Capital of Egypt: Cairo
The capital of Egypt is Cairo. Egypt sits in Africa, has a population of 110,990,103, and uses the EGP. Official languages include Arabic.
Quick facts
- Capital: Cairo
- Continent: Africa
- Population: ~110,990,103
- Area: 1,001,450 km²
- Population density: 111 people per km²
- Official language: Arabic
- Currency: EGP
- ISO code: EG
How big is Egypt?
By population, Egypt ranks 14th in the world, holding roughly 1.40% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 29th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Egypt has 111 people per square kilometre, which is somewhat above the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Africa, Egypt is the 3rd most populous country of 54.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Egypt in population are Philippines (115,559,009) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (99,010,212).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Mauritania (1,030,700 km²) and Tanzania (945,087 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Arabic is spoken officially in 25 countries in this dataset, including Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros and Djibouti, and 19 others.
Egypt uses the EGP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Egypt in Africa
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Africa is the block Egypt belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Egypt and a page on the flag of Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Egypt?
The capital of Egypt is Cairo.
What is the population of Egypt?
About 110,990,103, making it the 14th most populous country in the world.
How big is Egypt?
1,001,450 square kilometres, ranking 29th by land area, at a density of 111 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Egypt use?
The EGP, which no other country uses.