The map and line graph illustrate the expansion of the Egyptian city Alexandria in terms of its physical size and population between 1840 and 1980.
Overall, there was a clear correlation between the size of the city and its population, with both growing accordingly. Alexandria expanded considerably along the coasts of Mediterranean Sea and Lake Marriout, while the number of inhabbitants grew gradually at first and then surged in the mid-twentieth century.
In 1840, Alexandria covered only 4 square kilometers near the Mediterranean coast. By 1980, the city had grown moderately in a south-easterly direction. The most spatial growth occurred from 1900 to 1960, when the urban area stretched along the coast of Mediterranean Sea towards the north-east. Further growth was recorded in 1980, when the borders of Alexandria extended around Lake Marriout, reaching a total size of 100 square kilometers.
Population figures also increased exponentially. In 1840, only around 100 000 people lived in Alexandria, reflecting its relatively small size. During the first 3 decades of the twentieth century, the growth was gradual, with the figure sitting at approximately 1 million in 1930. However, from this year onwards, the population rose much more rapidly, climbing to 2 million in 1960 and soaring to 4 million 20 years later.