Egypt

Egypt is a country in the northeast corner of Africa. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Egypt is famous for its pyramids, pharaohs, and the Nile River. Ancient Egyptians built some of the most amazing things in history.

Land and People

About 105 million people live in Egypt. The capital is Cairo, the biggest city in Africa. Most of Egypt is desert, so almost everyone lives along the Nile River. The Nile is the longest river in the world.

Six very old objects from ancient Egypt.
Six very old objects from ancient Egypt. (Jeff Dahl / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ancient Egyptians invented paper from a plant called papyrus. Koshari is a popular dish of rice, lentils, and pasta. The Sphinx is a giant statue with a lion's body and a human head.

Fun Facts

  • The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest building in the world for over 3,800 years.
  • Ancient Egyptians invented one of the first forms of paper from papyrus plants.
  • Cleopatra, Egypt's famous queen, lived closer in time to the first moon landing than to the building of the pyramids.

Did You Know?

The ancient Egyptians loved cats so much that harming one was against the law. Cats were considered sacred animals. When a family cat died, the whole family would shave their eyebrows to show they were sad.