Egyptians

Egyptians are the people whose homeland is Egypt or who have Egyptian nationality or descent. In modern usage, most Egyptians are ethnically Egyptian and speak Egyptian Arabic as their daily language, with Modern Standard Arabic used officially and in media. The population includes minorities such as Nubians, Bedouins, and communities of Greek, Italian, Armenian, and Kurdish heritage. The dominant religion is Islam, primarily Sunni, while a substantial Coptic Orthodox Christian minority and smaller communities of Catholics and Protestants are present.

Historically, the term also refers to the ancient population of Egypt, a civilization centered along the Nile that began around 3000 BCE and produced a long record of pharaonic rule, monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing, and advances in areas such as astronomy and mathematics. The modern Egyptian identity incorporates this ancient heritage with centuries of Islamic governance, Ottoman influence, and a modern national identity forged in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Language is a core element of Egyptian identity. The most widely spoken language today is Egyptian Arabic, with Modern Standard Arabic used in official contexts. Coptic remains a liturgical language for the Coptic Orthodox Church and is studied as part of Egypt’s historical linguistic landscape. English and French are commonly taught as second languages in education and business.

Egyptians have made notable contributions across literature, cinema, music, science, and politics, reflecting Egypt’s role as a cultural and political hub in the region. Major urban centers include Cairo, the capital, and Alexandria, along with other cities along the Nile and in the Delta.