Matrouh Governorate
| Matrouh Governorate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Governorate | ||
| ||
.svg.png) Matrouh Governorate on the map of Egypt | ||
| Coordinates: 29°49′N 27°09′E / 29.82°N 27.15°ECoordinates: 29°49′N 27°09′E / 29.82°N 27.15°E | ||
| Country |
 Egypt | |
| Seat | Mersa Matruh (capital) | |
| Government | ||
| • Governor | Alaa Fathy Abo Zaid [1] | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 212,112 km2 (81,897 sq mi) | |
| Population (2014) | ||
| • Total | 427,573 | |
| • Density | 2.0/km2 (5.2/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) | |
| Website | Matrouh | |
Matrouh Governorate (Egyptian Arabic: محافظة مطروح Muḥāfẓet Maṭrūḥ) is one of the governorates of Egypt. Located in the north-western part of the country, it borders Libya. Its capital is Marsa Matrouh.
Overview
The interior of the Matrouh Governorate is part of Egypt's Western Desert, including the Siwa Oasis, in antiquity known for its shrine to Ammon. In the center of the Governorate is the Qattara Depression, descending to 133 metres below sea level.
Marsa Matrouh is the ancient Paraetonium. It was the westernmost city of Aegyptus as defined in the Hellenistic period. The city of Apis, some 18 km to the west of Paraetonium, marked the boundary to Libycus Nomus, and the Halfaya Pass (at Sallum) marked the boundary to Marmarica proper.
Matrouh Governorate contains many historical sites related to World War II. The latter include El Alamein, which comprises cemeteries of fallen soldiers from Axis and Allied forces. An estimated 16 million mines,[2] planted by the Europeans during the world wars, still hinder development of most of the governorate, and are constantly being removed.
The province has been described as "religiously conservative".[3]
Population
According to population estimates from 2015 the majority of residents in the governorate live in urban areas, with an urbanization rate of 70.6%. Out of an estimated 447,846 people residing in the governorate, 316,005 people live in urban areas as opposed to only 131,841 in rural areas. [4]
Industrial zone
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:[5]
- The industrial zone in K 26
References
- ↑ "Egypt's Government Governorates Directory". Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ↑ خارج القاهرة: ربع مليون فدان آلغام بمطروح - ONTV - 13 Jan 2012 (Arabic)
- ↑ http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21594994-referendum-constitution-fails-heal-national-wounds-deepening-rifts?fsrc=rss%7Cmea Egypt’s referendum: Deepening rifts
- ↑ "Population Estimates By Sex & Governorate 1/1/2015" (PDF). CAPMAS. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
- ↑ "Investment Regimes, Industrial Zones of Governorate". Ministry of Investment Egypt. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
External links
- Matruh Governorate Official website