How Many People Live in Egypt? Population Statistics and Facts

Egypt, a country located in North Africa, is known for its rich history, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture. One of the most common questions people ask about Egypt is: “How many people live in Egypt?” As of 2025, the population of Egypt is estimated to be around 118 million, making it one of the most populous countries in the Arab world. This article provides an in-depth look at Egypt’s population statistics, demographic trends, and key facts that define the nation’s current and future population landscape.

Understanding Egypt’s Population Growth

Current Population Figures (2025)

As of October 26, 2025, the population of Egypt is approximately 114,930,972. This number continues to grow steadily due to a combination of high birth rates and relatively low death rates. According to the United Nations, the population growth rate in Egypt for 2025 is 1.57%, which indicates a significant increase in the number of people over the course of the year.

The sex ratio in Egypt is 1.02, meaning there are slightly more males than females. This imbalance is consistent with global trends, although it is not as pronounced as in some other countries.

Historical Population Trends

Looking back at Egypt’s population history, we can see a steady rise over the decades. For example:

In 1951, the population was just over 20 million.
By 2025, the population has grown to over 114 million.
The growth rate peaked in the mid-20th century, with annual increases exceeding 2.5% in several years.
However, the growth rate has gradually declined over time, reflecting changes in family planning, economic conditions, and social policies.

Key Demographic Characteristics

Age Distribution

Egypt has a young population, with a large percentage of people under the age of 15. According to the latest estimates:

31.56% of the population is under 15 years old.
63.17% are of working age (15–64 years).
5.27% are aged 65 or older.

This age distribution suggests that Egypt’s population is still in a phase of growth, with a strong dependency on the working-age population to support the younger and older demographics.

Life Expectancy

Life expectancy in Egypt has improved significantly over the years. As of 2025:

The average life expectancy at birth is 72.7 years.
Men have an average life expectancy of 70.1 years.
Women have an average life expectancy of 75.4 years.

These figures reflect improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards, although they remain below the global average of around 71 years.

Literacy Rate

Literacy is an important indicator of a country’s development. In Egypt:

The overall literacy rate is 75.34% among adults (aged 15 and above).
Male literacy is higher, at 83.24%.
Female literacy is lower, at 67.29%.

Youth literacy rates are much higher, with 93.28% of those aged 15–24 being literate. This reflects ongoing efforts to improve education and reduce gender disparities in learning.

Population Density and Urbanization

Population Density

Egypt is a country with a relatively low land area but a high population density. The total area of Egypt is 1,001,450 km², and the population density is 114.8 people per square kilometer. This makes Egypt one of the most densely populated countries in the region.

The Nile River plays a central role in shaping this density. Most of the population lives along the banks of the Nile, where the land is fertile and suitable for agriculture.

Urbanization

A significant portion of Egypt’s population resides in urban areas. Approximately 40% of Egyptians live in cities, with the largest concentrations found in Cairo, Alexandria, and other major urban centers.

Urbanization brings both opportunities and challenges. While cities offer better access to jobs, education, and healthcare, they also face issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.

Religious Composition

Religion plays a significant role in Egyptian society. According to recent estimates:

94.9% of the population identifies as Muslim.
5.1% are Christian, primarily Coptic Orthodox Christians.
There are also small communities of other faiths, including Jews and Baha’is.

Islam is the dominant religion, and it influences many aspects of daily life, including customs, traditions, and social norms.

Future Projections

According to the United Nations, Egypt’s population is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace. Here are some key projections:

By 2030, the population is expected to reach 119.7 million.
By 2050, it is projected to be 153.4 million.
By 2100, the population could peak at 201.9 million.

These projections take into account factors such as fertility rates, migration patterns, and economic conditions. While the growth rate will likely decline over time, Egypt is expected to remain one of the most populous countries in the Arab world.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its growth, Egypt faces several challenges related to its population:

Resource Scarcity: With limited arable land and water resources, meeting the needs of a growing population remains a challenge.
Employment: High youth unemployment and underemployment are persistent issues, particularly in rural areas.
Migration: A significant number of Egyptians seek work abroad, contributing to brain drain and affecting the domestic labor market.

However, there are also opportunities for growth and development. Improvements in education, healthcare, and technology can help Egypt manage its population growth more effectively and create a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

In summary, Egypt’s population is growing rapidly, driven by high birth rates and a young demographic profile. As of 2025, the country has over 114 million people, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming decades. Understanding these population trends is essential for policymakers, economists, and citizens alike, as it shapes the future of Egypt’s economy, society, and environment.

Author: John Smith

Title/Role: Senior Research Analyst

Credentials: John has over 15 years of experience in demographic research, focusing on population trends in the Middle East and North Africa. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Cairo.

Profile Link: LinkedIn Profile

Sources:
1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Population Division
2. Pew Research Center: The Global Religious Landscape
3. UNESCO Institute for Statistics

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