Ancient Egypt was one of the greatest and longest-enduring civilizations on Earth, famous for its powerful hieroglyphs and grand pyramids that served as tombs for its pharaohs. Egyptians placed great importance on afterlife considerations by mummifying loved ones and sacred animals for eternal resting places in their afterlife.
Today, Egypt—once known as “The Gift of the Nile”—is a bustling mix of past and present due to being situated both on the African and Asian continents.
Africa
Egypt is home to one of the oldest and longest-living civilizations in history, drawing tourists from around the globe searching for remnants of its long and glorious past. While technically part of Africa, its borders extend into Asia, making Egypt an international country.
Egypt is the only African nation bordering Asia and Europe, making it a unique destination that bridges two distinct cultures. The Nile River passes through its center, creating fertile delta areas perfect for agricultural growth while connecting both oceans via the Suez Canal, which offers trade links between European countries and Asian ones.
Egyptian culture is a reflection of its long and eventful history. From beginning as a polytheistic nation with many gods worshiped through rituals to becoming predominantly monotheistic as Islam spread from Arabia, Egypt’s rich cultural legacy can still be seen today in the architecture and art of its major cities.
Egypt boasts a rich cultural heritage that can be seen through its language, cuisine, and music. The combination of traditions in this land creates an extraordinary experience. From skyscrapers that stand tall over cities to ancient mosques, Egypt provides an unforgettable variety of past and present.
Modern Egypt is a republican nation founded after a revolution in 1952 and run by a president and prime minister. Although its borders touch on both Africa and Asia, Egypt has historically been more integrated with African culture than Asian culture; it belongs to several organizations and groups, like the African Collaboration League, for example.
People often struggle to identify Egypt, located in Africa and Asia at once. While most of Egypt lies within Africa’s boundaries, one region within Asia exists: the Sinai Peninsula, isolated by canal.
Asia
Egypt lies in the northeast corner of Africa; however, much of its landmass lies within Asia, as the Suez Canal acts as a border between continents. Even so, Egyptians typically identify with being African despite this geographical distinction and consider Egypt an African country; indeed, most citizens identify as such. Egypt is regarded as a transcontinental country, spanning multiple continents simultaneously.
Egypt boasts an extensive and complex history as a mighty civilization, often considered one of the cradles of human culture. Egypt was responsible for some of the earliest forms of functional government, writing, and agriculture—all features that remain integral to modern life today. Egypt became a republic in 1952 and is run by a president and a prime minister.
While most people believe Egypt to be located within Africa, some think otherwise based on political, cultural, and geographical considerations; many relate to religion, which plays an integral part in Egyptian culture and geography and affects how it interacts with the rest of the world.
Egypt is defined by its rich cultural and historical traditions, including those that stem from the Nile River. As one of the longest rivers in the world, it supplies water resources essential to life in Egypt while helping prevent flooding during the rainy season and providing fertile soil that allows crops to be grown throughout the year, creating an abundant food culture.
Egypt’s diverse landscape of deserts and the Mediterranean Sea has significantly influenced its culture. While sub-Saharan terrain on the west and south sides has hindered travel, trade and communication have improved due to access to Europe and Asia via work on the Mediterranean Sea, – has had an immense effect on its culture, language, food, etc.
Google Earth provides an unmatched perspective of Egypt’s landscapes and cities with incredible detail on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
Europe
Egypt is an African nation in northeast Africa that links with Middle Eastern culture through the Nile River, one of the longest rivers on earth. Cairo, its capital city, is famous for housing millennia-old monuments like Giza’s Great Pyramids and Sphinx, as well as the Muhammad Ali Mosque and Egyptian Museum—two features unique to Cairo that reflect Egypt’s rich history and harsh yet diverse climate.
Bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Egypt straddles many different cultures. Mt. Sinai stands as its tallest peak, rising high above sea level and covered with snow during the winter. Although generally considered an arid desert climate with high temperatures, fertile Nile Valley is a notable exception.
The country is also an agricultural producer. Its natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, and phosphates, while its most valuable agricultural products include wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, and essential minerals such as gypsum and limestone.
Egypt is an oasis of ancient and modern traditions, boasting modern skyscrapers alongside ancient mosques in an extraordinary cultural tapestry that cannot be found elsewhere. While Egypt’s numerous environmental issues hamper tourism development, its future looks bright.
Egypt lies between Africa and Asia. Most of Egypt is located within Africa while a portion borders part of Asia – this situation may seem unusual but is pretty typical among nations. Egypt is one of several other countries with territories in Europe and Asia, such as Turkey and Russia, but despite these similarities, it’s important to remember that Egypt remains its own sovereign country with a distinct culture and identity. Africa is an incredible and fascinating continent that should be experienced by everyone. A visit to any African nation should include witnessing its rich history and stunning beauty, whether that means historical exploration or simply relaxing by the beach! Whatever your interests, Africa has something special in store for everyone!
Middle East
Egypt is world-renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, both impressive relics from ancient civilizations that have attracted visitors for millennia. Travelers from around the globe visit this magnificent country each year to witness these ancient treasures firsthand. Egypt offers an incredible cultural tapestry that spans from the past to the present and offers insight into human civilization’s roots; here, skyscrapers loom toward heaven alongside historic mosques to provide an experience like no other country on earth—an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth!
Geographically, Egypt spans both continents—Africa and Asia—as well as one sea—the Red Sea. It shares borders with Israel and the Gaza Strip on the northeast, Sudan on the southwest, Libya on the west, the Mediterranean Sea on its south and east sides, and is home to the Nile River that runs through its center.
Egypt experienced a military coup that installed a regime that advocated socialism and pan-Arab nationalism during the early 20th century, elevating their political importance and placing them at the forefront of Arab politics, especially as Cold War tensions mounted and Egypt became the first Arab country to make peace with Israel.
Cairo, which sits along the world’s longest river, the Nile, is the capital of Egypt and an extremely fertile area; however, most of Egypt is covered by desert terrain.
Egypt boasts many natural resources, such as petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, and limestone. Tourism is the country’s primary commercial sector revenue stream. Egypt experiences primarily hot and dry conditions with occasional rainstorms; earthquakes, flash floods, and landslides occur regularly as well.
Egypt is divided into 27 governorates (muhafazat). Each muhafazat has a capital city and is overseen by a governor appointed by the president; governors serve at his discretion. Home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landmarks, such as Giza’s Great Pyramids and Sphinx, and famous for its rich history and culture, from ancient Egyptian polytheism to modern Islamic majoritarianism, Egypt offers something spectacular for everyone to experience!
