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Egyptian Cities, Towns, and Governorates

When most people think about towns and cities in Egypt, the main ones that come to mind are the major cities or the ones with popular tourist attractions, but there are more than 200 towns and cities with a population of over 15,000 in Egypt.
Because 90% of Egypt is desert, most of the towns have developed bordering the River Nile, along the shores of the Mediterranean or Red Seas, beside the Suez Canal, or among various desert oases. Egypt's enormous population growth has caused many areas to be built on sandy foundations rather than more sustainable soil. Giza is a prime example of this as it slowly moves towards the plateau where the famous pyramids were built.
For administrative purposes, Egypt is divided into 27 governorates, which are the top level of the country's five-level jurisdiction system that determines which administrative body has the authority to decide certain things. Each province is administered by a governor, who is appointed by the President of Egypt, serving at the president's discretion.

Governorates

These governorates have a population density of more than one thousand per km², although the three most significant (Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza) have a population density of less than two per km². Egypt's governorates are either entirely "urban" or else a mixture of "urban" and "rural." The official distinction between "urban" and "rural" is reflected in the lower levels of administrative authority: urban governorates have no regions, or “Markaz”, as these are just an assortment of villages. Governorates may, however, consist of only one city, as is the case with Cairo or Alexandria, for example. These one-city governorates are divided into districts (fundamentally urban neighborhoods). Cairo has twenty-three districts, while Alexandria has only six.
Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country that spans the northeast corner of Africa and the southwest corner of Asia. The country's rich history and diverse culture make it a fascinating study for historians and travelers. One of the critical aspects of Egypt's administrative system is its division into governorates and cities. This article delves into the intricacies of Egypt's administrative divisions.

Egypt's Administrative Structure: An Overview

Egypt's administrative structure consists of three levels: Governorates, Cities, and Districts. Each of these levels has a specific role in the country's administration, and they collectively contribute to the seamless functioning of the country's governance.

Governorates

Egypt is divided into 29 governorates, each administered by a governor. The governorates vary in size and population. Some governorates, like Cairo, are densely populated, while others, like the New Valley or South Sinai, have smaller populations and cover large areas.

Cities

Within these governorates, there are numerous cities and towns. Each city or town has its local administration responsible for managing local affairs and providing services to the local population.

Districts

Cities and towns in Egypt are further subdivided into districts. These districts are the most minor administrative units in Egypt and play a crucial role in the local governance structure.

A Deep Dive Into Egypt's Governorates

Let's take a closer look at some of Egypt's governorates, their capital cities, and their unique features.

New Valley Governorate

With its capital at Kharga, the New Valley Governorate is the largest in Egypt, spanning a massive 376,505 square kilometers. It is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty, starkly contrasting the bustling city life of Cairo or Alexandria.

Matruh Governorate

The Matruh Governorate, with its capital at Marsa Matruh, is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. It is a popular holiday destination for both Egyptians and tourists from around the world.

Red Sea Governorate

With its capital at Hurghada, the Red Sea Governorate is a tourist hotspot famous for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. The governorate is a mecca for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Giza Governorate

With its capital at Giza, the Giza Governorate houses the world-renowned Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. These iconic structures are among the most visited tourist attractions in Egypt.

South Sinai Governorate

The South Sinai Governorate, with its capital at El-Tor, is home to Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The governorate is also known for its picturesque landscapes and rich Bedouin culture.

The Cities of Egypt: A Glimpse

Egypt is home to numerous cities with unique charm and character. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

Cairo

Cairo, the capital and largest city in Egypt is the country's heart. The city is a melting pot of culture, history, and modernity. It is home to the famous Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Alexandria

Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, is a city steeped in Greek history. It boasts the magnificent Qaitbay Citadel and the iconic Montaza Palace.

Luxor

Luxor, often called the world's most excellent open-air museum, is home to the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor Temple, and the Karnak Temple.

Aswan

Aswan, located in the south of Egypt, is known for its beautiful Nile views and numerous ancient temples, including the Philae and Abu Simbel temples.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is a renowned beach resort city. It is famous for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

Egypt's administrative structure is vital to the country's governance and development. The division into governorates, cities, and districts ensures efficient administration and provides a solid foundation for economic growth and social development. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or an avid traveler, understanding Egypt's administrative divisions can enrich your knowledge of this ancient land.

Here is a list of all Egyptian cities with a population over 15,000:

Name

Governorate

2016 Population

Cairo

Cairo

9,947,216

Alexandria

Alexandria

6,084,672

Giza

Giza

7,615,165

Shubra el-Khema

Qalyubia

2,025,569

Port Said

Port Said

570,603

Suez

Suez

500,000

El Mahalla el Kubra

Gharbia

442,958

El Mansoura

Dakahlia

439,348

Tanta

Gharbia

422,854

Asyut

Asyut

389,307

Fayoum

Fayoum

315,940

Zagazig

Sharqia

302,840

Ismailia

Ismailia

293,184

Khusus

Qalyubia

291,242

Aswan

Aswan

266,013

Damanhur

Beheira

244,043

El-Minya

Minya

236,043

Damietta

Damietta

206,664

Luxor

Luxor

202,232

Qena

Qena

201,191

Beni Suef

Beni Suef

193,048

Sohag

Sohag

190,132

Shibin el-Kom

Monufia

177,112

Hurghada

Red Sea

160,901

Banha

Qalyubia

157,701

Kafr al-Sheikh

Kafr el-Sheikh

147,393

Mallawi

Minya

139,929

El Arish

North Sinai

137,944

Belbeis

Sharqia

137,182

10th of Ramadan City

Sharqia

125,920

Marsa Matruh

Matruh

120,539

Mit Ghamr

Dakahlia

116,593

Kafr el-Dawwar

Beheira

114,030

Qalyub

Qalyubia

107,303

Desouk

Kafr el-Sheikh

106,827

Abu Kabir

Sharqia

103,175

Girga

Sohag

102,597

Akhmim

Sohag

101,509

El-Matareya

Dakahlia

100,566

Edko

Beheira

97,168

Bilqas

Dakahlia

94,700

Zifta

Gharbia

93,740

Samalut

Minya

91,475

Menouf

Monufia

89,262

Senbellawein

Dakahlia

86,786

Tahta

Sohag

85,528

Bush

Beni Suef

85,319

Ashmoun

Monufia

83,931

Manfalut

Asyut

82,585

Senuris

Fayoum

82,148

Beni Mazar

Minya

79,553

Faqous

Sharqia

78,405

Talkha

Dakahlia

78,281

Armant

Qena

76,457

Maghagha

Minya

75,657

Manzala

Dakahlia

75,034

Dairut

Asyut

72,856

Kom Ombo

Aswan

71,596

Kafr al-Zayat

Gharbia

71,272

Abu Tig

Asyut

70,969

Qis

Asyut

69,388

Edfu

Aswan

69,000

Rosetta

Beheira

68,947

Esna

Qena

68,656

Dikirnis

Dakahlia

67,732

Abnub

Asyut

67,526

Tima

Sohag

67,443

Beila

Kafr el-Sheikh

66,663

El-Kanater al-Khiria

Qalyubia

66,350

Al-Fashn

Beni Suef

65,621

Al-Mansha

Sohag

65,484

Al-Kareen

Sharqia

64,453

El-Gamalia

Dakahlia

63,894

Fuwa

Kafr el-Sheikh

63,175

Minya al-Qamh

Sharqia

62,331

Kharga

New Valley

60,584

Qus

Qena

60,068

Khanka

Qalyubia

59,500

Abu Qirqas

Minya

57,892

Biba

Beni Suef

57,716

Samannoud

Gharbia

57,177

Minyet al-Nasr

Dakahlia

56,000

Shibin al-Qanater

Qalyubia

55,272

Ibshawai

Fayoum

54,853

Sherbin

Dakahlia

54,785

Drib Nigm

Sharqia

53,384

Basyoun

Gharbia

53,226

Sers el-Lyan

Monufia

52,653

Dishna

Qena

52,534

Al-Hamool

Kafr el-Sheikh

51,209

Farshut

Qena

51,052

Tala

Monufia

49,468

Ash-Shuhada

Monufia

49,447

Tamiya

Fayoum

49,385

Mashtul el-Sook

Sharqia

48,709

Sadat City

Monufia

48,666

El-Ghanayem

Asyut

48,144

Itsa

Fayoum

47,189

Al-Baliyana

Sohag

46,997

Hosh Issa

Beheira

46,994

Matai

Minya

46,903

Juhayna

Sohag

46,768

Sidi Salem

Kafr el-Sheikh

45,906

Naj Hammadi

Qena

45,038

Quesna

Monufia

44,667

Hehya

Sharqia

44,465

Abul Matamir

Beheira

44,415

El Ubour

Qalyubia

43,600

El-Badari

Asyut

42,770

Al-Kanayat

Sharqia

42,563

At-Tall al-Kabir

Ismailia

42,552

El-Delengat

Beheira

41,768

Al-Hammam

Matruh

41,741

Tukh

Qalyubia

41,624

Bagour

Monufia

41,072

Etay el-Barud

Beheira

40,744

Deir Mawas

Minya

40,640

Baltim

Kafr el-Sheikh

40,199

Abu Hammad

Sharqia

39,361

Abu Hummus

Beheira

39,350

Nabaroh

Dakahlia

38,953

Sharm el-Sheikh

South Sinai

38,478

Daraw

Aswan

38,400

Al-Maragha

Sohag

38,393

Sumusta al-Waqf

Beni Suef

37,965

Al-Wasta

Beni Suef

37,916

Ihnasiya

Beni Suef

37,174

Kom Hamadah

Beheira

36,334

Al-Quseir

Red Sea

35,045

Qallin

Kafr el-Sheikh

35,033

Birkat al-Sab

Monufia

33,873

Safaga

Red Sea

33,715

Ezbet el-Borg

Damietta

33,538

Faraskur

Damietta

33,000

Al-Ibrahimiya

Sharqia

32,167

El-Santa

Gharbia

32,033

Ras Gharib

Red Sea

31,860

Sahel Selim

Asyut

31,781

Dar as-Salam

Sohag

31,736

Rafah

North Sinai

31,515

Mit Salsil

Dakahlia

31,272

Al-Husseinieh

Sharqia

30,825

Kafr el-Batikh

Damietta

30,500

Kafr Saqr

Sharqia

30,333

Bani Ubayd

Dakahlia

30,048

El-Qantara

Ismailia

29,505

Metoubes

Kafr el-Sheikh

29,428

El-Rahmaniyah

Beheira

29,393

Shubrakhit

Beheira

28,505

El-Mahmoudiyah

Beheira

28,277

Al-Waqf

Qena

27,525

New Damietta City

Damietta

27,028

Qaha

Qalyubia

26,694

Kotoor

Gharbia

24,518

Abu Suweir-el-Mahatta

Ismailia

24,265

Kafr Shukr

Qalyubia

23,390

Kafr Saad

Damietta

22,500

Qift

Qena

22,063

Fayed

Ismailia

21,808

Saqultah

Sohag

21,695

Wadi al-Natrun

Beheira

21,540

Naqadah

Qena

21,530

As-Sarw

Damietta

21,500

Awlad Saqr

Sharqia

21,370

Sidi Barrani

Matruh

21,060

Al-Basaliyah Bahri

Aswan

21,000

Badr

Beheira

20,971

Sedfa

Asyut

20,931

El-Qantara ash-Sharqiya

Ismailia

20,700

Ar-Ruda

Damietta

20,500

Mut

New Valley

20,439

Al-Tur

South Sinai

19,826

New Salhia

Sharqia

18,957

Ash-Shaykh Zawid

North Sinai

18,577

Riyadh

Kafr el-Sheikh

18,263

New Beni Suef

Beni Suef

25,921

Aga

Dakahlia

17,580

Ad-Dabah

Matruh

27,559

Al-Zarqa

Damietta

22,500

As-Sibaiyah Gharb

Aswan

27,300

Siwa

Matruh

30,056

El-Idwa

Minya

2515,875

Yusuf as-Siddiq

Fayoum

25,660

Al-Bayadiyah

Luxor

25,501

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