Government:

The Type: Republic.

The President: Mohammad Hosni Mubarak. (since 14 October 1981)

The Prime Minster: Dr. Ahmad Nazeef. ( since mid July 2004 )

Capital: Cairo.

Governorates [Administrative divisions] : 26.

National Holiday: Revolution Day, 23 July (1952).

Constitution: 11 September 1971.

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president.

Elections: president nominated by the Egypt People's Assembly for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national, popular referendum, national referendum last held 26 September 1999 (next to be held October 2005), prime minister appointed by the president.

Election results: national referendum validated President MUBARAK's nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term.

Legislative formation: 
The People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve six-year terms).

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP).

Currency code: ( EGP ).

Exchange rates: Egyptian pounds per US dollar 06.19 [subject to change].

Fiscal Year: 1 July - 30 June.

Economy:

Lack of substantial progress on economic reform since the mid 1990s has limited foreign direct investment in Egypt and kept annual GDP growth in the range of 2-3 percent in 2001-03. Egyptian officials in late 2003 and early 2004 proposed new privatization and customs reform measures, but the government is likely to pursue these initiatives cautiously and gradually to avoid a public backlash over potential inflation or layoffs associated with the reforms. Monetary pressures on an overvalued Egyptian pound led the government to float the currency in January 2003, leading to a sharp drop in its value and consequent inflationary pressure.

The existence of a black market for hard currency is evidence that the government continues to influence the official exchange rate offered in banks. In September 2003, Egyptian officials increased subsidies on basic foodstuffs, helping to calm a frustrated public but widening an already deep budget deficit. Egypt's balance-of-payments position was not hurt by the war in Iraq in 2003, as tourism and Suez Canal revenues fared well. The development of an export market for natural gas is a bright spot for future growth prospects, but improvement in the capital-intensive hydrocarbons sector does little to reduce Egypt's persistent unemployment.