Population Density in Cairo Rises to 500 People Per Feddan

If you've ever felt like Cairo has been getting a bit too crowded these days, you're not alone. In fact the science is totally on your side here. According to the Ministry of Housing, the population density of Cairo has reached 500 people per feddan, with buildings (both residential and otherwise) taking up 70% of urban areas throughout. Giza isn't having an easy time of it either, with 100 people packed into each of its feddans on average.

Unplanned expansion in urban development has been attributed as one of the chief causes of this high population density. This issue has been addressed in recent years with the passing of new laws and rules. For example, Egypt has paused construction in residential areas within Cairo and Giza in July 2020, while in May 2021, the Council of Ministers released a report outlining new urban planning and construction requirements.

To help further ease the pressure on Cairo's population, the Egyptian government has been constructing numerous cities throughout the nation, such as New Suez, New Galala and New Ismailia. Eight new cities have been built since 2014, with hopes to accomodate 5 million people in the west and 12 million people in the east.