alQahirah

AlQahirah, commonly anglicized as Cairo, is the capital and largest city of Egypt. It is located along the Nile River in the northern part of the country, near the Nile Delta. The name Al-Qahirah means "The Conqueror" or "The Victorious" in Arabic.

The city was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid Caliphate as the capital of the Fatimid state, laid out on the east bank of the Nile near the old settlement of Fustat. Over the centuries it grew into the main political, economic, and cultural center of Egypt. In the 19th and early 20th centuries modernization projects under Muhammad Ali and his successors reshaped portions of the city, establishing wide boulevards and monumental buildings.

Today Cairo is a major hub in the region, serving as Egypt's administrative seat and its main economic engine. It hosts a large number of universities, museums, media and financial institutions, and is a central node for transportation, commerce, and industry. The metropolitan area is among the largest in Africa and the Arab world, with estimates commonly placing the population in the tens of millions.

Cairo's neighborhoods range from historic Islamic Cairo with its mosques and markets to the Coptic Quarter and modern districts. Notable landmarks include the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, the Citadel of Saladin, Al-Azhar Mosque, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the Cairo Opera House. The city is served by Cairo International Airport and an expanding metro system, and has a significant cultural scene including cinemas, theaters, and festivals.

Climate is hot desert (BWh), with very hot summers and mild winters and limited rainfall.