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Although bordering water on two sides, more than 90 percent of Egypt is desert, including the Libyan Desert and part of the Sahara Desert. Nearly all Egyptians live along the Nile River valley, where fertile soil sustains grapes, cotton, sugercane and a variety of vegetables. Fruit trees include citrus, dates and figs.

The country has too seasons, hot from May to September and cool the rest of the year. During winter months the temperatures in the desert can drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is minimal.

Animals able to survive in this harsh and dry climate consist of hyena, jackal, fox and the wild boar. Reptiles, like the asp and the horned viper, are more common. Birds are abundant, such as the pelican, flamingo and the heron.

Currency is the Egyptian pound consisting of 100 piastres.

Highways connect Cairo with Alexandria, a major port city and harbor for freighters and cruise ships. International airlines offer services to and from the rest of the world.