# Tanta

> city in Egypt

**Wikidata**: [Q271771](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271771)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanta)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tanta

## Summary
Tanta is a major city in Egypt, serving as the capital of Gharbia Governorate. With a population exceeding 400,000 as of 2006, it is classified as a big city and a significant urban center in the Nile Delta region. The city is home to Tanta University and notable landmarks like the Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Tanta is situated in the Nile Delta, within Lower Egypt, and is part of both Gharbia Governorate and Monufia Governorate.
- **Population**: 
  - 429,503 (2006 census)
  - 603,120 (2024 estimate)
  - Historical estimates: 253,600 (1970), 380,000 (1992), 283,240 (1976)
- **Governance**: Capital of Gharbia Governorate; head of government as of 2024 is Mohammed Abu Salim.
- **Education**: Home to Tanta University, established in 1972.
- **Landmarks**: Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque, Museum of Tanta, Tanta National University.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+02:00 (UTC+03:00 during daylight saving time).
- **Elevation**: 12 meters above sea level.
- **Coordinates**: 30.783333333333° N, 31° E.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - GND ID: 4471474-9
  - VIAF ID: 130231223
  - GeoNames ID: 347497
  - UN/LOCODE: EGTAN
- **Language**: Native name طنطا (Ṭanṭā); IPA transcription: tˤntˤaː.
- **Demonyms**: 
  - Masculine singular: طنطاوي (Ṭanṭāwī)
  - Feminine singular: طنطاوية (Ṭanṭāwīyah)
  - Plural forms: طنطاويون (Ṭanṭāwīyūn), طنطاويات (Ṭanṭāwīyāt)
- **Historical Events**: Site of the 2017 Palm Sunday church bombings.

## FAQs
- **Where is Tanta located?** Tanta is in Egypt's Nile Delta, within Gharbia and Monufia Governorates, near the Tur‘at al Qāşid waterway.
- **What is Tanta's population?** As of 2006, the population was 429,503, growing to an estimated 603,120 by 2024.
- **What are Tanta's key institutions?** The city hosts Tanta University (founded 1972) and notable religious sites like the Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque.
- **What significant events occurred in Tanta?** The city was targeted in the 2017 Palm Sunday church bombings, affecting Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria.
- **How is Tanta governed?** It serves as the capital of Gharbia Governorate, with Mohammed Abu Salim as head of government since July 2024.

## Why It Matters
Tanta holds significance as a major urban and educational hub in Egypt's Nile Delta. As the capital of Gharbia Governorate, it serves as a political and administrative center. The presence of Tanta University underscores its role in higher education and research. Its historical landmarks, such as the Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque, contribute to its cultural importance. The 2017 church bombings also brought international attention to the city's role in Egypt's religious and social dynamics.

## Notable For
- **Educational Hub**: Home to Tanta University, a key institution in Egypt's higher education system.
- **Cultural Landmarks**: Houses the historic Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque and the Museum of Tanta.
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of Gharbia Governorate, influencing regional governance.
- **Historical Significance**: Site of the 2017 Palm Sunday bombings, impacting global discourse on religious violence.
- **Demographic Growth**: Population growth from 253,600 in 1970 to over 600,000 in 2024 reflects urbanization trends.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Tanta is situated in the Nile Delta region of Lower Egypt, within the administrative boundaries of Gharbia Governorate and Monufia Governorate. The city's coordinates are 30.783333333333° N, 31° E, with an elevation of 12 meters above sea level. It is near the Tur‘at al Qāşid waterway, highlighting its connection to the Nile's irrigation network.

### Demographics
As of the 2006 census, Tanta's population was 429,503, rising to an estimated 603,120 by 2024. Historical data shows growth from 253,600 in 1970 to 380,000 in 1992, reflecting broader urbanization trends in Egypt. The city's demonym varies by gender and number: طنطاوي (masculine singular), طنطاوية (feminine singular), طنطاويون (masculine plural), and طنطاويات (feminine plural).

### Governance and Administration
Tanta serves as the capital of Gharbia Governorate, a role central to its political importance. As of July 2024, Mohammed Abu Salim holds the position of head of government. The city is also linked to Monufia Governorate, indicating its cross-regional administrative relevance.

### Education and Culture
Tanta University, established in 1972, is a cornerstone of the city's educational landscape. The institution contributes to Egypt's academic and research output. Culturally, the Ahmad Al-Badawi Mosque stands as a significant religious landmark, and the Museum of Tanta preserves local heritage. The city's native name, طنطا (Ṭanṭā), and its IPA transcription (tˤntˤaː) reflect its Arabic linguistic roots.

### Historical Events
Tanta gained international attention in 2017 as one of the sites of the Palm Sunday church bombings, which targeted Coptic churches in the city and Alexandria. This event underscored the city's role in Egypt's religious and social discourse.

### Infrastructure and Identifiers
The city operates on UTC+02:00, shifting to UTC+03:00 during daylight saving time. Key identifiers include GND ID 4471474-9, VIAF ID 130231223, and GeoNames ID 347497. Its UN/LOCODE (EGTAN) and postal code (31511) facilitate logistics and communication.

### Global Recognition
Tanta is documented in various international reference works, such as the 11th edition of Encyclopædia Britannica, Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, and the Great Soviet Encyclopedia. These entries highlight its historical and cultural significance in global contexts.

### Connectivity and Communication
The local dialing code for Tanta is 040. The city's online presence is marked by a Google Play store ID and a Facebook location ID, reflecting its integration into digital platforms.

### Cartography and Media
Detailed maps, such as the 2025 Arabic-language Tanta map and a local units diagram, are available via Wikimedia Commons. The city's skyline and satellite views are documented through specific image links, providing visual context for its urban layout.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](http://www.webcitation.org/69rYmUYn0)
3. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
4. Belarusian encyclopedia (vol. 15)
5. Great dictionary of geographical names
6. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
7. GeoNames
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/eg.htm)