The Arab Republic of Egypt forms the North-Eastern corner of Africa and, with an area of almost one million square kilometers, occupies nearly 3% of the total area of the continent.
Egypt measures 1262 km from west to east and 1073 km, between latitudes 22 and 32°N. This latitudinal location means that most of the country falls within Africa's dry desert region, except for a narrow strip along the northern coast which experiences a Mediterranean type of climate.
These relatively favourable climatic conditions, in comparison with the desert areas to the south, have led to a concentration of rain-fed agriculture in the north-west coastal region. Egypt is predominantly desert and only 5% of Egypt’s total land is cultivated and permanently settled.
This section provides an overview of the country, briefly presenting information on: