Egypt’s Population Growth Slows to 1.4%, Government Reports
The planning ministry in Egypt announced on Thursday that the country’s population growth rate slowed to 1.4% in 2023, marking its lowest level in decades. Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world, has been grappling with the challenges posed by rapid population growth, a concern frequently highlighted by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
President Sisi has emphasized the need to curb population growth, attributing strains on services and the government budget to a recent surge in birth rates. The current population of Egypt stands at slightly over 106 million, as reported by Egypt’s official statistics agency.
A significant portion of Egypt’s population, estimated at around 60%, is believed to live below or near the poverty line. The country faces various challenges, including water scarcity, limited job opportunities, and overcrowded schools and hospitals.
Historical data from the World Bank indicates that Egypt’s population growth reached its peak at 2.8% in 1984–85 before gradually declining to 1.9% in 2006. However, it experienced a resurgence to 2.3% in 2014 before steadily decreasing again, reaching 1.6% in 2022.
President Sisi has initiated several large-scale projects aimed at providing employment opportunities and infrastructure to support the growing population. While Sisi argues that these projects benefit the country, critics contend that they divert resources and contribute to Egypt’s debt burden.
In 2019, Egypt launched the “Two Is Enough” family planning campaign, targeting rural areas to challenge traditional norms favoring large families. This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to address population growth through awareness and education programs.
The “Two Is Enough” campaign aims to challenge traditional views on family size, particularly in rural areas where large families are more common. By promoting the idea of smaller families, the campaign seeks to encourage family planning practices and contribute to controlling population growth.
Egypt’s efforts to address population growth are crucial for ensuring sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens. With the population surpassing 106 million and significant challenges in terms of poverty, infrastructure, and resource management, managing population growth is essential for the country’s long-term stability and prosperity.
President Sisi’s focus on mega-projects as a solution to employment and infrastructure needs underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of addressing population-related challenges. However, there are ongoing debates about the effectiveness and sustainability of these projects, with critics raising concerns about resource allocation and their impact on the economy and society.
In summary, Egypt’s recent achievement of slowing population growth to its lowest rate in decades reflects the government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges. Through initiatives like the “Two Is Enough” campaign and large-scale development projects, Egypt aims to promote sustainable population growth and improve the well-being of its people.
