Egypt population growth continues slowing to 1.4%, government says
Egypt population growth continues slowing to 1.4%, government says
Population growth in Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country, slowed to 1.4% in 2023, its lowest rate in decades, the planning ministry said on Thursday.
The need to limit population growth is a favourite theme of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who blames a recent high birth rate for straining services and the government budget.
The current population stands at just over 106 million, according to Egypt's official statistics agency.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Six countries account for three-quarters of Europe’s unicorn startups
About 60% of citizens are estimated to live below or close to the poverty line in a country burdened by water scarcity, lack of job opportunities and overcrowded schools and hospitals.
According to World Bank figures dating back to 1961, population growth in Egypt peaked at 2.8% in 1984-85 before declining to 1.9% in 2006 then surging again to 2.3% in 2014.
Since then it has steadily declined, reaching 1.6% in 2022, the data showed.
Sisi has launched a series of mega-projects that he says provide jobs and infrastructure for a growing population, but that critics say divert resources and weigh on Egypt's debt burden.
In 2019, Egypt launched "Two Is Enough", a family-planning campaign aiming to challenge traditions of large families in rural areas.
This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.
