Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

Note: On December 25, 2012, Egypt adopted a new constitution. The document was approved in a two-stage referendum that saw a relatively low turnout—only 32.9 percent of Egypt’s 52 million eligible voters participated. But 63.8 percent of those voting approved the new basic law, and Mohammed Morsi signed it into law. In a press conference, the opposition declared the constitution lacked “moral . . . and political legitimacy” and vowed to continue nationwide protests.

Political Status: Nominally independent in 1922; republic established in 1953; joined with Syria as the United Arab Republic in 1958 and retained the name after Syria withdrew in 1961; present name adopted September 2, 1971; under limited multiparty system formally adopted by constitutional amendment approved in referendum ...