Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea north of Sudan. It is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. Between 2004 and 2008, Cairo pursued business climate reforms to attract foreign investment and facilitate growth. The uncertain political, security, and policy environment since 2011 has caused economic growth to slow significantly, hurting tourism, manufacturing and other sectors.

Name Arab Republic of Egypt

Capital Cairo

Frequency of elections Every four years

Name of parliament The Parliament of Egypt

Languages Arabic, English and French

Area 1 001 450 km²

Population 86 895 099 (July 2014 est)

Imports Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels

Exports Crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals, processed food

Currency Egyptian pound

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Greatstock/Corbis