Geography of Egypt

LocationEgypt

Egypt_Topography

Nile_composite_NASA

Dust_storms_off_Egypt

Katharinenkloster_Sinai_BW_2

Geography of Egypt

Egypt is a transcontinental country located in the northeastern corner of Africa and extending into the southwestern corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. The country covers an area of approximately 1,010,408 square kilometers (390,121 square miles), making it the 30th largest country in the world.

Topography

The topography of Egypt is dominated by the Nile River and its fertile valley, which runs from the southern border with Sudan to the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley and the Nile Delta are the most significant geographical features, providing the majority of the country's arable land. The Western Desert (part of the Sahara Desert) and the Eastern Desert flank the Nile Valley and are characterized by arid landscapes, sand dunes, and rocky plateaus.

Nile River

The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles). It is the lifeblood of Egypt, providing water, transportation, and fertile soil for agriculture. The river flows northward through the country, culminating in the Nile Delta, a broad, fan-shaped region of fertile land that empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Western Desert

The Western Desert covers about two-thirds of Egypt's land area and is part of the larger Sahara Desert. It is sparsely populated and features several oases, including the Siwa Oasis, the Bahariya Oasis, and the Farafra Oasis. The desert is also home to the Great Sand Sea and the Qattara Depression, one of the lowest points in Africa.

Eastern Desert

The Eastern Desert lies between the Nile River and the Red Sea. It is a mountainous region with rugged terrain and is rich in mineral resources, including gold and gemstones. The desert is also known for its ancient trade routes and archaeological sites.

Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular landmass that connects Africa to Asia. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south. The peninsula is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including Mount Sinai, and its strategic importance as a land bridge between continents.

Climate

Egypt has a predominantly arid climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The coastal regions along the Mediterranean Sea experience a more moderate climate with higher humidity and occasional rainfall. The interior regions, including the deserts, have extreme temperature variations between day and night.

Natural Resources

Egypt is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, and limestone. The country also has significant mineral resources in the Eastern Desert and the Sinai Peninsula.

Environmental Issues

Egypt faces several environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, and pollution. The over-reliance on the Nile River for water and the increasing demand for agricultural land have put pressure on the country's natural resources.

Related Pages

• Nile River
• Sahara Desert
• Sinai Peninsula
• Mediterranean Sea
• Red Sea
• Sudan
• Libya
• Israel