Egypt Essay, Research Paper

Egypt

Egypt became a birthplace of civilization long before the start of written history. Egypt is an Arab nation in the northeastern corner of Africa; also it is the twelfth largest country. With 386,650 square miles, which is about the size of Texas and features the Nile River traveling through the middle thus indicating the heart of Egypt. Its floodwaters deposited rich, black soil on the land year after year, enabling farmers to grow huge supplies of food. The Nile also provided water for irrigation and served as Ancient Egypt s main transportation route. The Nile is just over 4,000 miles long, and runs through Egypt 1,000 miles. Ninety-nine percent of Egypt’s population packs into the valley and delta. All of the main cities lie on the Nile River. The cities started about 5,000 years ago and the reason that the cities are all located near the Nile is because of the climate. Temperatures can rise as high as 105 degrees in the summer.

The largest city in Africa is Cairo, which is the capital of Egypt. Cairo stands on the east bank of the Nile River near the head of the delta. Cairo is a desert capital. It receives slightly less than one inch of rain a year. The city of Cairo is very overcrowded and traffic moves slowly.

Egypt depends on fossil fuels and hydroelectric power for its energy supplies. Egypt has the ability to generate 5,610 million kilowatt hours. Hydroelectric plants generate two thirds of Egypt s energy, most at the Aswan High Dam. Power plants that burn petroleum produce most of the rest. These services are near Cairo and Alexandria and on the Nile Delta. High-voltage transmission lines connection the Aswan hydroelectric plants with Cairo.

Agriculture in Egypt depends almost completely on irrigation from the Nile. Barrages and dams on the Nile, especially the Aswan High Dam, allow water to be stored for use when the river level is low. Canals provide water where it is needed throughout the year. Under ongoing irrigation, a field may produce several crops each year. Cotton, rice, corn (maize), and sorghum are grown in summer. Barley, wheat, and beans are winter crops. Citrus fruits and vegetables are grown on the Mediterranean coast.

Lifestyles in Egypt’s cities differ greatly from those whom live in the villages. City dwellers deal with such classic urban problems as housing shortage and traffic jams. Although many live in poverty, others enjoy new services and government services that the cities offer. Villagers commonly live just as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. Most of them make a bare living by growing crops and tending animals.

Clothing in Egypt reflectes different ways of life. Many wealthy city dwellers wear clothing similar to what the United States wears. Many poor city dwellers wear traditional clothing. If you are a villager, then you would have to grow a beard and wear a robe. For the women, they have to wear robes and cover their hair, ears, and arms with a veil.

If you are planning to go to Egypt, the best time is to go between November and February. Do not go to Egypt in the spring because the Khamsin season begins. The Khamsin is a 50-day period of terrible desert sand and dust storms.