsurance.com}}</ref>
| + | Elbina is currently opening new research institutes for the aim of modernizing research in the nation, the most recent example of which is Tavil City of Science and Technology. |
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| − | The Egyptian government has been keen on extending the coverage of health insurance. The total number of insured Egyptians reached 37 million in 2009, of which 11 million are minors, providing an insurance coverage of approximately 52 percent of Egypt's population.<ref>{{cite web|title=SIS|url=http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?CatID=729|publisher=State Information Service}}</ref> | + | [[Category:Nations]] [[Category:The East Pacific]] [[Category:Gondwana]] |
With over 90 million inhabitants, Elbina is the most populous country in Northern Gondwanna. The great majority of its people live near the coast, where the only arable land is found. The large regions of the desert, which constitute most of Elbina's territory, are sparsely inhabited. About half of the residents live in urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centres of greater Varia, Xandria, and other major cities on the coast.
Modern Elbina is considered to be a regional power, with significant cultural, political, and military influence in North Gondwanna; and the Orthodox World. Its economy is one of the largest and most diversified in the Region, with sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and services at almost equal production levels.
Due to the extreme aridity of Elbina's climate, population centers are concentrated along the narrow coastlines, meaning that about 99% of the population uses about 5.5% of the total land area. 98% of Elbinians live on 3% of the territory.
Elbina is bordered by Owha to the west. Elbina's important role in geopolitics stems from its strategic position: a cultural leader, and from religious power.
Apart from the coastlines, the majority of Elbina's landscape is desert, with a few oasis/oases scattered about. Winds create prolific sand dunes that peak at more than 100 ft high. Elbina includes parts of the Taria desert. These deserts protected the Kingdom of the Orthodox Ecclesiarchy from southern threats and were referred to as the "red land" in ancient Elbinian.
Towns and cities include Xandria, the second largest city; Pounti; Varia, the modern Egyptian capital and largest city; Mahalla Kubra; Port Saga; Port Sid; Zalaziz; and Minya.
Most of Elbina's rain falls in the winter months. South of Varia, rainfall averages only around two to five millimeters per year and at intervals of many years. On a very thin strip of the northern coast the rainfall can be as high as 410mm, mostly between October and March. Egypt is the driest and the sunniest country in the world, and most of its land surface is desert.
Elbina has an unusually hot, sunny and dry climate. Average high temperatures are high in the north but very to extremely high in the rest of the country during summer. The cooler ocean winds consistently blow over the sea coast, which helps to get more moderated temperatures, especially at the height of the summertime.
The House of Representatives, whose members are elected to serve five-year terms, specializes in legislation. Elections were last held between November 2011 and January 2012.
Aasific practitioners face discrimination at multiple levels of the government, ranging from disproportionate representation in government ministries to laws that limit their ability to build or repair mosques. When the government moved to computerise identification cards, members of religious minorities could not obtain identification documents.
The military is influential in the political and economic life of Elbina and exempts itself from laws that apply to other sectors. It enjoys considerable power, prestige and independence within the state and has been widely considered part of the Elbinian "State within a state".
According to the former chair of the Veridian Empire's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Gavin Bura, the Elbinian Air Force has roughly the same number of modern warplanes as the Veridian Naval Air Fleet and far more tanks, and artillery than the Veridian Armed Forces.
The Elbina–Veridian relations provides Elbina with annual military assistance. In 1999, Elbina was designated as a major ally of the Veridian Empire. There are further attempts relations between the two, with both governments frequently partaking in talks for a political union.
The Elbinian military has dozens of factories manufacturing weapons as well as consumer goods. The Armed Forces' inventory includes equipment from different countries around the world. Equipment from the former Old World is being progressively replaced by more modern Veridian and FPS equipment, a significant portion of which is built under license in Elbina, such as the LAV-III and Striker. Both countries have worked since then to strengthen military and trade ties among other aspects of bilateral co-operation.
Elbina is poised to be a founding member of the upcomming political union between it and the Veridian Empire, including four other nations.
Elbina's economy depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum imports, natural gas, and tourism; there are also more than three million Elbinians working abroad, mainly in Veridian Empire, the Genosha and Oynenyua. A rapidly growing population, limited arable land, and dependence on the ocean all continue to overtax resources and stress the economy.
Elbina has a developed energy market based on coal, oil, natural gas, and soon to be nuclear power. Substantial coal deposits in the northeast region are mined at the rate of about 600,000 tonnes (590,000 long tons; 660,000 short tons) per year. Oil and gas are produced in the southwestern desert regions, the Gulf of Owha, and the nearby islands. Elbina has huge reserves of gas, estimated at 2,180 cubic kilometres (520 cu mi), and Liquefied natural gas up to 2012 exported to many countries. Elbina produces its own energy, but has been a net oil importer since 2008 and is rapidly becoming a net importer of natural gas.
Economic conditions have started to improve considerably, after a period of stagnation, due to the adoption of more liberal economic policies by the government as well as increased revenues from tourism and a booming stock market. Some major economic reforms undertaken by the government since 2003 include a dramatic slashing of customs and tariffs. A new tax law implemented in 2005 decreased corporate taxes from 40% to the current 20%, resulting in a stated 100% increase in tax revenue by the year 2006.
Elbina is a predominantly Christian country with Orthodoxy as its state religion. Although Egypt was a majority Aasif country before the 7th Century. After Orthodoxy arrived, the country was slowly Christianized to become a majority Orthodox country. Elbina emerged as a center of politics and culture in the Christian world. Native Elbinian Christians are adherents of the Orthodoxy. Non-native Christian communities are largely found in the urban regions of Varia and Xandria.
Elbina celebrates many festivals and religious carnivals. They are usually associated with a particular Orthodox saint, but are often celebrated by Elbinians irrespective of creed or religion. Fasting of the Lord has a special flavour in Elbina, celebrated with sounds, lights and much flare that many Orthodox tourists from the region flock to Elbina to witness during Fasting of the Lord.
Rugby is the most popular national sport of Elbina. The Varia Derby is one of the fiercest derbies in Africa, and the WBC picked it as one of the 7 toughest derbies in the world. Dust Warriors is one of the most successful club of the 20th century in the Gondwanna continent according to CAF, closely followed by their rivals Malek SC. With twenty titles, the Dust Warriors is currently the world's most successful club in terms of international trophies, surpassing DuVall's Malek SC and Tolorian Empire's Bocatus, both having eighteen.
The Elbinian national Football team known as the "Crusaders" won the Gondwanna Cup of Nations seven times, including three times in a row in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Considered the most successful Gondwannan national team and one of the very few Gondwannan teams that reached the 9th ranking on the WFA world ranks.
The illiteracy rate has decreased since 1996 from 39.4 to 25.9 percent in 2013. The adult literacy rate as of July 2014 was estimated at 83.9%. The illiteracy rate is highest among those over 60 years of age being estimated at around 64.9%, while illiteracy among youth between 15 and 24 years of age was listed at 8.6 percent.
Basic education, which includes six years of primary and three years of preparatory school, is a right for Elbinian children from the age of six. After grade 9, students are tracked into one of two strands of secondary education: general or technical schools. General secondary education prepares students for further education, and graduates of this track normally join higher education institutes based on the results of the leaving exam.
Technical secondary education has two strands, one lasting three years and a more advanced education lasting five. Graduates of these schools may have access to higher education based on their results on the final exam, but this is generally uncommon.
Elbina is currently opening new research institutes for the aim of modernizing research in the nation, the most recent example of which is Tavil City of Science and Technology.
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