BRAND BUILDERS

EGYPT

Republic ruled by President Hosni Mubarak

Capital: Cairo

75 million Inhabitants

33% under 15 years old

Population growth rate: 1.6%

High unemployment, poverty issue

GDP: US$162.2 billion

GDP per capita US$2,160

Real growth: 6.9%

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

Strong tourism with 12.8 million tourists in 2008. Target of 14 million by 2011.

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