Egypt is situated at the crossroads of northeastern Africa and the western corner of Asia. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. The capital city of Egypt is Cairo, also the largest city in the country. With a population exceeding 100 million people, Egypt stands as one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Arab world. Its rich and ancient history traces back to around 3100 BCE, and the ancient Egyptians are celebrated for their remarkable achievements in architecture, art, and science. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings rank among the most renowned archaeological sites globally.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) serves as the official currency of the Arab Republic of Egypt, symbolized by E£. Additionally, it can be denoted as LE, signifying livre égyptienne, the French term for the Egyptian pound. The currency is subdivided into smaller units called piastres or qirsh, with one Egyptian Pound equal to 100 piastres. Commonly used coin denominations include 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 piastres.
Egyptian coins often showcase portraits of prominent historical or political figures, possibly depicting past presidents or notable figures from Egypt's history. On their reverse side, these coins typically incorporate national symbols such as the eagle of Saladin or the national emblem of Egypt. Some coins may feature iconic landmarks or historical monuments, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, or other culturally significant structures. Designs may also include symbols representing Egypt's rich cultural heritage, such as hieroglyphs or ancient Egyptian motifs. Additionally, some coins may bear inscriptions on the edge, including phrases or mottos relevant to Egypt's history or national identity.
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) assumes responsibility for issuing and regulating the country's currency, playing a crucial role in maintaining monetary stability, controlling inflation, and overseeing the banking system.
