Most of the increase in Egypt's urban…

Most of the increase in Egypt's urban population is the result of the migration of peasants from the countryside.

Although some had become workers or petty traders, most had joined the ranks of the under- or unemployed.

By the turn of the century, a working class has emerged.

It is composed mainly of transport and building workers and of workers in the few industries that have been established—sugar refineries, ginning mills, and cigarette factories.

However, a large proportion of the new urban lower class consists of a fluctuating mass of people without any fixed employment.