Matrouh Governorate is one of the governorates of Egypt, and its capital is Mersa Matruh. It is one of the Alexandria region’s governorates encompassing Alexandria, Beheira, and Matrouh. The Governorate has a deep-rooted history and a promising future. It enjoys a unique location on the Mediterranean Sea and is the hub between Egypt and the Arab Maghreb.
Location of Matrouh Governorate
Marsa Matrouh governorate lies in the Western North of the Republic. It extends along the Mediterranean Sea from Kilo 41 West of Alexandria to el-Saloum. It borders in west by Libya up to the South of Siwa and by New Valley governorate in the south and the east by Alexandria, el-Beheira and 6th October.
Municipal divisions
The Governorate is divided into municipal divisions with a total estimated population as of July 2017 of 429,370.
Overview
The interior of the Matrouh Governorate is part of Egypt’s Western Desert, including the Siwa Oasis, in antiquity known for its shrine to Amun. In the centre of the Governorate is the Qattara Depression, descending to 133 metres below sea level.
Marsa Matrouh is the ancient Koinē Greek: Παραιτόνιον Paraitónion, Latin Paraetonium. It was the westernmost city of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in the Hellenistic period. Some 18 km to the west of Paraetonium, the town of Apis marked the boundary to Libycus nome, and the Halfaya Pass (at Sallum) marked the frontier to Marmarica proper.
Furthermore, Matrouh Governorate contains many historical sites related to World War II. The latter include el Alamein, which comprises cemeteries of fallen soldiers from Axis and Allied forces. An estimated 16 million mines,[6] planted by the Europeans during the world wars and called “devil’s gardens”, still hinder the development of most of the Governorate and are constantly being removed.
Population of Matrouh Governorate
According to population estimates, in 2015, most residents in the province lived in urban areas, with an urbanization rate of 70.6%. Out of an estimated 447,846 people residing in the Governorate, 316,005 lived in urban areas instead of 131,841 in rural areas.
Industrial zone
According to the Egyptian Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), in affiliation with the Ministry of Investment (MOI), the following industrial zones are located in this Governorate:
- The industrial zone in K 26
Activities in Marsa Matrouh
The main activities of the population are trade, sheep and camels grazing, and cultivation of figs and olives.
Since it has abundant water resources, including underground water, floods, rain, natural springs, and the al-Nassr Tributary project, the Governorate has enormous potential for agricultural development.
Matrouh sand coast extends over 450 km and is ripped by peaceful bays providing a sense of safety for tourists. In addition, Matrouh adds to Egypt’s touristic assets rich in its natural, historical and religious potentials and historical sites. In this context, Matrouh can be a shrine for different kinds of tourism.
Attractions
The Governorate is endowed with several attractions, most important of which are: Marina Monastery, the Mass Graves, the Military Museum in Alamein, Rumelle Museum, Ramses II Temple in Oum el-Rackham, Cleopatra Bath, Siwa Oasis, and Seedy Soliman mosque, as well as the hot sand that cures dermatitis and rheumatism diseases.
The Governorate’s National Day
24th August commemorates the Maged Valley battle in 1915.
Emblem
The tower refers to oil wells. The olive branch symbolizes peace, and the olive is the primary crop of the Governorate. The symbol also shows a deer that desert governorates and protectorates are famous for.
Total area
Marsa Matrouh encompasses an area of 166563.00 Km2.
