The real reason Egypt is moving its capital

Vox・2 minutes read

Cairo, Egypt's capital, is facing overpopulation issues, leading the government to announce the relocation of the capital to a new city in the desert. The move aims to address the high population density and informal, overcrowded neighborhoods in Cairo, with a focus on government buildings and a business district.

Insights

  • The Egyptian government's decision to relocate the capital to the New Administrative Capital reflects a historical pattern of addressing overpopulation and congestion issues by establishing new cities in the desert, prioritizing government and business interests over affordable housing and public infrastructure for low-income communities.
  • Cairo's rapid, unplanned growth has resulted in overcrowded informal settlements, with a significant portion of the population residing in these areas, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning strategies that prioritize equitable development and address the diverse socio-economic needs of the population.

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Recent questions

  • Why is the Egyptian government relocating the capital?

    Overpopulation and congestion in Cairo.

  • What percentage of Egypt's population lives in Greater Cairo?

    20%

  • What was the focus of previous attempts to alleviate Cairo's congestion?

    Expensive housing and lack of public transportation.

  • What is the main focus of the New Administrative Capital?

    Government buildings and business district.

  • What percentage of Cairo's population lives in informal and overcrowded neighborhoods?

    60%

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Summary

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Egypt's New Capital: Addressing Overpopulation in Cairo

  • Cairo, Egypt's largest city and capital, has been home to rulers and palaces for decades.
  • The Parliament has convened in the same building for over 150 years.
  • In 2015, the Egyptian government announced the relocation of the capital to a new city, the New Administrative Capital, about 50 kilometers away in the desert.
  • The move aims to address Cairo's overpopulation issue, with 20% of Egypt's 100 million people residing in Greater Cairo, which has a high population density.
  • Cairo's growth was unplanned, leading to informal and overcrowded neighborhoods, with 60% of the population living in these areas.
  • Previous attempts to alleviate Cairo's congestion through new cities in the desert, like Nasr City, focused on expensive housing and lacked public transportation, catering mainly to the middle and upper class.
  • President Sisi's establishment of the New Administrative Capital continues this trend, with limited housing for low-income communities and a focus on government buildings and a business district, aiming to distance the government from potential protests in Cairo.
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