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What Should I Know About Egypt?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

The Arab Republic of Egypt is a country located in the northern portion of Africa. It is bordered by Libya, Sudan, the Gaza Strip, and Israel. It has the Mediterranean Sea on its northern coast and the Red Sea on its eastern coast. The country also has a land bridge to Asia that is called the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt’s land territory spans approximately 386,560 square miles (1,001,450 square kilometers).

As far as African countries go, Egypt is among the most heavily populated. In 2007, its population numbered more than 78 million people. Most of the country’s residents congregate in areas close to the Nile River, as such areas have the most fruitful land. The parts of Egypt that make up the Sahara Desert are less popular for setting up homes. As of 2007, about 50 percent of the country’s residents lived in cities, with the majority calling Alexandria, Cairo, and other major Egyptian cities their home.

The bodies of ancient Egyptian royals were often preserved through a process of mummification.
The bodies of ancient Egyptian royals were often preserved through a process of mummification.

Unlike some African countries that are little known throughout the world, Egypt enjoys a certain level of notoriety. It is the home of a celebrated ancient civilization and boasts such famous monuments as the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx. It is also home to Luxor, a city in the south that has many artifacts from ancient times. They include, but are not limited to, the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

The pyramids are part of the allure of Egypt.
The pyramids are part of the allure of Egypt.

Egypt is considered a republic and has enjoyed this status since 1953. The country has both a president and a prime minister. Power is supposed to be divided between the two leaders, but it is the president who actually enjoys the bulk of the executive control. Since the 1950s, the Egyptian president has been chosen through a single-candidate election. However, the country does have multi-party elections as well.

Egypt is a nation in North Africa.
Egypt is a nation in North Africa.

Religion is a critical aspect of the lives of most Egyptians, and most of the country’s citizens practice Islam. Five times per day, rolling calls to prayer can be heard throughout the country. They are far from part of a mere worship ritual, as these calls tend to have a part in regulating many parts of Egyptian life, including the flow and ebb of business transactions. However, every Egyptian citizen is not a Muslim. About six percent of the population practices Christianity.

The Great Sphinx is an ancient monument in Egypt.
The Great Sphinx is an ancient monument in Egypt.

The Egyptian economy is based largely on agriculture and tourism, as well as media. Petroleum exports are also mainstays of Egypt’s economy. The country also has a fuel market, including oil, gas, and coal. Hydropower is included in its energy market as well. Arabic is the official Egyptian language, and the official currency is the Egyptian pound.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon127634

I am an Egyptian living in New Zealand. I think it is a beautiful with beautiful people. But I was asked by someone at Victoria university does Egypt exist? so I did a search --do kiwis know if Egypt exists? I am glad to see many do.

chrisinbama

In Ancient Egypt, the people divided the land into two areas, the red land and the black land.

The red land was the desert land protecting Egypt on two sides. They were separated from invading armies and neighboring countries.

The black land was near the Nile River and was the fertile land. This is where they grew their crops.

dill1971

About 95% of the population of Egypt still lives in the Nile valley. The Nile River is of great importance to the Egyptians. Hence the phrase “the gift of the Nile”.

Egypt depended on the Nile River for food, water, and transportation. It also provided the Egyptians with fertile soil to help grow their crops and raise their animals.

googie98

Ancient Egypt stories have survived for thousands of years. Among past civilizations, Egypt is, by far, one of the greatest.

A large part of the Old Testament took place in Egypt or somewhere around Egypt. Egypt played a large role in the lives of many people in the Bible from Moses to Joseph to Jesus.

anon100761

eygpt is filled with lots of cool stuff. I'm amazed at the great buildings, the great history and the society.

amandacopper

it's a great country

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    • The bodies of ancient Egyptian royals were often preserved through a process of mummification.
      By: Tatty
      The bodies of ancient Egyptian royals were often preserved through a process of mummification.
    • The pyramids are part of the allure of Egypt.
      By: Pius Lee
      The pyramids are part of the allure of Egypt.
    • Egypt is a nation in North Africa.
      By: pavalena
      Egypt is a nation in North Africa.
    • The Great Sphinx is an ancient monument in Egypt.
      By: Pius Lee
      The Great Sphinx is an ancient monument in Egypt.
    • The Sphinx and pyramids at Giza are part of one large ceremonial complex.
      By: Kokhanchikov
      The Sphinx and pyramids at Giza are part of one large ceremonial complex.