What is the capital of Egypt?

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. Located on the Nile River near the beginning of the delta, it is also Egypt’s largest city and the centre of the country’s political, cultural and economic life.

The modern city was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid commander Jawhar al-Siqilli, who established a new settlement north of the older city of Fustat. The name Cairo comes from the Arabic al-Qāhirah, commonly translated as “the conqueror.” Over time, Cairo absorbed or grew around earlier settlements, including Fustat, Memphis and areas near ancient Heliopolis.

A frequent mix-up involves Giza, which lies within the Greater Cairo metropolitan area but is a separate city and governorate. Giza is famous for the pyramids and the Great Sphinx, while Luxor is known for ancient Thebes and its temples. Alexandria, Egypt’s major Mediterranean port, is also important—but it is not the national capital. Egypt has also developed a New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, but Cairo remains the conventional answer to this question.