Egypt Facts - Learn About the Egyptian Nation
Curious about Egypt? Discover Egypt facts that reveal the wonders of the ancient and modern world in the country of Egypt. Known for the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Nile River, Egypt has a storied past that draws millions to its historic sites.
Uncover intriguing facts about Egypt, where a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and contemporary life shapes its identity. These Egypt facts hopefully highlight the significance of the Egyptian nation, a land that remains a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage in the Middle East.
Overview
Egypt, situated in the northeastern corner of the African continent, stands as one of the oldest civilizations globally, stirring the intrigue of scholars and tourists alike for centuries. Its allure lies in the breathtaking ancient pyramids, awe-inspiring Pharaonic monuments, and the serene, majestic Nile River that weaves through its historic landscapes. Present-day Egypt thrives as a dynamic fusion of rich history and vibrant culture.
Key Statistics
Capital: Cairo
Population: Approximately 104 million
Area: 1,010,408 square kilometers
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Main Products: Petroleum and natural gas, textiles, agricultural goods (cotton, rice, corn, wheat), and chemicals
GDP: Approximately $363 billion (2020)
Tourism: Egypt attracted over 13 million tourists in 2019, drawn by its ancient monuments and Red Sea resorts.
Brief History
The cradle of one of the world's first great civilizations, Egypt was united around 3100 BCE under the rule of the pharaohs. It flourished through intricate constructions and advancements in writing, architecture, and religion.
After centuries of Pharaonic dominance, Egypt saw Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rule. It then became a vital part of the Islamic world in the 7th century.
Post Ottoman Empire, Egypt fell under British governance until independence in 1952. Today, Egypt stands as a hub of politics and culture, exerting influence across the Middle East and Africa with its rich legacy and location.
Geography
Landscapes: Predominantly desert, the country includes the fertile Nile Valley and Delta, Sinai Peninsula, and mountainous areas in the eastern desert and Sinai.
Climate: Arid with mild winters and very hot summers, especially in the desert areas of the Sahara.
Natural Resources: Notably rich in natural gas and oil resources, as well as phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, and talc.
Travel Tips
Visas: Most visitors need a visa, available on arrival for many nationalities or via online application.
Transportation: Major cities are connected by train services, and Cairo has a metro system. Buses and taxis are common.
Safety: While major tourist sites are generally safe, it’s advisable to follow travel advisories and local guidance due to regional political fluctuations.
Culture and Traditions
Cuisine: Known for its flavor-rich dishes such as koshari, ful medames, and molokhia. Bread is a staple, and tea is the national drink.
Arts: Has a rich artistic heritage that includes ancient Egyptian music and dance, Islamic art, and contemporary cinema.
Festivals: Celebrates numerous festivals like Ramadan, Eid, and the Sun Festival at Abu Simbel.
Religion: Predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a significant Christian minority, primarily Coptic Orthodox, reflecting centuries of cultural and societal development.
Landmarks and Attractions
Pyramids of Giza: Iconic ancient wonders of the world, home to the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx.
Luxor's Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings: World-famous archaeological sites with extraordinary ancient artifacts.
Islamic Cairo: A historic area filled with mosques, madrasas, and markets.
Abu Simbel: Massive rock temples of Ramesses II, relocated during the building of the Aswan Dam.
The Red Sea Riviera: Famous for its clear blue waters, coral reefs, and beach resorts.
Aerial view of CairoView of Giza from the cityBoat navigating the NileEgyptians celebrating Eid al-Adha Ful Medames, popular street foodOmar Sharif, famous Egyptian actorFun Facts
The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
The Nile River is the longest river in the world, providing life-sustaining resources to Egypt’s extensive agriculture.
Egyptian hieroglyphs are among the oldest writing systems in the world.
The ancient Egyptians invented one of the earliest known forms of paper, made from papyrus.
The Suez Canal in Egypt is renowned as one of the busiest shipping routes globally.
Famous Nationals
Mohamed Salah: Internationally renowned football player currently at Liverpool F.C.
Naguib Mahfouz: Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his works on modern Egyptian society.
Omar Sharif: Iconic actor famous for roles in classic films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago."
Hatshepsut: One of Egypt’s most successful Pharaohs and one of the few female rulers.
Ahmed Zewail: Nobel laureate in Chemistry, known for his work on femtochemistry.
Featured Cities
Cairo: The capital, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and as a political and economic hub of the Arab world.
Alexandria: A historic Mediterranean port city, known for its Greco-Roman landmarks and literary history.
Aswan: Known for its beautiful Nile scenery and archaeological sites.