8 Interesting Facts About Egypt

As summer approaches, it’s hard not to think about vacation. One country that many associate with vacations has a history spanning more than sixty centuries. It is home to one of the seven wonders of the world still standing today. This country is Egypt, a land full of mysteries and enigmas that have fascinated generations of tourists. To be well-prepared for your trip, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about this remarkable place.

1. The Nile River is the second-longest river in the world after the Amazon, stretching over six thousand kilometers. It originates in Rwanda and flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only river that gives life to the vast Sahara Desert. The Nile crocodiles, one of the most dangerous reptiles, are among the three largest crocodile species in the world, and the largest freshwater alligator.

   Another fascinating Nile inhabitant is a giant fish, which can grow up to two meters long and weigh up to two hundred kilograms. This fish is the Nile perch, and a unique feature of this species is that its young develop in the parent’s mouth, significantly increasing their chances of survival.

2. Today, Egypt is a Muslim country, but interestingly, until the 6th century, it was largely a Christian (Orthodox) region.
3. One of the seven wonders of the world, the famous Pyramid of Cheops, is located in Egypt and has survived to this day. It is a misconception that only slaves built the pyramid. Recent studies have shown that large blocks were raised using special devices controlled by builders, not slaves. These workers were well cared for: their work was generously paid, and they received food and medical treatment.
4. However, the Pyramid of Cheops is not the largest structure in ancient Egypt. The Aswan Dam, built in 1970, contains over seventeen times the material used in the pyramid’s construction. This dam is the largest hydro-engineering project in the world.
5. Egypt is often seen as a resort country, leading many to believe that tourism is its primary source of income. However, that is not the case. The main revenue comes from transportation through the Suez Canal, with oil in second place and tourism in third.
6. Amazingly, the Egyptian mummy of Pharaoh Ramses II has an actual passport. This was necessary in the 1970s when the mummy was sent to France for restoration. In the accompanying documents, it was described as a sick person traveling for treatment.
7. Interestingly, the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the ring finger originated in Egypt and then spread to Greece and Rome.
8. No rivers flow into the Red Sea, making it the cleanest sea in the world, allowing tourists to enjoy its magnificent underwater world.

Egypt is a truly unique country. Both in ancient times and today, it remains a leader in many areas in its region. Egypt’s economy is the third-largest in the Middle East, and experts predict it will continue to grow significantly over the next decade.