“Egypt is not, for me, a mere piece of land; it is the very foundation of civilization.”
Naguib Mahfouz
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Population
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90% Islam
10% Coptes
GDP (nominal)
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Political system
Egypt gained independence in 1922 and remained a monarchy until the 1952 revolution led by Gamal Abdel Nasser. The Egyptian “Raïs” established an authoritarian regime, nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, and developed a centralized socialist economy modeled after the USSR, while promoting Pan-Arabism. Following the defeat in the Six-Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Anwar Sadat opened the country to a market economy, initiated peace with Israel, and distanced himself from the Soviet bloc. His assassination in 1981 precipitated the rise of Hosni Mubarak, who maintained a stable authoritarian regime until the popular uprising of 2011.
The Arab Spring led to the election of Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, who was quickly overthrown by a military coup in 2013. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi became president and consolidated an authoritarian military regime, while pursuing a cautious economic opening, with investments from the Gulf and major infrastructure projects such as the expanded Suez Canal and the new capital. Due to the crisis in the Palestinian enclave, Egypt fears a massive influx of Gazans into its territory.
In power since 2014 and re-elected in 2024 to a third, extended term, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi leads a highly centralized regime that relies on the military and security services. His power is underpinned by major infrastructure projects and tight control over political life. The economy remains under heavy pressure, marked by inflation, debt, and increased dependence on support from the IMF and Gulf countries. The regime is counting on revenues from the Suez Canal, natural gas, and foreign investment to stabilize its finances. Regionally, Cairo presents itself as a pillar of stability amid surrounding conflicts. Egypt plays a key role in managing the Gaza issue.
