Luxor Governorate
Egyptian governorate separated from Qena in 2009.
Luxor Governorate (Arabic: محافظة الأقصر) became Egypt’s newest governorate on 7 December 2009, after then-president Hosni Mubarak ordered its split from Qena Governorate. It sits 635 kilometers south of Cairo, in Upper Egypt along the Nile. The city of Luxor serves as its capital; other notable towns and tourist hubs include Esna and Armant.
Although the governorate ranks among Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations, more than 60 percent of its population lives in poverty. In response, social safety nets have recently been introduced, offering financial aid and job creation. Funding for these programs comes from Egypt’s Ministry of Finance, with support from international organizations.
The governorate is split into several municipal divisions, which together had an estimated population of 1,388,666 as of January 2023. In some cases, a markaz and a kism share the same name.
Luxor’s emblem shows the bust of Tutankhamun aboard an ancient Egyptian canoe on the Nile, with an obelisk and sunlight behind it.
The total area of the governorate is 2,960 square kilometers, making up 0.24 percent of Egypt’s land.
At the 2012 census, the population of the area that would become Luxor Governorate in 2024 was 1,429,281. Of these, 47.4 percent lived in urban areas and 52.6 percent in rural ones. The annual population growth rate stands at 18.2 per thousand.
According to the Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), several industrial zones are located within Luxor.
Quick Facts
- Settlement Type
- Governorate
- Seat
- Luxor (capital)
- Leader Title
- Governor
- Leader Name
- Abdel Moteleb Emara
- Population Total
- 1429281
- Population As Of
- January 2024
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Luxor Governorate was created on 7 December 2009 by presidential decree under Hosni Mubarak, splitting from the Qena Governorate. It lies in Upper Egypt along the Nile, 635 km south of Cairo, and includes the capital Luxor as well as other important cities and tourist centers such as Esna and Armant. The governorate's emblem depicts the bust of Tutankhamun on an Ancient Egyptian canoe boat cruising the Nile, with an obelisk and sunlight in the background.
Reader's Guide
Despite being one of Egypt's top tourist destinations, Luxor Governorate has a poverty rate over 60%. Recent social safety networks have been introduced in the form of financial assistance and job opportunities, funded by the Ministry of Finance with help from international organizations. The governorate covers 2,960 km² (0.24% of Egypt's area) and had an estimated population of 1,388,666 as of January 2023. At the 2012 census, the population was 1,429,281, with 47.4% urban and 52.6% rural, and an annual growth rate of 18.2 per thousand. Industrial zones are located in the governorate according to the Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
Did You Know?
- Luxor Governorate was separated from Qena Governorate on 7 December 2009 by former president Hosni Mubarak.
- The poverty rate in Luxor Governorate is more than 60%.
- The governorate's total area is 2,960 km², representing 0.24% of Egypt's area.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Luxor Governorate established and how was it created?
Luxor Governorate came into existence on 7 December 2009 after President Hosni Mubarak ordered it to be split off from the larger Qena Governorate, making it Egypt's newest administrative division at the time.
What is the capital of Luxor Governorate?
The city of Luxor serves as the governorate's seat, while other notable towns and tourist hubs within its borders include Esna and Armant.
Where is Luxor Governorate located and how big is it?
It sits in Upper Egypt along the Nile, roughly 635 kilometers south of Cairo, and spans an area of about 2,960 square kilometers.
What is the poverty situation in Luxor Governorate?
Despite ranking among Egypt's most popular tourist destinations, more than 60 percent of the governorate's residents live in poverty, which has led to the introduction of social safety-net programs offering financial aid and job-creation support.
How many people live in Luxor Governorate?
The 2012 census recorded approximately 1.43 million inhabitants, and the 2023 estimate places the population at around 1.39 million.
More in Governorates Of Egypt 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced