Egypt's Population Grows by 250,000 in 72 Days

Egypt’s population has surged by 250,000 in 72 days, bringing the total to 107.25 million as of January 2025. This significant increase, recorded since the population reached 107 million on November 2nd, 2024, highlights the ongoing challenges of managing demographic growth in one of the region's most populous nations.

Cairo remains the most populous governorate, with 10.4 million residents, followed by Giza with 9.7 million and Sharqia with 8.1 million. Other densely populated areas include Dakahlia at 7.2 million and Beheira at 7 million. Additional governorates such as Minya, Qalyubia, Sohag and Alexandria contribute populations ranging from 5.2 million to 6.5 million, while smaller regions like South Sinai and the New Valley have populations below 300,000.

Fertility rates have seen a notable decline, dropping from 3.5 children per woman in 2014 to 2.85 in 2021. The annual population growth rate also fell by 46% between 2017 and 2023, reaching its lowest point in five decades at 1.4% in 2023, compared to 2.6% in 2017. These figures reflect a combination of shifting social trends and targeted government interventions aimed at addressing rapid population growth.

The government has invested over EGP 100 million annually in providing free or subsidized birth control. Incentives such as an annual payment of EGP 1,000 to married women with no more than two children and the launch of the ‘Two Are Enough’ campaign in 2020 have further supported family planning efforts.

Additionally, the National Population and Development Strategy (2023–2030), introduced in September 2023, outlines a comprehensive framework to address population-related challenges.