Egypt, the most populous Arab country, with 80 million people, has been a key ally of the United States in the Middle East. Since the uprising began, however, the U.S. has indicated that it is time for change in Egypt.
Security: Egypt signed peace treaty with Israel in 1979 — the first between an Arab government with the Israelis. The relationship has been key to political stability in the region. The Egyptian government generally tolerates smuggling to the Gaza Strip, without which the Palestinians there would be in even more dire economic straits. Egypt has played a mediation role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and in disputes between Arab nations.
Economy: Egypt governs the Suez Canal, a key route for shipping through the Middle East between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. With its wealth of antiquities, it is a major destination for tourists.
Politics: Revolution against the British began in 1952 and a republic was declared in 1953, led by Gamal Abdel Nasser. Anwar Sadat succeeded Nasser and was assassinated in 1981, to be followed in power by Hosni Mubarak.
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