Red Sea Governorate

Red Sea Governorate (Template:Lang-arz Muḥāfẓet El Baḥr El Aḥmar) is one of the 27 governorates(States) of Egypt. Located between the Nile and the Red Sea in the southeast of the country, its southern border forms part of Egypt's border with Sudan. Its capital and largest city is Hurghada.

Geography

The Red Sea Governorate is bordered on the north by the Suez Governorate, to the east by the Red Sea, and to the west by the governorates of Aswan, Qena, Sohag, Asyut, al-Minya and Beni Suef. In the south it is bordered by Sudan's Red Sea State. It contains the disputed territory of the Hala'ib triangle, including the Siyal Islands.

Population

In addition to the administrative center of Hurghada, about 60,000 residents live in the cities of Ras Gharib, Safaga, El Qoseir, Marsa Alam and Bir Shalatein. The population in 2006 was 288,233 inhabitants, of which more than 275,000 lived in a few towns along the coast. In general, the economic structure of the province's cities and tourist areas is concentrated along the coast. Historically, the population since 1937 was:

• 1937: 9,914
• 1947: 15,929
• 1966: 38,000
• 1976: 56,191
• 1986: 90,491
• 1996: 155,695
• 2006: 288,233
• 2014: 337,051

Cities and towns

• El Qoseir
• Hurghada
• Marsa Alam
• Ras Gharib
• Safaga
• Shalateen

Heavy industrial zones

According to the Egyptian Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), in affiliation with the Ministry of Investment (MOI), the following industrial zones are located in this governorate:

• Bernes 1
• Bernes 2
• Alaki 1
• Alaki 2

Economy

The coast is, as already mentioned, a tourist element. Since the early 80s, Hurghada has been a popular destination for beach lovers and scuba divers. Tourism is also growing in the southern cities of Al-Qusair, Safaga and Marsa Alam. In addition to the numerous hotels and tourist establishments in the centers are located in Al-Bahr al-Ahmar 2 official nature reserves are to be developed for tourism or. The Wadi al-Gamal National Park (Valley of the camels) at Hamata near the town of Marsa Alam and the Gebel Elba National Park in disputed Hala'ib Triangle north of the town of Hala'ib. Besides a strong tourism industry, there is also a large offshore fishing industry. The area, which extends over the province, is rich in minerals, such as in phosphates. The Ras Gharib region contains 70% of Egypt's oil production.

External links

• Official Red Sea Governorate (English)