Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle
East. The great majority of its over 81 million people[4]
live near the banks of the Nile River, in an area of about 40,000 square
kilometers (15,000 sq mi), where the only arable
land is found. The large areas of the Sahara
Desert are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt's residents live in
urban areas, with most spread across the densely populated centres of
greater Cairo,
Alexandria
and other major cities in the Nile
Delta.
Monuments in Egypt such as the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx were constructed by its ancient
civilization. Its ancient ruins, such as those of Memphis, Thebes, and Karnak and
the Valley of the Kings outside Luxor, are a
significant focus of archaeological study. The tourism industry and the Red Sea Riviera employ about 12% of Egypt's workforce.
The economy of Egypt is one of the most
diversified in the Middle East, with sectors such as tourism,
agriculture, industry and service at almost equal production levels.