Official name: Republic of Egypt
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Independence from Britain: 28 February 1922
With the arrival of Alexander the Great, Egypt began an extend period of foreign domination: Ptolemeic Greeks (330-32 BCE), Romans (32 BCE-395 CE), Byzantines (395-640), Arabs (642-1251), Mamelukes (1260-1571), Ottoman Turks (1517-1798), French (1789-1801). There followed a brief interlude until the British arrived (1882-1922). Partial independence was achieved in 1922, but the British still maintained significant control over the country.
Full independence was achieved in 1936. In 1952 Lieutenant-Colonel Nasser seized power. A year later General Neguib was proclaimed president of the Republic of Egypt, only to be deposed by Nasser in 5194.
Find out more:
• History of Egypt