Egypt is a country in northeastern Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. It is world-famous for its ancient civilization, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The Nile River, the longest river in Africa, runs through the country and has sustained Egyptian life for thousands of years.
- Capital
- Cairo
- Continent
- Africa
- Region
- Northern Africa
- Area
- 1,002,450 km²
- Coordinates
- 27° N, 30° E
Country facts
- Egypt is home to the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Arabic is the official language of Egypt, and Egyptian Arabic is one of the most widely understood dialects across the Arab world.
- The ancient Egyptians developed one of the earliest writing systems, known as hieroglyphics.
- Egypt has the largest film and music industry in the Arab world, earning Cairo the nickname 'Hollywood of the East'.
- The Suez Canal, which cuts through Egypt, is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Capital facts
- Cairo was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty and quickly grew into a major center of Islamic culture and learning.
- The city is home to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 970 CE.
- Cairo sits on the eastern bank of the Nile River and is the largest city in Africa by population.
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses one of the world's greatest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.
- The historic district of Islamic Cairo, with its medieval mosques and bazaars, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.