The rapid growth of the population in Egypt is the most pressing problem of the most populous Arab country. The population currently numbers about 104 million people and despite all the attempts to slow down the pace there has been no success.
This is why the authorities seem to believe that population growth can be curbed through a financial incentive. Yesterday an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning according to which every woman between the ages of 21 and 45 who gives birth to only two children will receive 1000 pounds (about 30 dollars) a year.
She will receive the full amount at the end of the period. A woman who brings a third child will of course lose the right to receive the money. Also, another condition is that these are women who live in Egypt for the entire period.