FAQs

Egypt’s culture and traditions are guided by religion, history and the customs of many regions. No matter if you plan to stay just a short time or longer, being aware of local taboos helps you avoid hurting anyone by mistake. There are several taboos that are very important in Egyptian society. Public displays of affection Kissing or hugging someone of the other gender in public places is thought by most to be improper. While it is generally fine to walk holding hands in Cairo, openly kissing and cuddling is considered very inappropriate, especially in the country’s rural areas and among traditional leaders. Women’s dress and behavior In Egypt, being modest is something very important. Despite women in cities often choosing jeans and short-sleeved tops, wearing shorts, mini skirts, or revealing clothing is generally frowned upon in public—though this varies by region. In coastal resort areas like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, such outfits are more widely accepted among tourists and locals working in tourism. In some places, people might react very negatively if they see a woman smoking or drinking in public. Talking about sex or LGBTQ+ topics In most places, speaking about sex or LGBTQ+ rights is considered off-limits in public or with people you don’t know well. While Egypt does not have laws that explicitly criminalize LGBTQ+ identity, there are no legal protections either. In some cases, individuals have been prosecuted under vague morality or public decency laws, making this a highly sensitive topic both socially and legally. Even though it’s possible for some Egyptians to talk about these things in private, it’s important to avoid them unless you can sense your audience is ready. The conservative population often finds it offensive or shameful to even mention these subjects. Photography without permission Ask for consent before you take someone’s picture, paying particular attention to taking portraits of women, children or religious landmarks. You are not allowed to photograph military or government buildings and doing so could have legal ramifications. Eating and drinking during Ramadan For the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking from the first light of day until sunset. Anyone not fasting should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the daytime. For the first part of the day, many places will be shut, so eat discreetly in private if you're not fasting, to show respect. Using the left hand Egyptian tradition sees the left hand as unclean because it is used for cleansing the body. Whenever you have food, pass something or greet someone, use your right hand. Criticizing religion or government Both their religion and how they feel about their country are serious matters to Egyptians. Don’t make negative comments about Islam, the Quran, mosques or Egypt’s political figures. Statements like these can hurt the feelings of locals and, in the worst situation, get a person in trouble. Personal and financial questions It may feel too private to inquire about another person’s income, age or their marital status. At first, keep the topics general such as food, sports or sightseeing, until the person wants to talk about something else. Visible tattoos and piercings When symbols or messages on a tattoo attract notice, many conservative people or those in faith might consider them negative. As tattoos become more common among young Egyptians, it’s still best to cover them when you attend formal or traditional occasions. Final thoughts Cultural taboos exist in different forms depending on a person’s region, class and contact with the outside world. Younger, well-off Egyptians in cities are often more open-minded, but rural or more traditional generations are more likely to think conservatively. Noticing and being respectful of these differences will allow you to build greater connections and make sure there are no misunderstandings while in Egypt.

Although ancient Egypt—whose people referred to their land as Kemet, meaning "the Black Land" in reference to the fertile Nile soil contrasting with the surrounding desert (Deshret, "the Red Land")—was a highly advanced civilization, some abilities were still extremely uncommon there. Glassworking is one of the rare and valuable crafts in these ancient traditions. Glassworking: A rare and specialized art Though some glass was made, making glass in ancient Egypt was usually reserved for elite workshops and was believed to be a rare and specialized craft. Glass never replaced more utilitarian materials like pottery or stoneware, and remained a luxury medium reserved for elite objects and ornamentation. As a result, it was mostly used to create small delicate things like beads, amulets, inlays and containers for make-up. The difficulty stemmed from the complex technology and a lack of proper materials. High temperatures of up to 1,000°C were needed, and consistent heat control was difficult with ancient furnace technology. Only trained artisans with elite patronage had access to these facilities. Glass workshops discovered at Amarna confirm that, under royal patronage, glass artisans were rare and usually worked near those in power. Because their products were so refined, they were sometimes included in the graves of the elite, indicating how rare these glass artisans were. Why rare skills emerged in Kemet Being able to do glasswork was possible in ancient Egypt thanks to its unique environment. The predictability of the Nile’s flooding provided agricultural stability, which allowed specialization in non-agricultural crafts—though political and external threats still existed. Copper and bronze tools, sourced from the Sinai and other regions, were used extensively in ancient Egypt before iron became common during the Late Period. Their strong technology, coupled with their natural security, made Egypt prosperous for many generations—in fact, this was great for fostering unusual and valuable craftwork. A culture built to preserve Preserving cultural values was a main priority for the society of Kemet. In contrast to cultures where funerary practices involved cremation or simpler grave goods, Egyptians emphasized bodily preservation and monumental construction as a path to the afterlife. They brought this attitude to their buildings, artworks and writings. Making use of papyrus from the Nile Delta, literacy grew, so texts and inscriptions were found on monuments, tombs and walls that continue to exist. Conclusion Although ancient Egypt was adept at many disciplines, glassworking was a specialty that very few people possessed. A combination of technical knowledge, creativity and access to unique materials and tools meant that this was a skill only a few performed. Because of Egypt’s special environment and culture, they left behind wonderful artifacts that continue to amaze historians today.

Cairo is unquestionably the most important city in Egypt, but if you want something else, it could be different. Many people highlight Cairo’s background, traditions, population and future opportunities, but it is not free from problems. The heart of Egypt The Egyptian capital of Cairo is one of the most populous cities in Africa and the Middle East, and ranks among the top 20 largest metropolitan areas in the world. In Cairo, you can see historic sites, modern buildings, and everything in between. The Fatimid dynasty made Cairo their center in 969 CE and because it was built on territory that once hosted many ancient cities, it is home to thousands of years of history. A city of contrasts There are many contradictions to be found in Cairo. Areas including Al-Muizz Street have plenty of medieval buildings and religious heritage, particularly Al-Azhar Mosque and Sultan Barquq Complex. The UN has declared this street to be home to the largest collection of Islamic medieval monuments anywhere in the world. Similarly, Cairo today is filled with main markets such as Khan al-Khalili, big shopping malls, luxury restaurants and comfortable cafés by the Nile. A number of hotels and homes offer views out to the Pyramids of Giza. Multicultural and multi-faith Cairo is very important to Coptic Christians. The Coptic Museum and the Hanging Church are just a couple of the major Christian places you can find in Old Cairo. Every part of Cairo reflects the cultural blend found there. Life in Cairo: Pros and cons A good thing about Cairo is that you can see examples of all kinds of monuments, since cities like Luxor mostly highlight ancient Egypt. The city is famous for lively arts and culture, countless schools and universities and many jobs. Still, Cairo is crowded, noisy, congested with traffic and has air pollution and urban stress. Maadi offers a greener, more residential environment with many expatriates, while Shobra reflects a dense, authentic Egyptian urban experience. Conclusion Is Cairo considered the best city in Egypt? If you want to explore history, religion, art and current life all in one place, Cairo is the place for you. Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria are good choices if you want quiet and space. Cairo isn’t ideal—and yet, many consider it the home they can’t find elsewhere.

A lot of people get confused by this question. It can be said factually that Egyptian culture arose earlier, since written history and civilization began in Egypt earlier than in China. Nonetheless, there’s even more to know. Ancient Egypt vs.ancient China: The timeline Egyptian civilization began around 3000 BCE, after a union of Upper and Lower Egypt brought in the first dynastic rulers. Hieroglyphs and other types of writing were created in Egypt at that period. Even before Egypt, Sumerians in Mesopotamia developed the first writing systems like cuneiform in 3400 BCE. Almost 3,700 years ago, the Shang Dynasty was the first Chinese dynasty that we know about. In the later Shang period which falls around 1200 BCE, oracle bone script was invented. When we look at early history, Egypt is generally considered to have developed state-level civilization—including writing and centralized rule—around 1400 years before the emergence of the Shang Dynasty in China. China’s unique contribution: Continuity People often admire Chinese culture for staying constant through the years, even though Egypt’s society began earlier. Egyptian culture underwent significant transformations due to successive Greek, Roman, and Islamic influences, which layered new traditions over older practices. Throughout all the invasions and dynasty changes, the Chinese language, beliefs and routines remained and were transformed instead of being lost. For this reason, China is widely referred to as the oldest civilization without interruption. Cultural identity and claims Many people assume that Chinese people believe their civilization dates further back than Egypt’s—this simply isn’t true. As part of their studies, Chinese students find out about the Four Ancient Civilizations: Babylon, Egypt, India and China. Of all that we can study, Ancient Babylon is the earliest one. Yet, the Chinese are proud of having maintained their history unbroken, since many age-old civilizations have either stopped existing or changed greatly. People feel pride because of how language, literature, philosophy and society have managed to survive over many years. In conclusion Egyptian culture dates back further, but Chinese culture has developed without interruption for a very long time. Both cultures are significant and play different roles in the history of humanity—one was early and one has lasted a great deal longer.

Even though people often admire Egypt’s pyramids, rulers and religious gods, many of the country’s traditions seem strange by today’s standards. Let’s look at some of the most unusual and engaging ones. Ceremonial Masturbation into the Nile River One of the strangest traditions involved pharaohs ceremonially masturbating into the Nile River. This wasn’t simply a crazy activity, but an important note in religious rituals. In the writings of the Egyptians, Atum brought the world into being by stimulating himself sexually. It was widely believed that Atum's ejaculation caused the Nile’s waters to provide life. Therefore, in their rituals, pharaohs often mimicked the creator’s action to show that the land would be fertile and the river’s waters would not dry up. Reversed gender roles in labor History records that according to Herodotus, Egyptians had cultural differences from other ancient peoples. While men spent their days at the loom in the home, women were seen in the marketplace and business world—something that was rare for their role in ancient history. Egyptians also wove fabric downward, unlike other cultures where fabric was woven upward and Herodotus noted this as just another way their culture stood out from others. Public vs. private behavior In a different aspect of their culture, the Egyptians have meals outdoors but deal with private bodily needs inside. Their reasoning? Since eating is so clean, we ought to do it where others can see. Everyday actions like eating and drinking were done in public, while private bodily functions were handled inside the home. Disregard for the brain The practice of mummification involved grabbing the brain with a hooked probe and tossing it away. Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart was the center of thought and emotion, not the brain. Because of this, the brain was not seen as valuable in the afterlife and was thrown away like general waste. Extreme cleanliness and ritual purity Being clean was very important to the priests. Every other day, they shaved their whole bodies to keep lice and dirt away, washed themselves four times each day and put on only linen clothes and papyrus sandals. Religious purity was so important that Egyptian priests avoided foods like beans and fish, which were considered impure. Even if these actions seem strange or odd today, they were important to the people of ancient Egypt to support cosmic balance, keep the environment clean and receive the gods’ approval.

As a religious minority in a Muslim-majority nation, Coptic Christians often navigate societal pressures and challenges. While officially recognized and able to practice their faith, they sometimes encounter subtle discrimination or restrictions in public life. The history and life on a daily basis of Copts in Egypt is overcome with a protracted yearning for survival, dignity, and freedom of religion in a society in which they are religious members of a minority. Historical background: Centuries of challenges The origins of the oppression of Copts can be traced back to the Arab invasion of Egypt in the 7th century. In the first period of Arab rule, initially, things appeared to be in control for Coptic Christians. Though the situation changed when the Caliph Omar came to power – restrictions tightened up. Copts had to pay more taxes than Muslims, were limited to build or repair churches and could only take up specific kinds of jobs because of their status of “dhimmis” (non-Muslim subjects of Islamic rule). From this time on, there was an exponential decrease in the Coptic share of the population, resulting in a Muslim majority in Egypt. Over the years, many Copts either converted or left and only those who were really committed remained firm in their religious belief. This situation continued for centuries with spates of relative calm interspersed by continuity of social and political restraints. Under British colonial rule, things improved a little, but total equality was never attained. Egyptians of any religion desired the right of self-governance, though Copts still had systemic issues to deal with. Modern history: From Nasser to Mubarak The mid-20th century brought some shifts. The government under the Presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser contained the Muslim Brotherhood– an Islamist organisation, thus, controlling anti-Coptic violence up to a certain level.Under President Anwar Sadat, the Muslim Brotherhood was allowed to reemerge in limited public discourse, which coincided with rising Islamist sentiment and some increase in sectarian tension. During Hosni Mubarak’s rule, religious extremism and violence attacks on the Coptic communities continued to rise. Nevertheless, a lot of Copts managed to suffer in silence, waiting for the better times. The 2011 revolution and its aftermath The Egyptian Revolution, 2011, had raised challenges for a secular and egalitarian Egypt. Some of the Copts were convinced that democratic elections would stop their oppression. But the election of an Islamist and a member of the Muslim brotherhood, Mohamed Morsi, smashed these hopes. During Mohamed Morsi’s presidency, concerns were raised within the Coptic community regarding representation and protection of minority rights, especially as the 2012 constitution was perceived as favoring Islamic principles. Morsi’s subsequent overthrow by the military led to violent reactions. Islamist mobs accused Copts of having a hand in his ousting and set afire more than dozens of churches and ramped up hate campaigns on social media. The time was getting dangerously bad for Copts. Ongoing violence and fear Since the fall of Morsi terrorist attacks on the Copts have taken a steep rise. Churches and community centers have been a target of bombing and shootings resulting in hundreds of lives lost. The worst attack in 2017 was on Palm Sunday when suicide bombers killed 45 people in Tanta and Alexandria- including two of the author’s cousins. Narratives on violence and persecution are not scarce: Coptic old women have been dragged in the streets in an act of public humiliation while families live in constant fear. The emotional toll and faith The never-ending grief and violence take a toll on Coptic Christians of Egypt. Many are overwhelmed by the slow pace of social change and hostility that they experience. However, their faith helps them. The Coptic community finds hope in the belief in a God who sacrificed everything for them so as to have the courage to endure hardships and be able to get through tough times. Conclusion The state of being a Coptic Christian in Egypt is thus the combination of the status of resilience, the status of faith, and discreet hope. It is a life formed by centuries of historical struggles, a life which continues to struggle and faces moments of fear but also moments of relentless devotion. In the midst of discrimination, violence, and marginalization that Coptic Christians in Egypt have to endure, they are a valuable part of the country’s cultural and religious mosaic, and continue to cling to the identity and faith while the chips are down. In recent years, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has taken visible steps to support the Coptic community. He was the first Egyptian president to attend Christmas Mass, has promoted church construction and legalization, and spoken out publicly against sectarian violence. While challenges remain, these developments mark a shift in state-level efforts toward religious inclusion.

New Cairo has quickly become one of the most talked-about residential areas in Egypt, attracting locals and expatriates alike. But is it truly a good place to live? Like any city, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a clear, realistic look at what living in New Cairo is really like, so you can decide if it suits your lifestyle and needs. Why New Cairo could be a great place to live Climate and weather For those who prefer warm and arid climate, New Cairo would be an ideal city. The summers in the city are very hot and rather high temperatures, winters can be quite cool but not cold. You will not worry about the earthquakes, hurricanes, and extreme weather events, which are typical in other places. The rain and snow are seldom, so the weather remains predictable, and the fact is liked by many. Vibrant nightlife and dining New Cairo offers a relatively active nightlife by Egyptian standards, with restaurants and cafes open late, especially in commercial centers and compounds. For the wealthy and comfortable lifestyle seekers New Cairo is usually considered as a wealthy area. The cost of living is greater here as compared to other places in Cairo or in cities such as Giza. Housing, especially, is expensive. When you have a decent income or you are financially secure and do not need a job in the city, you can live a high standard of life with the opportunity to obtain luxury amenities and gated communities. Car ownership is almost a must New Cairo and many other modern Egyptian cities were planned with cars on mind and not the pedestrians. Most sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas are only located in gated compounds. Public transport facilities are few, and moving around by ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem is not cheap or convenient for day-to-day travels. If you are a car owner, New Cairo is tenable. If it is the case, living here may get difficult. Quality education and international institutions The New Cairo has numerous international schools and universities, including those of the Americans, Canadians, and Germans. This makes it the preferred choice for families, who ensure that they take their children to schools which provide quality education and international curricula. However, these universities are usually not a part of the city’s social activity and therefore they may not provide much integration into the local culture or community activities. Diverse and multicultural population Its diversity is one of the things that are outstanding about New Cairo. Compared to the more conservative Old Cairo, New Cairo is rather liberal and open socially speaking. There are many expatriates or Egyptians from different walks of life like those who lived abroad or people of different parts of Egypt and neighboring countries. This combination not only creates a multicultural environment, but people tend also to be more open-minded and socially conscious in it. Why New Cairo might not be the best choice Lack of cultural scene If you are a big fan of cultural activities and places in which you can visit museums, operas, symphonies, or see a world’s class theater performance, then, there are high chances that New Cairo would not impress you. Some critics argue that New Cairo lacks the historic charm and cultural richness found in downtown Cairo. Commercial entertainment in this case is largely dominated by shopping malls, restaurants and night clubs rather than the traditional culture. Infrastructure issues Although New Cairo is modern, it has had enormous infrastructure challenges in the past. A case in point is back in April this year when heavy rains resulted in flooding causing havoc on private homes, shopping malls, and even the American University campus. Flooding had led to power outages in a number of areas in some cases. These problems brought out the fact that the city’s infrastructure can still be improved even though measures are being taken to address these issues expeditiously. Dependence on private transport As stated, the design of New Cairo refers to cars, which may be a drawback in case you don’t have a car or enjoy walking and public transport. Commuting without vehicles can be hard and costly for those without them, restricting mobility and social choices. Final verdict New Cairo is a perfect location to live in if you appreciate modern services and infrastructure, a lively night life, not forgetting quality international education and diverse cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s very ideal if one is financially comfortable and he/she owns a car. But, if you are looking for rich cultural experience, an easy walking distance, and cost effective living, then New Cairo may not excite you. The city’s infrastructure is yet coming up and its social life is more based on having fun and shopping rather than having traditional arts or culture. Finally, New Cairo provides a comfortable modern living to a certain group of residents – mainly the rich ones and those who want to live in a multicultural cosmopolitan territory far from the rush of Old Cairo. If that is what you’re after, New Cairo can be a great place to live.

While travelers from GCC countries often enjoy many travel benefits, how do GCC residents who are not citizens fare in terms of traveling? If you do not have citizenship of GCC but live there, you may not be sure about getting a visa on arrival when visiting Egypt. This describes Egypt’s present and clearly stated procedures regarding GCC visas for people who do not have GCC citizenship. Understanding the basics: GCC citizens vs. GCC residents It’s important to distinguish between GCC citizens and GCC residents: GCC citizens: Nationals of states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)). Such citizens enjoy special visa exemptions or ease of getting visas for many countries including Egypt. GCC residents (Non-citizens): People who live and work in GCC countries but have a passport of other countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, the Philippines and even Egypt itself, etc.). Their visas’ privileges mostly depend on their nationality and not their status of residency. Egypt visa policy for GCC citizens Egypt allows citizens of all GCC countries to enter visa-free for varying periods, typically up to 90 days. This is a benefit based purely on citizenship, meaning GCC citizens enjoy easy entry without needing to obtain a visa beforehand or on arrival. What about GCC residents who are not citizens? Being a GCC resident and having a passport of another country doesn’t mean much, and your visa on arrival in Egypt greatly depends on the country your passport has been issued by rather than your GCC residence. Egypt does not offer at the moment a visa-on-arrival in particular because you are a GCC resident. Visa on arrival for Egypt: Which nationals are eligible? Only citizens of certain countries—such as the US, UK, Japan, and select EU nations—are eligible for visa on arrival in Egypt. Usually, your visa is granted to you as you enter Canada, depending on your nationality. So, people from nations like the United States, Australia, Japan, among others, may get a visa as soon as they land. Should your passport not allow you to travel to Egypt without a visa, you have to obtain a visa prior to your trip. Does GCC residency help with Egypt visa application? While Egypt does not offer visa on arrival specifically for GCC residents, having GCC residency can sometimes simplify the process of obtaining an Egyptian visa in advance. For instance: Some Egyptian consulates in GCC countries facilitate easier or quicker visa processing for residents. GCC residency status can sometimes allow for multiple-entry or longer validity visas due to established diplomatic ties. However, the key factor remains your nationality, so you must check Egypt’s visa requirements based on your passport. Alternative: Egypt e-Visa for GCC residents For easier travel, Egypt has adopted an electronic visa (e-Visa) for many nationalities. If your passport can qualify, then you can apply for an e-visa online prior to your trip. This is in most cases the easiest way that is also very speedy for GCC residents who are not eligible for VOA. Practical advice for GCC residents traveling to Egypt Check your passport’s visa status: Ensure to check Egypt’s visa policy for your nationality all the time before travelling. Apply for e-visa if eligible: If you do not qualify for visa on arrival with your passport, then you should try to apply for the e-Visa of Egypt online. Contact the Egyptian consulate: If one is in doubt, he/she should contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate, in the GCC country within which he/she is living, in order to get clarification on the visa requirements. Carry valid residency proof: Although the residency permit per se does not entitle you to visa on arrival, having it with you may sometimes assist when you are applying for a visa or entering. Conclusion In conclusion, one is not automatically eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt upon being a GCC resident. Egypt’s visa policies are mainly dependent on the nationality of your passport. GCC residents have to apply for their own country’s visa when entering the country. The most appropriate way for both GCC residents and non-GCC residents is to establish eligibility for an Egypt e-Visa or apply for visa in advance through official channels to enjoy the visit.

When searching for the origins of civilization, one nation is not uncommonly found out. Egypt. But is Egypt the oldest country in the world? The answer depends on our definition of “country” – but by a lot of historical standards, yes, Egypt is the oldest nation-state in the world. The birth of ancient Egypt: Around 3150 B.C.E. Egypt’s claim to being the world’s oldest country comes from its established history of centralized government, culture, and writing, dating back to around 3150 B.C.E. This is believed to mark the start of King Narmer's reign, the first pharaoh of a unified Egypt. This date is often cited as the official founding of Egyptian civilization, transitioning it from a collection of smaller regional cultures into a single political and cultural entity. Who was narmer? King Narmer, called Menes in certain historical sources, is recognized as the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, who founded the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt. This event is when one of the most sophisticated and long lasting civilizations in the world started. The Narmer Palette, an archaeological finding of approximately 3200–3000 B.C.E., gives us visual evidence of this unification. On one side of the palette, the White Crown of Upper Egypt is depicted on Narmer; on the other, he wears the Red Crown of Lower Egypt. This imagery points to the real collapse of the two regions into a united kingdom under Narmer. A unified, literate, and powerful state Academics are in concurrence that Egypt by the time of Narmer has turned into a centrally organized state, in print, and a very strong one. According to historian Robert J. Wenke, writing in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (2001), the era of Narmer’s reign is “precisely the period in which Egypt first became a unified, powerful, wealthy, and literate state.” They include centralizing government, defined territory, written language, and cultural identity, which are the main identifying characteristics of a modern state. How Egypt compares with other ancient civilizations gypt is often considered the oldest existing nation-state, but it’s not the only ancient civilization. Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq), for example, shows earlier signs of urban development and is home to the world’s earliest known writing system. However, Egypt's early political unification under a central authority gives it a strong claim to being the first true nation-state in recorded history. However, Egypt is different because its national identity has been fairly stable over millennia, even during invasions by foreigners and regime change. Unlike cities that rose and fell in Mesopotamia, Egypt was a unified kingdom, with a lasting government, culture, architecture such as the Pyramids of Giza and temples along the Nile which define its historical remains. Conclusion So, is Egypt the oldest country in the world? If we define a “country” as a centralized and unified state with a lasting cultural identity, ancient Egypt is a leading contender. However, it’s important to note that the modern sovereign state known as the Republic of Egypt was officially established in 1953. Therefore, Egypt is more accurately described as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations rather than the oldest existing modern country. Originating from 3150 B.C.E. under King Narmer, Egypt, the world’s oldest nation-state, is widely known to have accumulated over 5000 years of historic and cultural significance.

Egypt's geography is defined by one overwhelming natural feature: the desert. Without the life-giving presence of the Nile River, Egypt would be a vast, uninhabitable desert. This makes the Nile the most significant geographical and environmental feature in the country, shaping not only the land but also Egypt's civilization and economy. Egypt is mostly desert Egypt has the dominant geographical landscape that is desert; some of the part of Sahara desert is Egypt, the largest hot desert of the world. Over 90% of Egypt is arid and dry, with very little rain (2.5 centimeters or 1 inch annually on average). These desert regions include: The western desert: Extending to the Sudanese border, this is 2/3rds of Egypt and is to the west of the Nile. It includes sand dunes, rocky plateaus and some oases. The eastern desert: Sitting east of the Nile River and stretching along the Red Sea coastline, this is another, albeit hilly, arid area featuring rugged terrain and areas with mineral resources. These two deserts, along with the Sinai Peninsula, make up the major part of Egypt’s geographical terrain. The Sinai Peninsula features rugged mountain ranges, including Mount Saint Catherine—the highest point in Egypt at 2,629 meters—and its geography contrasts sharply with the flatter deserts to the west and east. The Nile River: Egypt’s lifeline Despite the prevalence of desert, the Nile River breaks up this pattern as the geographical feature present. The Nile, which flows from south to north, runs through the Egyptian core and forms a narrow fertile strip along its banks. The Nile Valley is the primary region capable of supporting dense human settlement, agriculture, and urban life. Historically, the river Nile inundated its valley every summer following rains in Ethiopia, depositing rich, fertile silt essential for farming. However, since the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970, the river’s flow is now regulated, and natural flooding no longer occurs. Modern agriculture relies on controlled irrigation instead. Without this yearly flooding, Egypt would not be able to support its food production and settlements. The Nile delta: Fertile northern Egypt To the north of Cairo, where the Nile River spreads before ending in the Mediterranean sea lies the Nile delta, a vast triangular piece of fertile farmland. This happens to be one of the fertile spots in the entire of Africa, and it is very highly populated. The Delta provides most of Egypt’s agriculture due to the rich soil it has and water from the Nile. Divided Geography: Upper and lower Egypt Geographically, Egypt is traditionally divided into: Upper Egypt (southern region): Characterized by low mountains, desert plateaus, and the narrow Nile Valley. Lower Egypt (northern region): Includes the wide Nile floodplains and the Nile Delta, with desert areas to both the east and west. The names “Upper” and “Lower” are based on the Nile’s flow direction—from the highlands of East Africa in the south toward the Mediterranean Sea in the north. Conclusion So, what kind of geographical landscape dominates Egypt? In short: desert dominates, covering most of the country. However, the Nile River and its valley cut through the desert like a green ribbon, making life possible. This contrast between arid wasteland and fertile riverbanks is what defines Egypt’s unique geography.