BRAND BUILDERS

EGYPT

Republic ruled by President Hosni Mubarak

Capital: Cairo

75.9 million inhabitants

33% under 15 years old

High unemployment, poverty issue

GDP: US$100.7 billion, real growth: 6.8%

GDP per capita: US$1,327

Large economy, relatively balanced with strong agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Declining oil production. Recent resuming of economic reforms.

Strong tourism with 9.1 million tourists in 2006. Target of 14 million by 2011.

Tradition of street shopping recently toned down by the opening of City Stars. Marked a shift in the retail scene with sizeable surface and high standards.