Part I
The State
Article (1)
The Arab Republic of Egypt is a sovereign, united, indivisible State, where no part may be given
up, having a democratic republican system that is based on citizenship and rule of law.
The Egyptian people are part of the Arab nation seeking to enhance its integration and unity.
Egypt is part of the Islamic world, belongs to the African continent, cherishes its Asian
dimension, and contributes to building human civilization.
Article (2)
Islam is the religion of the State and Arabic is its official language. The principles of Islamic
Sharia are the main source of legislation.
Article (3)
The principles of Christian and Jewish Sharia of Egyptian Christians and Jews are the main
source of legislations that regulate their respective personal status, religious affairs, and selection
of spiritual leaders.
Article (4)
Sovereignty belongs only to the people, who shall exercise and protect it. The people are the
source of powers, and safeguard their national unity that is based on the principles of equality,
justice and equal opportunities among all citizens, as stated in the Constitution.
Article (5)
The political system is based on political and partisan pluralism, peaceful rotation of power,
separation and balance of powers, the inevitable correlation between powers and responsibilities,
and respect for human rights and freedoms, as stated in the Constitution.
Article (6)
Nationality is a right to anyone born to an Egyptian father or an Egyptian mother, and legal
recognition through official papers proving his/her personal data, is a right guaranteed and
regulated by Law.
Requirements for acquiring nationality shall be specified by law.
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