Before the 1952 revolution, Egypt s economy depended mainly on agriculture. Since then, however, the country has developed its other natural resources, and at present Egypt exports oil, finished textiles, canned food, cars, and the Suez Canal is considered an important source of revenue as an average of 70 ships cross it daily and pay fees. In an effort to increase its cultivable land, the country is using new irrigation methods, and in parts of the desert new cities have been built. Furthermore, Egypt is one of the world s main producers and exporters of long staple cotton. The education system is composed of four stages - primary, preparatory, secondary, and university.
Primary education is mandatory and is extended to children between the ages of six and twelve.
The basic unit of currency is the Egyptian pound divided into 100 piasters.