Cairo

Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc

Arable land: 3%, permanent crops: 0%, permanent pastures: 0%; forests: and woodlands: 0%, other: 93% (1993 est.)

Agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural drainage water, raw sewage, and industrial effluents; limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources

An environmental commitment has been made by the government (via an international treaty) in the following areas: Biological diversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer, CFC Control.

Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

1 001 450

45%

64%