Arab Republic of Egypt

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip

Area:

1,001,450 sq km

Climate:

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain:

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Population:

67,273,906 (July 1999 est.)

Religions:

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94% (official estimate), Coptic Christian and other 6% (official estimate)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Capital:

Cairo