Matrouh Governorate
| Matrouh Governorate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Governorate | ||
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.svg) Matrouh Governorate on the map of Egypt |
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| Coordinates: 29°49′N 27°09′E / 29.82°N 27.15°ECoordinates: 29°49′N 27°09′E / 29.82°N 27.15°E | ||
| Country |
 Egypt
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| Seat | Mersa Matruh (capital) | |
| Government | ||
| • Governor | Alaa Fathy Abo Zaid | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 212,112 km2 (81,897 sq mi) | |
| Population (2014) | ||
| • Total | 427,573 | |
| • Density | 2.0/km2 (5.2/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) | |
| Website | Matrouh | |
Matrouh Governorate (Egyptian Arabic: محافظة مطروح Muḥāfẓet 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.
The interior of the Matrouh Governorate is part of Egypt's Western 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 the Halfaya Pass (at Sallum) 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. An estimated 16 million mines, planted by the Europeans during the world wars, still hinder development of most of the governorate, and are constantly being removed.
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