Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt sees first decline in annual births since 2007, officials say
Egypt has experienced a notable slowdown in its population growth, according to Major General Khairy Barakat, head of Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). While the population continues to increase, the growth rate has eased compared to previous years—a result Barakat attributes to ongoing government efforts to address demographic challenges.
Speaking at a World Population Day event, Barakat revealed that as of now, Egypt’s population stands at approximately 107.85 million and is expected to reach 108 million by August 18. For the first time since 2007, annual births have fallen below two million—a hopeful sign of improvement in population growth trends.
Barakat noted that southern governorates, particularly Assiut and Sohag, continue to see the fastest population growth rates. He highlighted the government’s sustained commitment to tackling these challenges through evidence-based strategies, focusing not only on reducing growth, but also improving population characteristics such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The new figures offer a glimpse of progress, but officials stress that much work remains to build a sustainable future for all Egyptians.