Egypt: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Egypt 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Egypt: 127
  • Happiness Score Egypt:3.977

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Egypt. EG.

    Egypt is a country located in North Africa and is known for its ancient civilization, including the pyramids and the Great Sphinx.

  • Egypt is a republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
  • Egyptian culture is rich in history, art, and literature, and is known for its cuisine, music, and traditional dance forms.
  • Egypt’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and natural gas production.
  • Egypt – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History

    The Nile Valley witnessed the emergence of one of the earliest and most influential civilizations in human history. Ancient Egyptian civilization arose around 3100 BCE, centered along the fertile banks of the Nile River. The kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt were unified around 3100 BCE, marking the beginning of Egypt’s remarkable pharaonic dynasties.

    Kingdoms and Empires

    Egypt’s ancient history is marked by the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms and dynasties. The Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE) saw the construction of iconic pyramids and the centralization of power. The Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BCE) brought a renaissance in art and literature. The New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE) witnessed the reign of famous pharaohs like Ramses II and the expansion of Egyptian influence across the ancient Near East.

    Colonial Period

    In the late 18th century, Egypt fell under Ottoman rule, and subsequently, the control of the French and British empires. In 1805, Muhammad Ali Pasha, an Ottoman governor, established a dynasty that ruled Egypt until the mid-20th century. The construction of the Suez Canal in 1869 increased European influence, leading to growing nationalist movements.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Egypt gained independence from British rule in 1922, although the British maintained significant influence until the 1952 revolution led by Gamal Abdel Nasser. The country underwent a period of political instability, including the Arab-Israeli conflicts and the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981. In recent decades, Egypt has pursued economic reforms and faced challenges related to human rights and democratization.

    Current Political Situation

    Egypt is a semi-presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. The current president is Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who assumed office in 2014 after leading the military’s removal of Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of irregularities and concerns over political freedoms.

    International Relations

    Egypt maintains close ties with Arab nations and plays a significant role in the Middle East. It has been a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has strengthened relations with Gulf states. Egypt also has strategic partnerships with the United States and European powers, while navigating tensions with regional rivals like Turkey and Iran.

    Human Development and Economy

    Egypt’s economy is diversified, with significant contributions from tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. However, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and income inequality. Egypt ranks moderately on the Human Development Index, with ongoing efforts to improve education, healthcare, and living standards.

    Cultural Highlights

    Egypt boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Islam is the predominant religion, with a significant Coptic Christian minority. Arabic is the official language, although various dialects are spoken. Egypt has contributed immensely to literature, architecture, and the arts, from ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza to modern cultural influences in cinema and music.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Egypt faces challenges related to political stability, economic development, and environmental issues like water scarcity and pollution. However, the country’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and potential for renewable energy present significant opportunities for growth and progress in the coming years.

    Travel Tips for Egypt

    Best Times to Visit: The cooler months between November and March are ideal for sightseeing, as summers can be extremely hot. Avoid visiting during the fasting month of Ramadan when many businesses operate on reduced hours.

    Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering mosques and avoid public displays of affection. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Main facts

Location

Egypt is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and the Sinai Peninsula of Southwest Asia. It is situated in the Nile Valley and lies between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Egypt shares borders with Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast.

Map References

Egypt is located in the Northern Africa region.

Area – Comparative

Egypt’s total area is approximately 1,001,450 sq km, making it slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico (USA).

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Egypt has land boundaries totaling 1,672 km. The countries bordering Egypt are:

Coastline

Egypt has a coastline of 2,450 km, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Red Sea.

Maritime Claims

Egypt claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles or the median line with neighboring countries

Climate

Egypt has a predominantly desert climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The coastal regions experience a more temperate climate influenced by the Mediterranean Sea.

Terrain

Egypt’s terrain is dominated by the vast Western Desert, which covers two-thirds of the country’s land area. The Eastern Desert is a rugged region stretching along the Nile Valley and the Red Sea. The Nile River Valley and Nile Delta are fertile regions that sustain most of Egypt’s population and agricultural activities.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Egypt is the Qattara Depression at -133 m below sea level, while the highest point is Mount Catherine at 2,629 m in the Sinai Peninsula.

Natural Resources

Egypt’s major natural resources include:

  • Petroleum
  • Natural gas
  • Iron ore
  • Phosphates
  • Manganese
  • Limestone
  • Gypsum
  • Talc
  • Asbestos
  • Lead
  • Rare earth elements

Major Bodies of Water

Egypt’s most significant body of water is the Nile River, which flows northward from Sudan and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Other notable water bodies include:

  • The Nile Delta region
  • The Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba (both shared with Saudi Arabia and Jordan)
  • Lake Nasser (shared with Sudan)
  • The Qattara Depression in the Western Desert

Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards affecting Egypt include:

  • Periodic droughts
  • Periodic hot, driving windstorm called the khamsin
  • Dust storms
  • Sandstorms

Geography – Notes

Egypt’s geography is heavily influenced by the Nile River, which has been the lifeblood of the nation since ancient times. The country’s arid climate and limited arable land make it highly dependent on the Nile for water resources and agricultural productivity. Additionally, Egypt’s strategic location, connecting Africa and the Middle East, has made it an important geopolitical and economic hub throughout history.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 0.10%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 238,56. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 3.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  26.82055330.802498.
  • Capital: The capital of Egypt is  Cairo
  • Major Cities:
    • Cairo – Population: 9.5 million
    • Alexandria – Population: 4.6 million
    • Giza – Population: 3.6 million
    • Shubra El-Kheima – Population: 1.2 million
  • Population: 100,388,073
  • Area(Km2): 1001450
  • Population Density( P/Km²):103. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:20
  • Official Language(s):Egypt is Arabic 100%.
  • Currency: EGP

Main Economic Indicators

Egypt is a lower-middle-income economy with a GDP of around $394 billion in 2022. The economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, elevated inflation, and a large public debt burden. Notable economic policies have focused on fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, and promoting private-sector investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 5.7% (Source: Central Bank of Egypt)
2022: 13.9% (Source: Central Bank of Egypt)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: B+ (Stable Outlook, as of November 2022)
Moody’s: B2 (Stable Outlook, as of November 2022)
Standard & Poor’s: B (Stable Outlook, as of November 2022)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 11.3%
Industry: 34.9%
Services: 53.8%
(Source: Central Bank of Egypt, 2022 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cotton, rice, vegetables, fruits, wheat, corn, sugarcane, livestock, fish, and dairy products.
Industrial Products: Textiles, chemicals, petroleum products, construction materials, metals, and consumer goods.

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 29.1 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 24th largest labor force in the world (Source: World Bank)

Current Account Balance

2021: -$18.4 billion (3.1% of GDP)
2022 (estimate): -$14.8 billion (2.4% of GDP)
Comparative Ranking: 161st in the world (Source: CIA World Factbook)

Exports and Imports

Exports (2022 estimate): $45.7 billion
Key Partners: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Turkey, United States
Main Commodities: Petroleum products, gold, aluminum, fertilizers, textiles, and vegetables.
Imports (2022 estimate): $86.1 billion
Key Partners: China, United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey
Main Commodities: Machinery, petroleum products, fertilizers, wheat, and iron and steel.

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $34.6 billion (as of February 2023)
Gold Reserves: 79.5 tons (as of December 2022)

  • GDP (Current US$):$303,175,127,598. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 12.50%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 44.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.40. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 10.76%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Egyptians
Adjective: Egyptian

2. Ethnic Groups

Egyptian 99.7%
– Other 0.3%

3. Religions

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%
Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox, other Christians include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, and Anglican) 10%

4. Age Structure

– 0-14 years: 33.73%
– 15-64 years: 61.76%
– 65 years and over: 4.51%

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 61.9
Youth dependency ratio: 55.2
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.8

6. Median Age

Total median age: 24.1 years
– Median age for males: 23.6 years
– Median age for females: 24.6 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 32% of the adult population
Alcohol consumption: Low, with consumption prohibited for the majority Muslim population
Tobacco use: Approximately 24% of the adult population smoke tobacco products
Physical inactivity: Around 33% of the population is physically inactive

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 72.0%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:26.38. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.33. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 73.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 42,895,824. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):62.00%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Egypt’s military consists of the following main branches:

  • Army: The largest branch, with infantry, armor, artillery, air defense, and special forces units.
  • Navy: Comprising surface combatants, submarines, naval aviation, and coastal defense forces.
  • Air Force: Operates fighter aircraft, transport planes, and helicopters.
  • Air Defense Forces: A separate branch responsible for air defense systems and early warning radars.

The Ministry of Interior oversees the national police forces, including the Central Security Forces (paramilitary unit) and the National Security Service.

Military Expenditures

Egypt’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.6%
  • 2021: 1.4%
  • 2020: 1.2%
  • 2019: 1.3%
  • 2018: 1.5%

Egypt ranks among the top 30 countries globally in terms of military expenditures.

Personnel Strengths

Egypt has approximately 435,000 active-duty military personnel, with the breakdown as follows:

  • Army: 310,000
  • Navy: 18,500
  • Air Force: 30,000
  • Air Defense Forces: 70,000

Additional security forces include the Central Security Forces (around 350,000 personnel) and the National Security Service.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Egypt’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware from various countries, such as the United States, Russia, France, and China. Key assets include:

  • Main battle tanks (e.g., M1A1 Abrams, M60A3)
  • Armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles
  • Artillery systems and multiple rocket launchers
  • Fighter aircraft (e.g., F-16, Mirage 2000, MiG-29)
  • Attack helicopters (e.g., AH-64 Apache, Mi-24/35)
  • Naval vessels, including frigates, corvettes, and submarines

Egypt is seeking to modernize its military capabilities through various acquisition programs, including the procurement of additional fighter jets, air defense systems, and naval vessels.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Egypt is mandatory for males between the ages of 18 and 30, with a service period of 12-36 months, depending on the branch and educational level. However, there are exemptions and alternative service options available.

Military Deployments

Egypt has contributed troops to several United Nations peacekeeping missions, including:

  • United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
  • United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
  • United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)

Additionally, Egypt maintains a military presence in the Sinai Peninsula as part of the Camp David Accords with Israel.

Strategic Military Notes

Defense Strategy

Egypt’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a robust military capable of deterring regional threats, safeguarding national security, and protecting the country’s vital interests, particularly in the Suez Canal and the Nile Valley region.

International Security

As a major non-NATO ally of the United States and a member of various regional organizations, Egypt plays an active role in international security efforts. It participates in counter-terrorism operations, maritime security initiatives, and peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and regional bodies like the Arab League.

  • Armed Forces Size: 438500. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.45
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 46.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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