Egypt

Egypt is one of the world's oldest and most fascinating civilisations, with a history stretching back over 5,000 years. Located in northeastern Africa and bridging the continents of Africa and Asia via the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt is home to some of the most iconic landmarks on Earth. The Pyramids of Giza — including the Great Pyramid, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world — and the Great Sphinx have stood for over 4,500 years on the edge of the Sahara Desert outside Cairo.

The Nile River, the world's longest river, flows through Egypt from south to north, providing the fertile strip of land along its banks that has sustained Egyptian civilisation for millennia. The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and is one of the world's most strategically important waterways — allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without sailing around Africa. Egypt controls this vital trade route.

With a population of over 105 million people, Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and in Africa. Cairo, the capital, is one of the world's largest cities and a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern life. Egypt is a major cultural power in the Arab world — its cinema, music, literature, and television programmes are consumed across the entire Arab-speaking world. Football is the most popular sport by far, and the national team, the Pharaohs, are seven-time African champions.