The Nile River that runs through Egypt has allowed this desert land to flourish and bloom for thousands of years. Because of the water provided by the Nile, Egypt was one of the first places in the world to be farmed and settled. Ancient Egyptians had a complex society. Their beliefs in the afterlife still fascinate people who visit the country to see the ancient tombs and pyramids.
Today, most people in Egypt still live along the Nile River. The Suez Canal, which runs from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea provides a passageway for ships traveling from Europe to Asia and India. This canal, which was completed in 1869 with French and British aid, is an important source of income for the Egyptian government.
Many people in Egypt are farmers. Egypt is one of the world’s leading producers of cotton, used for making clothing and home textiles. Egyptian farmers also grow sugar, rice, wheat, fruit and vegetables.
Most people in Egypt are Arab Muslims. Egypt has been one of the most tolerant Arab countries of women’s rights. Fundamentalism is taking root in the country, though, and women are worried that they will lose some of their rights.
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a very old and very crowded city. Its population could reach 100 million by 2025. Housing is in short supply here. Many people live in tiny houses on the edge of the city. Others live among the graves in the ancient cemeteries or even on the roofs of high-rise buildings.
Fun Facts about Egypt for Kids
- 99 million people live in Egypt (2018)
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the president of Egypt (2018).
- The country has 386,662 square miles of land and is the 30th largest country in the world by land mass.
- Oil, Cotton and food products are the Egyptians largest exports.
- Over 12% of the workforce are employed within the tourist industry.
- At 2,629 m Mount Catherine is the tallest mountain in Egypt.
- The river Nile is the longest river.
- The largest pyramid in Egypt is the Pyramid of Khufu at Giza.
- Very little rain falls in Egypt, on average as little as one inch falls annually.
- The official language is Arabic.
- Most people are Muslim.
- The life expectancy in Egypt is 72 years.
- Over 75 percent of adults can read.
- Our 365 day calendar was invented in Egypt.
- Ancient Egyptians considered cats as sacred.
- Ancient Egyptians worshiped over 1400 different Gods.
Egypt Vocabulary
- Flourish: prosper, grow
- Complex: detailed, complicated
- Tolerant: accepting of varied beliefs
- Fundamentalism: strict, conservative views and beliefs
Learn More All About Egypt
This is the best video we found for kids to learn about Egypt:
This is a video presentation about the geography of Egypt, the importance of the Nile river, and how the Egyptians identify their location.
Egypt Q&A
Question: What kinds of animals live in Egypt?
Answer: Egypt is home to many animals, including crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, cobras and many birds. The Nile River floods each year, leaving behind sediment that leaves the soil rich and fertile.
Map of Egypt
Here’s a map of the country of Egypt and all its cities and villages. Zoom in to get into street level or zoom out to see other countries around Egypt! You can see the terrain, but also see the roads, images of the buildings and even take a 3D tour through the streets of the cities of Egypt, as though you are actually there!
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