While interest in female criminality in Egypt goes back to the turn of the century, academic study of female offenders did not appear until several decades later. Early studies on Egyptian women inmates revealed several characteristics that have been confirmed in more recent studies. The typical female offender in Egypt tends to be an urbanite, poor, middle-aged, married, illiterate, and unemployed; her criminal activity is typically instigated by male associates. Women are more likely to be involved in crimes of morality and drug trafficking, while men are disproportionately convicted for both property and violent offenses. The family milieu and social environment play a major part in female delinquency. There is some evidence that women who assume the male role become more involved with law violation. The article includes some comparative data on the similarities and differences between Egyptian and American female offenders. Tables, notes, references