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Coordinates
The approximate centre of Bir Tawil is 21°52′N 33°44′E (decimal 21.87, 33.75). Its northern edge follows the 22nd parallel north, the 1899 Egypt–Sudan boundary.
Shape and boundaries
Bir Tawil is a rough trapezoid. Its northern side runs along the 22nd parallel; its other sides follow the 1902 administrative boundary.
- Northern border: about 95 km (59 mi), along the 22nd parallel.
- Southern border: about 46 km (29 mi).
- Eastern border: about 26 km (16 mi).
- Western border: about 49 km (30 mi).
- Area: about 2,060 km² (795 sq mi).
What surrounds it
To the north lies Egypt's Aswan Governorate; to the south, Sudan. The Halaib Triangle, disputed between the two states and administered by Egypt, lies to the north-east and reaches the Red Sea. Lake Nasser and the Nile valley lie to the west, with Abu Simbel and Wadi Halfa the nearest Nile towns. Aswan is the nearest major city.
How Bir Tawil appears on maps
Maps disagree about Bir Tawil. Egyptian maps generally show the border as the straight 22nd parallel, placing Bir Tawil in Sudan. Sudanese maps generally show the 1902 line, placing it in Egypt. International map services often draw both lines, with a dashed or disputed border, and some label Bir Tawil explicitly. Searching "Bir Tawil" on Google Maps or OpenStreetMap brings up the territory.
The Territory page of this website includes a schematic map of Bir Tawil, the 22nd parallel, the 1902 line, and the Halaib Triangle.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bir Tawil?
On the Egypt–Sudan border in north-east Africa, just south of the 22nd parallel, centred near 21°52′N 33°44′E.
What are the coordinates of Bir Tawil?
About 21°52′N 33°44′E (21.87, 33.75).
Is Bir Tawil in Egypt or Sudan?
Neither claims it. Egypt's preferred border places it in Sudan; Sudan's preferred border places it in Egypt. It is claimed by the Sovereign Empire of Brendania.
Is Bir Tawil on Google Maps?
Yes. Searching "Bir Tawil" on Google Maps or OpenStreetMap shows the territory between the two boundary lines.