Matrouh Governorate

Matrouh Governorate
—  Governorate of Egypt  —
Flag
Matrouh Governorate on the map of Egypt
Country	Egypt
Seat	Marsa Matrouh (capital)
Area
- Total	212,112 km2 (81,896.9 sq mi)
Population (2006)
- Total	322,341
- Density	1.5/km2 (3.9/sq mi)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)

Matrouh Governorate (Arabic: ‏محافظة مطروح‎ Muḥāfaẓat Maṭrūḥ) is one of the governorates of Egypt. Located in the north-western part of the country, it borders Libya. Its capital is Marsa Matrouh.

Overview

The interior of the Matrouh Governorate is part of the Libyan Desert, including the Siwa Oasis, in antiquity known for its shrine to Ammon. In the center of the Governorate is the Qattara Depression, descending to 133 metres below sea level.

Marsa Matrouh is the ancient Paraetonium. It was the westernmost city of Aegyptus as defined in the Hellenistic period. The city of Apis, some 18 km to the west of Paraetonium, marked the boundary to Libycus Nomus, and Sallum, or more precisely the Halfaya Pass, marked the boundary to Marmarica proper.

Matrouh Governorate contains many historical sites related to World War II. The latter include El Alamein, which comprises cemeteries of fallen soldiers from Axis and Allied forces.

External links

• Matruh Governorate Official website