Egypt Factbook

Egypt’s ancient roots are being overshadowed by the increasing influence of Islam. The many Christians, who lived in relative peace for many years, are facing strong opposition and persecution.

Egypt is located in the northwestern corner of Africa but is generally considered a Middle-Eastern state. Egypt gained control of the strategic Suez Canal and Sinai Peninsula as a result of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Of its large land area, little is suitable for agriculture. The remainder is desert with hot, dry summers and moderate winters.

The population of Egypt is over 76 million and growing at a fairly rapid pace. The growth rate contains to strain the economy and the few natural resources of the land. Approximately 85% of the people are descendants of the Egyptians of Biblical record although most speak Arabic today. Most of the remainder are either ethnically or culturally Arab.

The Egyptian economy was in disarray in the 1980’s with high unemployment and high inflation. In the early 1990’s, Egypt began a slow, unsteady recovery. Receipts from the Persian Gulf War were a short-lived boon to the economy. Terrorism directed against tourists has substantially cut tourism income. Political turmoil, limited natural resources, and population growth all have a negative affect on the economy.

Egypt was one of the great ancient civilizations, but has mostly served other masters since before the advent of Christ. Egypt became an independent nation again in 1922 when released from British control. After World War II, the Soviet Union held a strong political influence until the rise of Anwar Sadat in 1970. Sadat signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1979 which was bitterly opposed by many Arabs and eventually led to Sadat’s assassination in 1981. Governments since then have been under growing pressure to institute Islamic law in Egypt.

Egypt is an Islamic state, but, in the past, Christians were generally safe as long as they didn’t attempt to convert Muslims. The peace that Christians enjoyed has been quickly eroding since the early 1980’s. Many acts of terrorism have been carried out against Christians as militant Muslims gain greater control of the government. Many have been imprisoned for their faith. Others have been killed. Some who have made professions are denouncing Christ and converting to Islam.

Nearly all Christians in Egypt belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Coptic church is the largest Christian church in the Middle East, and it has significant influence throughout the region. Despite its Orthodox heritage, there has been a Biblically-based renewal movement in the Coptic church for most of this century, and many have come to faith in Christ. In addition other evangelical churches have seen growth in recent years.

Pray for the church as it faces increasing persecution. Pray for the Muslim majority. Few have ever heard the gospel, and their prospects for hearing of Christ are limited. Pray for efforts to reach these people. Pray for great wisdom as Christians discretely witness to their neighbors. Pray for an end to the persecution of God’s people in Egypt.

Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison

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