Interesting Facts About Cairo

Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world. The megacity is an incredible place to visit for those who love culture and cuisine. It is home to the only world wonder that remains standing from the original list of seven and is also home to the largest food court in the world. As you can probably tell, Cairo is a wonderful mix of old and new. So, whether you are planning a trip or are just curious to know more, here are some of the most interesting facts about Cairo.

If you are planning a trip to Cairo, or simply intrigued about the country, here are 7 interesting facts

1. Cairo is the largest city in Africa

With a population clocking in at a whopping 21,750,020, The Greater Cairo Area is the largest metropolitan area in Egypt, the largest urban area in Africa, the Middle East, and the Arab world. It is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the world. Not only that, but it also has one of the densest populations in the world. The megacity has 19,376 people per square kilometre, which makes it the world’s 37th most densely populated city.

2. Cairo is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza

The Giza Plateau is a part of the Greater Cairo metropolis. Here you’ll find the Great Pyramid of Giza. Over 4,500 years old, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that remains relatively intact. At the site at Giza, there are three pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the Pyramid of Khufu. It is the largest and oldest Pyramid in Giza. Pharaoh Khafre (Khufu’s son) built the second biggest pyramid at Giza and Pharaoh Menkaure built the smallest pyramid.

3. Historic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cairo Citadel is an ancient fort from the Islamic era and was once home to the Egyptian rulers. It is one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities and is famous for its mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. UNESCO inscribed the whole old town of Cario on its World Heritage Site list with the description: “Founded in the 10th century, it became the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century.”

4. Cairo is home to the largest ancient world statue

Estimated to be as old as 4,500 years, The Great Sphinx is one of the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s located in the Giza plateau, on the west bank of the River Nile, around a half-hour drive west of Cairo. At 240 ft (73 m) high and 240 ft (73 m) long, it’s the largest surviving statue from the ancient world.

5. Cairo has the world’s largest food court

Cairo is a wonderful city not only for culture but for cuisine too. In fact, it is home to the largest food court in the world. The Oasis Restaurants and Entertainment has a total floor area of 41,000 m² (441,318 ft² 80 in²) and has 25 restaurants and cafes. It has a capacity to seat 4,223 diners. The venue also has a kid’s zone and two cinema theatres.

6. The River Nile flows through Cairo

River Nile is the longest river in the world. It flows through the city of Cairo. Cairo lies on the east bank of the river and includes two islands within the river. The two islands are Gezira and Roda Island.

7. The Cairo Tower was once the tallest in Africa

The Cairo Tower is a free-standing concrete tower in Cairo and the city’s most famous modern monument. At 187 meters (614 feet) it was the tallest structure in Africa for ten years until 1971, when the Hillbrow Tower in South Africa surpassed it. You’ll find it in the Gezira district on Gezira Island in the River Nile, close to downtown Cairo. It is the best place to go for sweeping views of Cairo and Giza from above.