• A Middle Eastern country in North Africa, Egypt boasts the largest river in the world, The Nile, and was home to the first great ancient civilization. Its strategic location places Egypt at the center of the Arab world and at the apex of Africa, Asia and Europe, making it an important political and cultural hub.

  The most populous country in the Arab world, Egypt is home to over 80 million people, 95% of which live on the banks of the Nile. Most of the population is Muslim, but there is also a substantial Christian population.

  The Dynastic Egyptian civilization lasted from about 3000-1000 B.C. and produced some of the world's most enduring and impressive artifacts including the Great Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza and The Great Pyramid. Built for the pharaoh Khufu, it is the only remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was the tallest monument in the world until the 19th century.

• 1. Full name: Arab Republic of Egypt
  2. Capital: Cairo
  3. Population: 75.5 million (UN, 2007)
  4. Area: 1 million sq km (386,874 sq miles)
  5. Official Language: Arabic
  6. Currency: Egyptian Pound
  7. Major religions: Islam, Christianity
  8. GNI per capita: US $1,250 (World Bank, 2006)
  9. Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
  10. Gained independence from England in 1922
  11. Home to the Suez Canal and Aswan Dam
  12. International dialling code: +20

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