Egypt: flag, capital, currency and history
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in Northern Africa, Africa. Its capital is Cairo. The currency is the Egyptian pound. Languages spoken include Arabic.
Quick facts about Egypt
- Official name
- Arab Republic of Egypt
- Capital
- Cairo
- Region
- Africa, Northern Africa
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP, £)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +20
- Internet domain
- .eg
- Area
- 1,002,450 km² (387,048 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Egyptian
- National day
- Revolution Day, July 23
Flag of Egypt
Download the flag of Egypt as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇪🇬.
History of Egypt
Egypt was one of the earliest centres of state formation, with a unified kingdom along the Nile emerging around 3100 BC. Pharaonic rule produced the pyramids and lasted until Persian, then Macedonian conquest under Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Roman rule followed in 30 BC, and Arab armies took the country in the 640s. Later dynasties included the Fatimids, who founded Cairo in 969, and the Ottomans conquered Egypt in 1517. Britain occupied it in 1882, and Egypt became nominally independent in 1922. The monarchy was overthrown in 1952, and a republic was declared in 1953.
Key dates
- c. 3100 BCUpper and Lower Egypt are unified under a single ruler.
- 332 BCAlexander the Great conquers Egypt.
- 640sArab forces conquer Egypt from the Byzantine Empire.
- 1517The Ottoman Empire conquers Egypt.
- 1869The Suez Canal opens to shipping.
- 1922Britain recognises Egypt as a nominally independent kingdom.
- 1952Military officers overthrow the monarchy, and a republic follows in 1953.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Egypt
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP, £). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Egypt
Celebrations observed in Egypt, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Egypt?
The capital of Egypt is Cairo.
What currency does Egypt use?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP, symbol £).
What languages are spoken in Egypt?
Languages used in Egypt include Arabic.
What is the calling code of Egypt?
The international calling code of Egypt is +20. Its internet domain is .eg.
Which countries border Egypt?
Egypt shares land borders with Israel, Libya, Palestine and Sudan.
On which continent is Egypt?
Egypt is in Africa, in the region of Northern Africa.
What is the national day of Egypt?
Egypt marks Revolution Day on July 23.
Neighbours of Egypt
More countries in Northern Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).