Alexandria Governorate (Arabic: محافظة الإسكندرية, romanized: Muḥāfaẓat al-Iskandarīyah) is one of the governorates of Egypt. The city of Alexandria was historically the capital of Egypt until the foundation of Fustat, which was later absorbed into Cairo. Today, the governorate is considered second in importance after the Cairo Governorate. It is located in the northern part of the country, directly on the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most important harbours in Egypt.
Along with Cairo, Port Said and Suez, Alexandria is one of four governorates in Egypt that also function as municipalities. Its capital is the city of Alexandria, the second-largest city in the country. The governorate stretches for about 70 km along the Mediterranean coast northwest of the Nile Delta. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Beheira Governorate in the south and east and Matrouh Governorate in the west. The governorate covers a total area of almost 2818 km2. It has the most important harbour in Egypt and is the country's second-largest urban governorate with population of more than four and half million (4,799,740 as of March 2015) and population density of 1,700 people per square kilometre according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Alexandria has a unique geographical location and a mild climate. It is also considered an industrial governorate where 40% of Egyptian industries are concentrated, especially in chemicals, food, spinning and weaving as well as petrol industries and fertilizers.
Contents
Municipal divisions
The governorate is divided into several municipal divisions with a total estimated population of 5,599,387 as of January 2024.
Districts
The municipal divisions are further grouped into 10 districts (singular: حى ḥay, plural: أحياء aḥya') which fall directly under the administration of the Alexandria Governorate, while the New Borg El Arab City falls under the jurisdiction of the New Urban Communities Authority [1].
Industrial zones
According to the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the following industrial zones are located in Alexandria:
Tourism
Alexandria is known with its diverse history as it was occupied by several cultures throughout the years. Several monuments nowadays shape Alexandria's historic sites.
Monuments
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Citadel of Qaitbay
Graeco-Roman Museum
Alexandria National Museum
Royal Jewelry Museum
Serapeum
Pompey's Pillar
Roman amphitheatre
Lighthouse of Alexandria
Gardens
Al Montaza Gardens
Al Shallalat Gardens
Antoniadis Garden
El-Nozha Garden
International Park of Alexandria
Education
Notable educational institutes
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria University
Alexandria International University
Borg El Arab Technological University
Senghor University
Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport
Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology in New Borg El Arab city.
City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications
Pharos University
Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology
Schools
Forsan American School
Forsan International School
Riada American School
Riada Language School
Gems Alexandria Academy
Brilliance Academy
Schutz American School
House of English
New El Quds International School
International British School of Alexandria
Sports
Alexandria Governorate has several sports clubs such as:
El Ittihad Alexandria Club
Egyptian Olympic Athletes Club
Smouha Sporting Club
Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC)
The most common sport in Alexandria Governorate is football, with the governorate holding three main stadiums:
Borg El Arab Stadium
Alexandria Stadium
Haras El-Hedoud Stadium
List of governors
Alexandria Governorate has had several governors throughout the years, below is listed the former governors since 1952
Counselor Mohammed Mustafa Kamal Dib (from April 10, 1952 to January 5, 1957)
Mr. Mahmoud Ismael Mehanna (from March 4, 1957 to September 10, 1960)
Major Sedeek Abdul Latif (from October 8, 1960 to November 12, 1961)
Mr. Mohammed Hamdi Ashour (from November 12, 1961 to October 27, 1968)
Major General Ahmed Kamel (from November 6, 1968 to November 17, 1970)
Major Mamdouh Salem (from November 18, 1970 to May 13, 1971)
Dr. Ahmed Fouad Muhyiddin (from May 8, 1971 to September 7, 1972)
Prof. Abdel Moneim Wehbe (From September 8, 1972 to May 28, 1974)
Major General. Ahmed Abdel Tawab Hdaib (from May 29, 1974 to November 27, 1978)
Prof. Mohamed Fouad Hilmi (from November 28, 1978 to May 14, 1980)
Prof. Naim Mustafa Abu Talib (from May 15, 1980 to August 23, 1981)
Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Mahi (from August 24, 1981 to May 17, 1982)
Major General Mohamed Fawzy Maaz (from May 18, 1982 to June 9, 1986)
Transportation
Ports
Alexandria Port
Al Dekheila Port
Abu Qir Port
Eastern Port
Railroads
Alexandria Tram
Alexandria Railways
Alexandria Metro
Airports
Alexandria International Airport (Egypt)