Human Characteristics of Cairo, Egypt: Megacity Demographics & Culture

Population

• Metro population: ~22 million (2023)—largest in Africa, Arab world, Middle East.
• Density: >40,000/km² (core)—among world's densest.
• Growth: Rapid urbanization, informal settlements.

Ethnicity & Language

• Ethnicity: Predominantly Egyptian Arab; minorities: Nubians, Armenians, Greeks, expatriates.
• Language: Arabic (official); Egyptian Arabic vernacular. English/French widely understood in business/tourism.

Religion

• Muslim (Sunni): ~90%.
• Christian: ~10% (mostly Coptic Orthodox).
• Historic Jewish community now very small.

Culture & Daily Life

• Heritage: Al-Azhar Mosque/University (1,000+ yrs), Coptic Cairo, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
• Arts: Cinema capital of Arab world; music (Umm Kulthum legacy), literature (Naguib Mahfouz).
• Crafts: Textiles, pottery, metalwork, khayamiya (appliqué).
• Hospitality: Strong coffee/tea culture; family-centered social life.

Economy

• National economic hub: government, finance, media, manufacturing (textiles, food, auto), tourism.
• Informal sector huge: street vendors, micro-enterprises.
• Stark inequality: wealthy districts vs. ashwa'iyat (informal areas).