Alexandria Governorate, containing Egypt's second city, is physically and socio-economically vulnerable to accelerated sea-level rise. Much of the area is low-lying; 35% of the land in the Governorate is already below mean sea level (excluding Lake Mariut). Erosion of pocket beaches along the Mediterranean coast is also a problem, and at least three such beaches have disappeared this century. Using a GIS-based inundation analysis and an erosion modeling approach on the Mediterranean coast, the physical and socioeconomic vulnerability of Alexandria Governorate to accelerated sea-level rise is investigated. A one-meter rise in sea level could inundate 1,248 km², or 68% of the Governorate. This area contains 95% of existing agriculture, 70% of existing industry, 50% of existing residential areas, and has a present population of about 2 million. Sea-level rise would also adversely affect the tourist industry. A rise of only 0.5 meters could remove nearly all existing beaches. Given these severe impacts, protection appears essential. Beach nourishment appears feasible to maintain the tourist-based beaches and minimize flooding from the Mediterranean. Protection of low-lying areas from inundation will involve actions outside the Governorate, particularly to the east in the Nile delta. Problems of salinization, waterlogging, and flooding also need to be addressed. From a national perspective, these results suggest that a one-meter rise in sea level could displace six million people in Egypt, assuming the existing population and a no protection response.