History of Egypt in Timeline
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country located in Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia. Cairo is its capital and largest city, serving as a cultural hub. Alexandria is the second-largest city and a significant industrial and tourist center. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Gaza Strip, Israel, Red Sea, Sudan, and Libya, Egypt boasts a population exceeding 109 million, making it the third-most populous country in Africa and the 15th worldwide.
23 hours ago : Sudan army retreats from Libyan border after Haftar attack; RSF seizes key zone.
The Sudanese army retreated from Libyan border following an alleged attack by Haftar's forces. Sudan's RSF paramilitary group claimed control of a key zone bordering Egypt and Libya, escalating regional tensions and conflict.
1906: Denshawai incident
In 1906, the Denshawai incident prompted many neutral Egyptians to join the nationalist movement.
1912: Egypt participated in the Summer Olympic Games
In 1912, Egypt first took part in the Summer Olympic Games.
1913: Publication of the first modern Egyptian novel
In 1913, the first modern Egyptian novel "Zaynab" by Muhammad Husayn Haykal was published in the Egyptian vernacular.
1914: Autonomous vassal state or Khedivate
In 1914, Egypt under the Muhammad Ali dynasty remained nominally an Ottoman province and had been granted the status of an autonomous vassal state or Khedivate (1867–1914) in 1867.
March 1919: Exile of Saad Zaghlul and the Wafd Party
On March 8, 1919, the British exiled Saad Zaghlul and his associates to Malta, leading to the country's first modern revolution.
February 1922: Unilateral declaration of Egypt's independence
On February 22, 1922 the UK government issued a unilateral declaration of Egypt's independence.
1923: Abrogation of the 1923 Constitution
Following a brief experiment with civilian rule, the Free Officers abrogated the monarchy and the 1923 constitution.
1923: New constitution provided for a parliamentary monarchy
In 1923, after the country's independence was declared, a new constitution provided for a parliamentary monarchy in Egypt.
1923: Implementation of a constitution
In 1923, the new Egyptian government drafted and implemented a constitution based on a parliamentary system.
1924: Victory of the Wafd Party and appointment of Saad Zaghloul
In 1923–1924 election the nationalist Wafd Party won a landslide victory and Saad Zaghloul was appointed as the new prime minister.
1928: Fourth place in the Olympics
Egypt achieved 4th place in the football tournament in the 1928 Olympics.
1932: Founding of EgyptAir
In 1932, EgyptAir, the country’s flag carrier, was founded by Talaat Harb. It operates from Cairo International Airport.
1936: Emergence of Studio Misr
In 1936, Studio Misr, financed by industrialist Talaat Harb, emerged as the leading Egyptian studio.
1936: Anglo-Egyptian Treaty and British troop withdrawal
In 1936, the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty was concluded and British troops withdrew from Egypt, except for the Suez Canal.
1936: Withdrawal from the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty
In 1951, Egypt unilaterally withdrew from the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936.
September 1939: Declaration of martial law and breaking off of diplomatic relations with Germany
In September 1939, at the beginning of World War II, Egypt declared martial law and broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.
June 1940: Dismissal of Prime Minister Aly Maher
In June 1940, King Farouk dismissed Prime Minister Aly Maher, who had poor relations with the British, and a new coalition Government was formed.
February 1942: British ultimatum to King Farouk
In February 1942, British troops and tanks surrounded Abdeen Palace in Cairo, and the ambassador Sir Miles Lampson presented Farouk with an ultimatum to appoint a Wafd or Wafd-coalition government.
1948: Armed conflict with Israel
In 1948, Egypt fought an armed conflict with Israel.
1950: Victory of the Wafd Party in the election
In 1950, the election saw a landslide victory of the nationalist Wafd Party, and the King was forced to appoint Mostafa El-Nahas as new prime minister.
1951: Egypt hosted the first Mediterranean Games
In 1951, Egypt hosted the first Mediterranean Games.
1951: Withdrawal from the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty
In 1951, Egypt unilaterally withdrew from the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 and ordered all remaining British troops to leave the Suez Canal.
January 1952: Guerrilla Attack on British Forces
In January 1952, Egyptian guerrillas attacked British forces near the Suez Canal and on January 25, British tanks surrounded a police station in Ismailia, resulting in the death of 43 Egyptian policemen and 3 British soldiers. The events of January 26, 1952 are known as 'Black Saturday'.
July 1952: Egyptian Revolution of 1952
On July 22–23, 1952, the Free Officers Movement, led by Muhammad Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser, launched a coup d'état (Egyptian Revolution of 1952) against the king.
August 1952: Workers' riots in Kafr Dawar
Following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, Popular expectations for immediate reforms led to the workers' riots in Kafr Dawar on 12 August 1952.
1952: Revolution
Following the 1952 Revolution by the Free Officers Movement, the rule of Egypt passed to military hands and all political parties were banned.
1952: Revolution and declaration as a republic
Following the 1952 revolution, Egypt declared itself a republic.
1952: Architect of the 1952 movement
Naguib was forced to resign in 1954 by Gamal Abdel Nasser – a Pan-Arabist and the real architect of the 1952 movement.
1952: Movement of 1952
Since the 1952 movement, it was the first time multi-candidate polls where allowed with presidential election law reform in late February 2005.
June 1953: Declaration of Egypt as a republic
On 18 June 1953, following a brief experiment with civilian rule after the 1952 revolution, Egypt was declared a republic.
1953: Increased school enrollment
From the academic year 1953, public school enrollment more than doubled.
1953: Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games
In 1953, Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games.
October 1954: Agreement to abolish Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement
In October 1954, Egypt and the United Kingdom agreed to abolish the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement of 1899 and grant Sudan independence.
1954: Nile River Water Share
Since 1954, Egypt’s annual water share from the Nile River has been 55 billion cubic meters.
January 1956: Agreement to abolish Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement took effect
On 1 January 1956, the agreement between Egypt and the United Kingdom to abolish the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement of 1899 and grant Sudan independence came into force.
June 1956: Nasser assumed power as president
Nasser assumed power as president in June 1956 and began dominating the history of modern Egypt. British forces completed their withdrawal from the occupied Suez Canal Zone on 13 June 1956.
1956: Armed conflict with Israel
In 1956, Egypt fought an armed conflict with Israel.
1958: Formation of the United Arab Republic
In 1958, Egypt and Syria formed a sovereign union known as the United Arab Republic.
1958: Merger with Syria to form the United Arab Republic
In 1958, Egypt merged with Syria to form the United Arab Republic.
1958: Peak in the number of cinemas
In 1958, the number of cinemas in Egypt reached 395.
1958: Republic of Egypt (1953–1958) was declared.
Republic of Egypt (1953–1958) was declared.
1960: Establishment of television
In 1960, the establishment of television in Egypt led to a decline in the number of cinemas.
1961: End of the United Arab Republic
In 1961, the United Arab Republic dissolved when Syria seceded from the union.
1961: End of United Arab Republic union with Syria
In 1961, the union between Egypt and Syria as the United Arab Republic ended.
1962: Establishment of the public sector in cinemas
In 1962, the establishment of the public sector in cinemas in Egypt contributed to a decline in their numbers.
1964: Fourth place in the Olympics
Egypt achieved 4th place in the football tournament in the 1964 Olympics.
1965: Decline in the number of cinemas
By 1965, the number of cinemas in Egypt had declined to 297.
1965: Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games
In 1965, Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games.
1965: Increased school enrollment
Through 1965, overall public school enrolments more than doubled.
May 1967: Nasser's decisions leading to war with Israel
In May 1967, Egypt, under Nasser's leadership, took several steps that heightened tensions with Israel. On 14 May 1967, Egyptian troops were deployed in Sinai near the Israeli border. Subsequently, on 19 May 1967, UN peacekeepers stationed in the Sinai Peninsula were expelled, and on 23 May 1967, the Straits of Tiran were closed to Israeli shipping.
1967: Armed conflict with Israel and occupation of Gaza Strip
In 1967, Egypt fought an armed conflict with Israel and occupied the Gaza Strip intermittently until 1967.
1970: Population Growth
From 1970 to 2010, Egypt's population grew rapidly due to medical advances and increases in agricultural productivity.
1970: Nasser's Death and Sadat's Succession
In 1970, President Nasser died and was succeeded by Anwar Sadat.
1970: Yield Improvements in Agriculture
Since 1970, Egypt has experienced yield improvements in its agricultural sector. Despite these improvements, the country remains reliant on imports of wheat and maize due to high domestic demand and limited arable land.
1971: Egypt renamed Arab Republic of Egypt
In 1971, Egypt was renamed the Arab Republic of Egypt.
1971: Completion of the Aswan High Dam
In 1971, the Aswan High Dam was completed, which significantly improved irrigation stability in Egypt, enhancing its agricultural capabilities.
1971: Liberalization of Emigration
In 1971, under President Sadat, Egyptian emigration was liberalized.
1972: Expulsion of Soviet Advisors
In 1972, under Sadat's leadership, Egypt shifted its Cold War allegiance and expelled Soviet advisors.
1973: Record Numbers of Emigration
After the 1973 oil crisis, Egyptian emigration reached record numbers, following the liberalization of emigration in 1971.
1973: Yom Kippur War
In 1973, Egypt and Syria launched the Fourth Arab-Israeli War (Yom Kippur War) in an attempt to regain territory in the Sinai.
1973: Armed conflict with Israel
In 1973, Egypt fought an armed conflict with Israel.
1975: Infitah economic reform policy
In 1975, Sadat shifted Nasser's economic policies and sought to use his popularity to reduce government regulations and encourage foreign investment through his programme of Infitah.
1977: Egyptian Bread Riots and Sadat's visit to Israel
In 1977, the Egyptian Bread Riots occurred due to the elimination of subsidies on basic foodstuffs. Also in 1977, Sadat made a historic visit to Israel.
1978: Signing of the Camp David Accords
In 1978, Egypt signed the Camp David Accords, recognizing Israel in exchange for its withdrawal from the occupied Sinai.
1978: Creation of National Democratic Party
In 1978, Sadat created the National Democratic Party.
1978: Arab League temporarily moved to Tunis
In 1978, the Arab League temporarily relocated its headquarters to Tunis in protest of Egypt’s Egypt–Israel peace treaty.
1979: Egypt-Israel peace treaty
In 1979, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty was signed, leading to Israeli withdrawal from Sinai and Egypt's recognition of Israel.
1979: Start of US Foreign Aid
Since 1979, Egypt has received substantial United States foreign aid, averaging $1.5 billion annually. Approximately $200 million is allocated to economic assistance, and the remainder is directed toward military aid for procuring weapon systems.
1980: Emergency Law Break
In 1980, there was an 18-month break in the Emergency Law.
October 1981: Assassination of Sadat
In October 1981, Sadat was assassinated by an Islamic extremist.
February 1986: Security Police Riots
On 25 February 1986, the Security Police started rioting, protesting against reports that their term of duty was to be extended. Hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and casinos were attacked in Cairo and there were riots in other cities.
1989: Egypt designated a major non-NATO ally
In 1989, Egypt was designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States.
1989: Arab League returned to Cairo
In 1989, the Arab League returned its headquarters to Cairo.
1990: Piped Water Coverage in Urban Areas
Between 1990 and 2010, piped water coverage in urban areas of Egypt rose from 89% to 100%.
1991: Egypt hosted the All-Africa Games
In 1991, Egypt hosted the All-Africa Games.
June 1992: Egypt signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity
In June 1992, Egypt signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity.
1993: Peak Crude Oil Output
In 1993, Egypt's crude oil output reached its peak at approximately 941,000 bbl/d. Production declined in subsequent years.
June 1994: Egypt became a party to the Rio Convention
In June 1994, Egypt officially became a party to the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity.
1995: Further decline in cinemas due to video equipment
By 1995, the number of cinemas in Egypt had further declined to 141 due to the circulation of films through video equipment.
November 1997: Luxor Massacre
On 17 November 1997, a massacre near Luxor resulted in the deaths of 62 people, mostly tourists.
July 1998: Egypt produced a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
In July 1998, Egypt presented its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to the Rio Convention.
1999: Egypt hosted the IHF World Men's Handball Championship
In 1999, Egypt hosted the IHF World Men's Handball Championship.
1999: Nongovernmental Associations Law
In 1999, the Nongovernmental Associations Law was passed.
2000: Decline in infant mortality rate
In 2000, Egypt's infant mortality rate had declined to 50–60 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2001: National handball team reached fourth place
In 2001, the national handball team achieved its best result in the tournament by reaching fourth place.
2001: Increase in private cinemas
In 2001, the number of cinemas in Egypt increased to 200, especially in commercial centres, due to laws and procedures that encouraged investment in the establishment of private cinemas.
2003: The National Council for Human Rights was established
In 2003, the National Council for Human Rights was established in Egypt.
2004: Beach Handball World Championships win
In 2004, Egypt championed the Beach Handball World Championships.
February 2005: Presidential election law reform
In late February 2005, Mubarak announced a reform of the presidential election law, paving the way for multi-candidate polls for the first time since 1952.
2006: Human Rights Watch report on Egypt
In 2006, Human Rights Watch's report on Egypt detailed serious human rights violations under Mubarak's rule.
2006: African Cup of Nations win
In 2006, the Egyptian national football team won the African Cup of Nations.
March 2007: Constitutional changes
On 19 March 2007, constitutional changes were voted on, prohibiting religious-based parties, authorizing a new anti-terrorism law, allowing broad police powers, and granting the president power to dissolve parliament.
2007: Child Deaths from Diarrheal Diseases
A 2007 report estimated that 17,000 child deaths occurred annually in Egypt from diarrheal diseases linked to poor sanitation.
2007: Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games
In 2007, Egypt hosted the Pan Arab Games.
2007: EgyptSat 1 launch
In 2007, Egypt launched EgyptSat 1, one of the few countries in the region to possess spy satellites.
2008: WHO report on genital mutilation
A 2008 report by the World Health Organisation estimated that 91.1% of Egypt's girls and women aged 15 to 49 have been subjected to genital mutilation.
2008: Shift to Net Oil Importer
By 2008, Egypt had transformed into a net oil importer due to declining oil production. Production declined to 630,000 bbl/d by 2008.
2008: Court ruling on religious identification
In 2008, a court ruling allowed members of unrecognised faiths in Egypt to obtain identification and leave the religion field blank.
2008: African Cup of Nations win
In 2008, the Egyptian national football team won the African Cup of Nations.
2009: Egypt Becomes Net Oil Importer
By 2008–2009, Egypt had transformed into a net oil importer due to declining oil production. This prompted a strategic shift toward natural gas.
2009: NDP Secretary on Egypt's Political System
In 2009, Dr. Ali El Deen Hilal Dessouki, Media Secretary of the National Democratic Party (NDP), described Egypt as a "pharaonic" political system.
2009: Egypt hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup
In 2009, Egypt hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
2009: Egypt ranked among the worst countries for religious freedom
In 2009, a report by Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life ranked Egypt fifth worst globally for religious freedom.
2009: Natural Gas Allocation for Export
In 2009, around 38% of domestically produced natural gas in Egypt was allocated for export, highlighting the importance of natural gas in the economy.
2009: Further increase in the number of cinemas
In 2009, the number of cinemas in Egypt reached 400.
2010: Pew survey on religious freedom
A 2010 Pew survey found that 84% of Egyptians supported the death penalty for apostasy.
2010: Cultivated Land Area
As of 2010, Egypt had 3.6 million hectares of cultivated land. The government aimed to increase this to 4.8 million hectares by 2030.
2010: Suez Canal Dimensions
As of 2010, the Suez Canal was 24 metres (79 feet) deep and 205 m (673 ft) wide.
2010: Improved Water Access
By 2010, piped water coverage had increased to 100% in urban areas and 93% in rural areas, eliminating open defecation in rural regions.
2010: Population Growth
From 1970 to 2010, Egypt's population grew rapidly due to medical advances and increases in agricultural productivity.
2010: Summer Youth Olympics win
In 2010, Egypt championed the Summer Youth Olympics.
2010: African Cup of Nations win
In 2010, the Egyptian national football team won the African Cup of Nations.
January 2011: Widespread Protests Against Mubarak's Government
On 25 January 2011, widespread protests began against Mubarak's government.
February 2011: Mubarak's Resignation
On 11 February 2011, Mubarak resigned and fled Cairo. On 13 February 2011, the military dissolved the parliament and suspended the constitution.
March 2011: Constitutional Referendum
On 19 March 2011, a constitutional referendum was held.
November 2011: Parliamentary elections held
In November 2011, Egypt held parliamentary elections.
2011: Provisional Constitution of Egypt adopted
In 2011, following the revolution, the Provisional Constitution of Egypt was adopted.
2011: Increase in private hospitals
Since 2011, Egypt has seen a 23.69% increase in private hospitals.
2011: Egyptian Revolution and overthrow of Hosni Mubarak
The Arab Spring led to the 2011 Egyptian revolution and the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak.
January 2012: Parliamentary elections concluded
In January 2012, the parliamentary elections that began in November 2011 were concluded, though this parliament was later dissolved.
June 2012: Mohamed Morsi elected president
On 24 June 2012, Mohamed Morsi, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, was elected president. On 30 June 2012, he was sworn in as Egypt's president.
August 2012: Announcement of Hisham Qandil's cabinet
On 2 August 2012, Egypt's prime minister Hisham Qandil announced his 35-member cabinet.
November 2012: Morsi's declaration immunising his decrees
On 22 November 2012, President Morsi issued a temporary declaration immunising his decrees from challenge and seeking to protect the work of the constituent assembly.
December 2012: Clashes Between Morsi Supporters and Opponents
On 5 December 2012, tens of thousands of supporters and opponents of President Morsi clashed.
December 2012: New constitution attempted to be institutionalised
On December 26, 2012, the Muslim Brotherhood attempted to institutionalise a controversial new constitution.
2012: First democratic election
In 2012, Egypt's first democratic election resulted in the short-lived, Muslim Brotherhood-aligned government of Mohamed Morsi.
2012: Americans and Canadians sentenced to death
In 2012, several Americans and Canadians were sentenced to death in absentia under Egypt's Penal code, which includes a "Blasphemy Law".
2012: End of Emergency Law
In 2012, the Emergency Law, which had been in effect since 1967 with a brief break, was lifted.
July 2013: Military Removal of Morsi from Office
On 3 July 2013, the military removed Morsi from office, dissolved the Shura Council, and installed a temporary interim government.
July 2013: Adly Mansour sworn in as acting president
On 4 July 2013, Adly Mansour was sworn in as acting president over the new government following the removal of Morsi.
July 2013: Mohamed Morsi removed from office
On July 3, 2013, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced the removal of President Mohamed Morsi and the suspension of the constitution.
August 2013: Sit-in dispersal
During the August 2013 sit-in dispersal, 595 protesters were killed, making 14 August 2013 the deadliest day in Egypt’s modern history.
December 2013: Snowfall in Cairo
On 13 December 2013, a very small amount of snow fell on Cairo, the first time in many decades.
2013: Thomson Reuters Foundation poll
According to a 2013 Pew survey, 95% of Egyptians oppose the acceptance of homosexuality. A poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation ranked Cairo as the worst megacity for women.
2013: Relations soured following the Egyptian coup d'état
Following the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état, relations between Egypt and the United States soured, leading to the suspension of joint military exercises.
2013: Championed the Mediterranean Games
In 2013, Egypt championed the Mediterranean Games.
2013: Overthrow of Mohamed Morsi by the military
In 2013, the government of Mohamed Morsi was overthrown by the military after mass protests.
January 2014: Parliamentary election announced
In January 2014, it was announced that the next parliamentary election would be held within 6 months of the constitution's ratification on January 18, 2014.
January 2014: New constitution instituted
On 18 January 2014, the interim government instituted a new constitution following a referendum approved by an overwhelming majority of voters.
January 2014: More secular constitution institutionalised
On January 18, 2014, the interim government in Egypt successfully institutionalised a more secular constitution.
June 2014: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi elected president
In the elections of June 2014, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi won with a percentage of 96.1%. On 8 June 2014, he was officially sworn in as Egypt's new president.
August 2014: Proposal of the New Suez Canal
In August 2014, Egypt proposed the New Suez Canal, a parallel shipping lane aimed at increasing traffic capacity.
2014: Shift to Prioritize Local Consumption of Natural Gas
By 2014, Egypt prioritized local consumption over exports of natural gas due to rising domestic demand, which significantly reduced gas available for international markets.
2014: Decline in genital mutilation rates
By 2014, rates of genital mutilation had dropped to 10.4% in urban areas and 15.9% in rural areas among girls aged 1–14 in Egypt.
2014: Start of Road Infrastructure Expansion
From 2014, Egypt began a major road infrastructure expansion through the National Roads Project, increasing the length of main roads by nearly 30%.
2014: Election of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
In 2014, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was elected, leading a semi-presidential republic.
2014: Strategic partnership with China established
In 2014, Egypt and China established a "comprehensive strategic partnership".
2014: Mass death sentences
In 2014, Egypt drew international condemnation for mass death sentences, including a ruling sentencing 529 people to death in a single hearing.
March 2015: Plans for a New Capital Announced
On 13 March 2015, plans for a proposed new capital of Egypt were announced.
July 2015: Completion of the New Suez Canal Project
In July 2015, the New Suez Canal project was completed, enhancing the canal's traffic capacity.
August 2015: New anti-terror law enacted
In August 2015, a new anti-terror law was enacted that threatens members of the media with fines for distributing wrong information.
August 2015: Inauguration of the New Suez Canal
On August 6, 2015, the official inauguration of the New Suez Canal took place, marked by international attendance and military flyovers.
August 2015: At least 18 journalists were imprisoned
At least 18 journalists were imprisoned in Egypt, as of August 2015.
December 2015: Parliamentary election held in two phases
From October 17 to December 2, 2015, Egypt held parliamentary elections in two phases, following the announcement in January 2014.
2015: United States providing military assistance
As of 2015, the United States provided Egypt with US$1.3 billion in annual military assistance.
2015: Access to Safely Managed Drinking Water
By 2015, 90% of the population in Egypt had access to safely managed drinking water.
2015: Suez Canal Expansions Completed
Expansions completed in 2015 increased the Suez Canal's daily capacity from 49 to 97 ships, reducing transit times and boosting global maritime trade.
2015: BP Investment in Natural Gas Development
In 2015, BP committed $12 billion primarily toward the West Nile Delta project for natural gas development in Egypt.
2015: Road Quality Index Ranking
In 2015, Egypt's Road Quality Index was ranked 118th. It improved to 18th place by 2024 due to road upgrades.
2015: Discovery of the Zohr Gas Field
In 2015, Eni discovered the Zohr gas field in the Mediterranean, which is the largest natural gas reserve with approximately 30 trillion cubic feet of gas.
2016: Increased penalties for performing genital mutilation
In 2016, penalties for performing genital mutilation in Egypt were increased, with prison sentences of up to 15 years for practitioners and up to 3 years for guardians who facilitate the procedure.
November 2017: Attack on Sufi mosque in Sinai
In November 2017, at least 305 people were killed during an attack on a Sufi mosque in Sinai.
December 2017: Commencement of Production at Zohr Gas Field
In December 2017, production commenced at the Zohr gas field, which significantly improved Egypt’s energy prospects.
2017: Egypt's Population
As of 2017, Egypt had about 95 million inhabitants, making it the most populated country in the Arab world and the third most populous on the African continent.
2017: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visit to the White House
In 2017, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to the White House marked the first by an Egyptian president in eight years.
2017: Adult literacy rate in Egypt
In 2017, Egypt's adult literacy rate was 71.1%.
2017: Egypt ranked in the World Press Freedom Index
In 2017, Reporters Without Borders ranked Egypt at No. 160 out of 180 nations in their World Press Freedom Index.
April 2018: El-Sisi re-elected
In April 2018, El-Sisi was re-elected by a landslide in election with no real opposition.
2018: Egypt qualifies for FIFA World Cup
In 2018, Egypt qualified for the FIFA World Cup, thanks to two goals from Mohamed Salah in their last qualifying game.
2018: Per Capita Water Share
In 2018, Egypt's per capita water share fell to 570 cubic meters, well below the 1,000 cubic meter international water scarcity threshold.
April 2019: Parliament extends presidential terms
In April 2019, Egypt's parliament extended presidential terms from four to six years. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was also allowed to run for a third term in the next election in 2024.
April 2019: Constitutional changes accepted
In April 2019, constitutional changes were accepted in a referendum, strengthening the role of the military and limiting the political opposition.
2019: Increased Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation
By 2019, 96.9% of the population had access to safely managed drinking water, and proper sanitation coverage expanded to 66.2% in Egypt.
2019: Zohr Gas Field Production Reaches 2.7 bcf/d
By 2019, production at the Zohr gas field reached 2.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), significantly improving Egypt’s energy prospects.
2019: MisrSat-A and Tiba-1 launches
In 2019, Egypt launched MisrSat-A, an observation satellite, followed later that year by Tiba-1, a civilian and military communications satellite.
2019: Squash World Championships win
In 2019, Egypt won the Squash World Championships.
December 2020: Parliamentary election results
In December 2020, final results of the parliamentary election confirmed a clear majority of the seats for Egypt's Mostaqbal Watan (Nation's Future) Party.
2020: Pandemic-Induced Decline in Tourism
In 2020, Egypt experienced a decline in tourism due to the pandemic, but the sector has shown a strong recovery since then.
2020: Production from Qattameya Discovery Begins
In 2020, production from the Qattameya discovery in Egypt began, contributing to the country's natural gas output.
2021: Number of private hospitals in Egypt
As of 2021, Egypt had 1,145 private hospitals.
2021: Egypt hosted the IHF World Men's Handball Championship again
In 2021, Egypt hosted the IHF World Men's Handball Championship again.
2021: Launch of High-Speed Rail Project
In 2021, Egypt launched a $4.5 billion high-speed rail project to connect Ain Sokhna, Mersa Matruh, and Alexandria, expanding to include other routes.
2021: Completion of Bahr El Baqar Wastewater Treatment Plant
In 2021, the Bahr El Baqar Wastewater Treatment Plant was completed, becoming the largest in the world at the time, with a capacity of 5 million cubic meters per day.
2021: Pharaohs' Golden Parade
In 2021, the remains of 22 ancient Egyptian kings and queens were relocated to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization during the Pharaohs' Golden Parade.
2022: Adult literacy rate in Egypt
In 2022, Egypt's adult literacy rate was 74.5%.
2022: Steel production
In 2022, Egypt, Africa’s top steel producer, ranked 20th globally, with 9.8 million tons.
2022: Percentage of Treated Wastewater
In 2022, the percentage of treated wastewater relative to total wastewater in Egypt reached 74%.
2023: V-Dem Democracy indices ranked Egypt
According to the 2023 V-Dem Democracy indices, Egypt is the eighth least democratic country in Africa.
2023: Inauguration of New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant
In 2023, Egypt inaugurated the New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant, surpassing Bahr El Baqar as the largest wastewater facility globally, with a capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters per day.
2023: Horus-1, Horus-2 and MisrSat-2 launches
In 2023, Egypt launched Horus-1 and Horus-2, about a month apart, and also placed MisrSat-2 into orbit later that year; all three are high-resolution observation satellites.
2023: Tourism Reached 14.9 Million
In 2023, Egypt recorded 14.9 million tourists, which was surpassed in 2024.
2023: Steel exports
In 2023, Egypt's steel exports tripled to 1.54 million tons.
2023: Suez Canal Revenue Record
In 2023, the Suez Canal generated a record $9.4 billion in revenue for Egypt, highlighting its significance for the economy.
2024: Egypt's average life expectancy
As of 2024, Egypt's average life expectancy stands at 75 years, with significant improvements in healthcare access and a decline in infant mortality.
2024: Increase in Main Road Length
By 2024, the total length of main roads in Egypt had increased to 30,500 km from 23,500 km in 2014, as part of the National Roads Project.
2024: Strategic partnership with the European Union
In 2024 Egypt and the European Union elevated their relationship to a "strategic and comprehensive partnership", emphasizing political cooperation, and economic collaboration.
2024: Currency Flotation and Economic Measures
In 2024, Egypt experienced a currency flotation leading to a 38% depreciation of the Egyptian pound. This followed securing over $50 billion in international financing and implementing fiscal measures to improve public finances. Private investment exceeded public investment in the final quarter of 2024.
2024: Record Number of Tourists
In 2024, Egypt saw a record 15.7 million tourists, surpassing the 14.9 million recorded in 2023. Tourism revenues reached $14.1 billion.
2024: NEXSAT-1 initial operational phase completion
In 2024, Egypt successfully completed the initial operational phase of NEXSAT-1, its first experimental Earth observation satellite, two months after MisrSat-2’s launch.
2024: Egypt's Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2024, Egypt was ranked 86th in the Global Innovation Index.
2024: Gold exports
In 2024, Egyptian gold exports reached $2.17 billion, nearly double the previous year.
2024: Top Tourism Markets
In 2024, Egypt’s top tourism markets included Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
2024: Freedom House rated political rights
In 2024, Freedom House rated political rights in Egypt at 6 and civil liberties at 12, resulting in a "Not Free" rating.
2024: Remittances Reach $23.7 Billion
In the first 10 months of 2024, remittances to Egypt reached $23.7 billion, marking a 45.3% increase from the previous year. These inflows are crucial for Egypt’s foreign reserves and household incomes.
2024: El-Sisi allowed to run for third term
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was allowed to run for a third term in the next election in 2024.
2024: Government's Automotive Strategy
The Egyptian government's 2024–2030 strategy aims to increase automotive production to 500,000 vehicles annually and boost exports.
2024: Projected exports of the chemical industry
With projected exports of $9 billion in 2024, the government supports the chemical sector through infrastructure development, technology investments, and trade agreements.
July 2025: Grand Egyptian Museum slated to open
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is slated to open on the 3rd of July 2025.
2025: Economy ranks
As of 2025, Egypt has the second-largest economy in Africa and ranks 42nd worldwide.
2025: New Baccalaureate Certificate System introduction
In 2025, Egypt introduced a new Baccalaureate Certificate System.
2025: QS World University Rankings
In 2025, the QS World University Rankings included 15 Egyptian universities, with Cairo University ranked highest.
2025: Local electric vehicle
The government’s 2024–2030 strategy aims to establish local electric vehicle manufacturing by 2025.
2026: Replacement of Thanaweya Amma
Starting in 2026, the new Baccalaureate Certificate System will replace the Thanaweya Amma.
2027: Gold exporters
Egypt is aiming to rank among the world's top 10 gold exporters by 2027.
2028: Tourism Target of 30 Million Tourists
Egypt's tourism strategy aims to attract 30 million tourists by 2028 through infrastructure improvements and enhanced visitor experiences.
2030: Government Target for Cultivated Land
By 2030, the Egyptian government is targeting 4.8 million hectares of cultivated land, expanding from the 3.6 million hectares recorded in 2010.
2030: GDP share to 5–6%
The Egyptian government has since introduced structural reforms to increase mining’s GDP share to 5–6% by 2030.
2030: Automotive Strategy Goal
The Egyptian government's 2024–2030 strategy aims to increase automotive production to 500,000 vehicles annually and boost exports by 2030.
2040: Renewed prosperity in the Middle Kingdom
Around 2040 BCE, stronger Nile floods and stabilisation of government brought back renewed prosperity for Egypt in the Middle Kingdom.
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