📖 About Cairo

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world, serving as Egypt's political, economic, and cultural capital. Egypt's economy surged with 5.3% GDP growth in Q1 2025/26—the first time growth exceeded 5% in over three years. Non-oil manufacturing expanded by 14.5%, tourism grew 13.8% attracting 5.1 million visitors in the quarter, and ICT sector growth reached 14.5%.

The IMF's $8 billion Extended Fund Facility program supports Egypt's economic stabilization after two years of turbulence. Inflation has dropped markedly from 38% in late 2023 to around 12.5% in October 2025. The Suez Canal recovered with 8.6% growth as Red Sea stability returned, though Houthi attacks had cost Egypt an estimated $8 billion in lost revenue. Cairo invited world leaders to attend the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum opening near the pyramids.

Infrastructure development continues under Egypt Vision 2030, with Cairo Metro Line 3 completed and Line 4 under construction. While investments boost the national economy, rural poverty in Upper Egypt highlights uneven development. Global institutions forecast 3.5%-4.5% growth for 2025, with the World Bank supporting diversification and the December 2025 IMF review unlocking $2.5 billion in funding.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Cairo's economy spans tourism, manufacturing, finance, and services. The 5.3% GDP growth reflects broad-based recovery, with tourism's 5.1 million quarterly visitors driving the hospitality sector. Non-oil manufacturing's 14.5% expansion signals industrial diversification. The ICT sector's growth supports Egypt's vision of becoming a digital services and outsourcing hub. Greater Cairo accounts for approximately 50% of Egypt's GDP.

Egyptian culture finds its heart in Cairo—from the pyramids embodying pharaonic heritage to Al-Azhar's Islamic scholarship. The city's coffee houses, Nile promenades, and bustling souks define daily life. Contemporary Cairo blends ancient monuments with modern megacity energy. Ramadan transforms the city, while football passion unites millions. The Grand Egyptian Museum opening marks a new chapter in presenting Egypt's incomparable heritage to the world.

📜 History

Cairo's region has hosted civilization for 5,000 years, from Memphis and the Giza pyramids to the Fatimid founding of Al-Qahira in 969 AD. The city became the Islamic world's greatest metropolis under the Mamluks. Ottoman rule followed, then the 19th-century modernization under Muhammad Ali. The 1952 revolution established modern Egypt with Cairo as capital of Arab nationalism.

The 2011 revolution centered on Tahrir Square, reshaping Egyptian politics. Economic challenges led to the 2024 IMF program expansion. Today's Cairo balances preservation of irreplaceable heritage—from the pyramids to Islamic Cairo's medieval streets—with megacity challenges of housing, transport, and employment. The Grand Egyptian Museum opening and economic recovery signal optimism for this eternal city's next chapter.