Matrouh Governorate is the second largest in Egypt, in terms of size. With a total area of about 212,000 sq. km, and
a Mediterranean coastline of 500 km. The governorate lies to the extreme north-west of the Mediterranean Sea, to the east
by Alexandria and Al Beheira, to the west of Egyptian-Libyan border. To the south it extends into the desert for a distance
of 400 km.
The capital of the governorate is Marsa Matrouh. The governorate has a population of about 160,567 people,
of whom 83% represent bedouin tribes; Al-Abiadhs, Al-Ahmars, Al-Sinanas, Al-Jumai'ats and Al-Got'ans. Siwa Oasis accounts
for 5% of the governorate total population. The major town of the governorate are Al-Hammam, Al-Dhab'ah, Sidi Barrani, Al-Salloum
and Siwa.
Historical importance
Matrouh Governorate has been of strategic and historical importance, as Egypt's western access gate.
Early in the Pharaonic era, its territory witnessed many historical events.
Libyan tribes crossed its land in the course of their invasion of Egypt, where they were chased back
by Ramses II.
Impressed by the beautiful scenery of the area, Alexander the Great ordered a town to be built over
there. This area was also the site of part of the famous love story of Queen Cleopatra and Anthony. There is still a beach
named after the Queen.
The governorate has several activities, on top of which comes tourist investments, in addition to several
natural resources under exploitation, such as petroleum, limestone, siica sands, marble and gypsum.
