Egypt, with its rich history, mesmerizing monuments, and strategic location, holds a significant position on the global stage. Its legacy stretches back thousands of years, but in recent decades, political upheavals and economic challenges have influenced the country’s crime rates. This article delves into the statistical landscape of crime in Egypt, focusing on trends and key figures.

1. General Crime Trends:

Traditionally, Egypt has been considered a relatively safe destination for both its citizens and tourists. However, with political instability, especially after the 2011 revolution, certain types of crimes saw an increase.

• Homicide Rates: As of 2019, Egypt’s homicide rate stood at approximately 3.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. This rate is relatively low in comparison to global figures but saw some fluctuation following political events.
• Theft and Robberies: Major cities like Cairo and Giza witnessed an uptick in petty thefts and robberies in the aftermath of the revolution. However, over the years, there’s been a considerable effort to curb such incidents, and numbers have been declining.

2. Violent Crimes:

Egypt experiences relatively fewer violent crimes compared to some countries, but they still pose a concern:

• Assaults: Instances of assault, especially in crowded areas, have been reported, but they remain sporadic and are not widespread.
• Sexual Harassment: One of the pressing issues in Egypt is sexual harassment. Surveys have indicated that a significant number of women have faced some form of harassment, particularly in public spaces.

3. Terrorism-Related Crimes:

In the past decade, Egypt has grappled with terrorist activities, mainly in certain regions:

• Sinai Peninsula: The northern part of the Sinai Peninsula has seen recurrent clashes between Egyptian security forces and extremist groups, leading to civilian and military casualties.
• Attacks on Coptic Christians: There have been sporadic attacks on Egypt’s Christian minority, especially during religious festivals or on pilgrim routes.

4. Economic Crimes:

Economic challenges have resulted in a variety of financially motivated crimes:

• Fraud and Scams: Especially targeting tourists, these crimes range from overcharging to selling fake or substandard goods.
• Corruption: Like many nations, Egypt faces challenges related to corruption, which impacts various sectors of the economy and public services.

5. Government Response:

In light of the evolving crime scenario, the Egyptian government has adopted several measures:

• Tourist Police: Recognizing the importance of tourism to the national economy, there’s been a marked increase in the presence of tourist police, especially around historical sites.
• Anti-Terrorism Operations: The Egyptian military and police have engaged in extensive operations, especially in Sinai, to counter extremist elements.

Egypt’s crime landscape is a mosaic of historical, socio-economic, and political factors. While certain types of crime have seen an increase in specific periods, the country remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and the millions of tourists it welcomes each year.