EGYPT Land and Economy The Land Egypt is located in northeastern Africa. The Mediterranean Sea is to the north, and the Red Sea is to the east. Egypt has many different geographic features. The Sahara Desert stretches across much of the land. The Nile River flows from the south to the north. Without the Nile River, all of Egypt would be desert. Only about an inch of rain falls throughout Egypt each year. But each summer, the river rises because of rains at its source far to the south in Ethiopia. Floods cover the river's valleys, leaving minerals needed for trees, plants, and crops to grow. The Nile River The Sahara Desert Most Egyptians live along the Nile River and the Nile Delta, where the Nile River spreads out and drains into the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt Israel Saudi Arabia J o r d a n Egypt Nile River Nile Delta Climate and Resources Egypt has a hot desert climate. The climate is generally dry in most of the country except on the northern Mediterranean coast, which receives more rainfall in winter. At times there are strong winds which create sand storms. The Nile River is very important to Egypt. Since ancient times, most of Egypt's people lived in the Nile Valley. When the Nile floods, it makes the soil rich for farming. The Nile River is also used for drinking water, fishing, bathing and transportation. Egypt’s Economy Egypt's economy relies on agriculture, which relies on the Nile River floods. Modern machinery is rarely used. Cotton, rice, wheat, corn, sugarcane, beets, onions, tobacco and beans are the main crops. Fruit and flowers are sold to other countries. Manufacturing Major products that Egypt manufactures are textile (things made of fabric), food products, cement, ceramics, paper products, furniture, medicine, steel, iron, aluminum, automobiles, and oil-based products such as jet fuel, fuel oil and gasoline. Egypt makes most of its money by exporting textiles and food. Trade With the United States Egypt’s exports to the United States amount to $1.1 billion or 4.2% of its overall exports. Here are some major items that Egypt exports to the United States: 1. Clothing 2. Fabric 3. Carpets and rugs 4. Oil Egypt’s imports from the United States amount to $3.5 billion or 60% of its overall imports. Here are some major items that Egypt imports from the United States: 1. Machinery 2. Automobiles 3. Airplanes 4. Military weapons