Cairo is Egypt’s capital and largest city. Over 10 million people live there. It forms part of the Greater Cairo metropolitan area. This urban area ranks as the world’s 12th largest, with a population of 21.9 million.

A Historic Crossroads

The city’s location is strategic. It sits at the junction of the Nile Valley and the Nile Delta. This point has long been a focal point for ancient Egypt. Many historic settlements dot the area. These include the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis.

Historically, Cairo began as Fustat. However, al-Qāhirah later superseded it during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods.

City of a Thousand Minarets

People call Cairo the “city of a thousand minarets.” Its Islamic architecture abounds. Mosques, madrasas, and other landmarks reflect the region’s rich history. In 1979, the city’s historic center gained World Heritage Site status. Cairo holds a “Beta +” classification as a World City, according to GaWC.

Today, Cairo is a significant political, economic, and cultural hub in the Middle East. Many international media outlets, businesses, and organizations maintain regional headquarters in the city. The Arab League has kept its headquarters in Cairo for most of its existence. The city also boasts the Arab world’s oldest and largest cinema and music industry. Furthermore, Al-Azhar University, the world’s second-oldest institution of higher learning, is located here.

Addressing Modern Challenges

Like many megacities, Cairo’s growth has brought challenges. High pollution levels and traffic congestion are prominent issues. The city addresses these problems through its metro system. This system is Africa’s oldest. It is also one of the world’s busiest, with over 1 billion annual passenger rides. In 2005, Cairo’s economy ranked first in the Middle East. It placed 43rd globally on Foreign Policy’s 2010 Global Cities Index.