What is the Capital of Egypt? Cairo

Capital City of Egypt: Cairo

City Overview

Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is the largest city in the Arab world and one of the largest cities in Africa. Located along the banks of the Nile River, Cairo has been a center of political, economic, and cultural life for thousands of years. With a population exceeding 20 million, it is a bustling metropolis, steeped in history yet rapidly modernizing. See Plus-Size-Tips for other major cities in Egypt.

Cairo’s history dates back to the Ancient Egyptian period. It is home to some of the most important landmarks of ancient civilizations, particularly the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. However, modern Cairo is a mix of ancient heritage and contemporary growth. The city features a diverse urban landscape with a blend of Islamic, Coptic, and modern architecture.

The city serves as the seat of the Egyptian government, the Presidential Palace, and the Parliament. It also hosts numerous international organizations, embassies, and multinational corporations. Cairo is the cultural and intellectual heart of Egypt, with countless museums, theaters, and universities, including the world-renowned Cairo University.

Cairo is a city of contrasts: it features historic neighborhoods, like Islamic Cairo, with its centuries-old mosques and markets, but also modern districts, such as New Cairo, which features upscale shopping malls, hotels, and offices. The rapid urban expansion, coupled with challenges such as overpopulation, pollution, and traffic congestion, makes Cairo a city in constant transformation.

Key Facts About Cairo:

• Area: 606 square kilometers (234 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 20.9 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2
• Highest Mountain: Mount Catherine (2,629 meters / 8,625 feet), located in the Sinai Peninsula, northeast of Cairo.
• Longest River: The Nile River (6,650 kilometers / 4,130 miles), the longest river in the world, flows through Cairo.

Major Landmarks in Cairo

1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
   The Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, are perhaps the most iconic landmarks in the city and the world. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the three pyramids and was originally constructed as the tomb of the Pharaoh Khufu. The Great Sphinx of Giza, with the body of a lion and the head of a man, is also located at the site and stands as a symbol of ancient Egyptian power and mystery.
2. The Egyptian Museum
   Located in Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. It houses an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun’s tomb treasures, mummies, and statues that span thousands of years of Egyptian history. The museum’s collection provides insight into ancient Egypt’s art, culture, and daily life.
3. The Citadel of Saladin
   The Citadel of Saladin, located on Mokattam Hill, offers a panoramic view of Cairo and is one of the city’s oldest Islamic structures. Built in the 12th century by Saladin, the citadel was once the seat of the Egyptian government and is now home to several museums, including the Egyptian Military Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
4. Islamic Cairo
   Islamic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Islamic architecture, including the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the Hassan Mosque. The area is full of ancient markets like Khan el-Khalili, where visitors can shop for spices, jewelry, textiles, and handicrafts.
5. The Cairo Opera House
   The Cairo Opera House, located in the Zamalek district, is Egypt’s most prestigious venue for the performing arts. The building houses various theaters, an opera house, and a museum dedicated to the history of Egyptian music and theater.
6. Coptic Cairo
   Coptic Cairo is the Christian heart of Cairo, home to several ancient Christian sites such as the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum. It is a quiet, historical area that contrasts sharply with the hustle and bustle of modern Cairo.
7. Tahrir Square
   Tahrir Square is the symbolic heart of modern Cairo. Known worldwide for being the focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, it is surrounded by government buildings and museums and remains a central gathering place for political and social events.

Climate Overview

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate (BWh according to the Köppen climate classification), characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rain is rare, but the city can experience dust storms due to its proximity to the desert. The average temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F) in the summer months, while winter temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).

Month	Avg Temp (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	14	4	8
February	15	4	8
March	18	5	9
April	21	5	9
May	25	3	10
June	28	0	12
July	30	0	12
August	31	0	12
September	28	1	10
October	23	3	9
November	18	4	8
December	15	5	8

Other Cities That Served as Capital in Egypt’s History

Memphis (c. 3100–2040 BCE)

The ancient city of Memphis served as the first capital of unified Egypt, founded around 3100 BCE by the first pharaoh Narmer. Memphis was the center of Egypt’s Old Kingdom and served as a political and religious capital. It remained an important city for millennia, known for its necropolis, which includes the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.

Thebes (c. 2000–1070 BCE)

During the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom, Thebes became the capital of Egypt. The city is most famous for being the religious center of Amun-Ra, and it is the site of many monumental temples such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were buried. Thebes was the capital during the reign of several pharaohs, including Ramesses II.

Alexandria (332 BCE – 641 AD)

Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became the capital of Egypt under the Ptolemaic Kingdom and remained an important intellectual and cultural hub. Alexandria was known for its Great Library, which was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world. It was also the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The capital was moved to Cairo after the Muslim conquest in the 7th century.

Country Facts

• Population: Approximately 105 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 1,001,450 square kilometers (386,662 square miles)
• Largest City: Cairo
• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Official Language: Arabic
• ISO Country Code: EG
• Timezone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2

Egypt is a transcontinental country, with its territory spanning the northeastern corner of Africa and southwestern Asia, linked by the Suez Canal. It has a rich history that dates back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world. Egypt is home to the Ancient Egyptian Civilization, famous for its monumental architecture, including the pyramids and temples. The country is an important regional power and has played a key role in both Arab and African politics. Egypt’s economy is diverse, relying on sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and oil. The country also holds a significant place in the modern Arab world as a cultural, religious, and political hub.