Hosni Mubarak Biography: Facts About Egyptian President (PHOTOS)

Pressure is mounting for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak due to widespread protests , and some are even calling for him to step down .

The Egypt protests have led to a number of responses from Mubarak's government including an unprecedented Internet blackout and an overnight curfew.

Since Mubarak first assumed his role after the 1981 assassination of his predecessor Anwar Sadat, the now 82-year-old has proved to be a far more durable leader than anyone could have imagined.

The autocrat -- who has been described by Foreign Policy as "senile and paranoid" -- now faces violent and unprecedented protests from Egyptians who are said to have been inspired by the civilian overthrow of Tunisia's president. Among the demonstrators' many concerns: Mubarak's near-militant lockdown on political opposition for much of his nearly 30 years in power, as well as a lack of a designated successor.

Take a look at some facts about Mubarak's controversial rule below and follow live updates in Egypt here .