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Giza

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Giza is a major city located in Egypt. It sits on the west bank of the Nile River. This position is directly opposite central Cairo. Giza is part of the larger Greater Cairo metropolis. By area, it is the third-largest city in Egypt. By population, it is the sixteenth-largest city in Africa. As of 2023, the city had a population of 4,458,135 people.

Description de l'Egypte - Etat Moderne - Pl 16
Description de l'Egypte - Etat Moderne - Pl 16

The city is most famous for the Giza Plateau. This plateau contains some of the most impressive ancient monuments in the world. These include the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza. The site also features many other large pyramids and temples. The Grand Egyptian Museum is located here as well.

Giza pyramid complex from air (2928)
Giza pyramid complex from air (2928)

These structures served as royal mortuary and sacred sites for ancient Egyptians. The plateau also includes Saqqara. Saqqara was the ancient burial ground for the capital city of Memphis. It contains the world's oldest standing step pyramid and many mastabas.

History shows that Giza has been a focal point for thousands of years. During the second millennium BC, the area served as a necropolis for several pharaohs. It was located near Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom. Over time, many different groups conquered the region. These included the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. The city of Giza was eventually founded in 642 AD.

Imhotep-Museum (Sakkara) 02
Imhotep-Museum (Sakkara) 02

This occurred after Muslims conquered the land from the Byzantine Empire. The exact origin of the name Giza is still unknown. Some suggest it relates to the word for "edge" or "side." Others believe it refers to being "on the side of the height."

The climate in Giza is a hot desert-like arid climate. This is known scientifically as a BWh climate. The weather is very similar to the climate in nearby Cairo. In the spring months of March and April, windstorms are frequent. These storms bring Saharan dust into the city. Rain is very infrequent in this region. Snow is also extremely rare. In the summer, high temperatures are common. In the winter, nighttime lows can drop below freezing.

The main gate of the Grand Egyptian Museum
The main gate of the Grand Egyptian Museum

Today, Giza is a vital economic and scientific center. Tourism is a primary source of income for the city. In 2025, Giza was visited by 14.7 million tourists. This made it the most popular tourist destination in Egypt. The city also hosts the headquarters of many Egyptian banks and multinational companies. It is a hub for the film industry. Major studios like Studio Misr and El-Ahram Studio are located here.

Nahdet masr
Nahdet masr

There are several important recreational and educational sites in the city. The Giza Zoo was established on March 1, 1891. It was the first zoo built in Africa. It is also the third oldest zoological garden in the world. The zoo houses about 4,000 animals from over 175 species. This includes lions, tigers, giraffes, and Nile crocodiles.

Giza Zoo by Hatem Moushir 90
Giza Zoo by Hatem Moushir 90

The zoo features a suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. Nearby, Orman Garden covers about 28 acres. It features a notable lotus pond and various botanical gardens.

Orman Garden - Lotus pond 01
Orman Garden - Lotus pond 01

Education is also central to the city. Cairo University moved to Giza in 1924. This makes the city an educational hub for the Mediterranean Region.

Cairo University-3
Cairo University-3

Administratively, Giza is the capital of the Giza Governorate. The city is managed by an appointed City Head and a Governor. The Governor is appointed by the Prime Minister of Egypt. The city is divided into nine urban districts. These include North Giza, Agouza, Duqqi, and El-Haram. There are also five new towns managed by the New Urban Communities Authority. These districts handle day-to-day governance and public services for the residents.

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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Description de l'Egypte - Etat Moderne - Pl 16.jpg
Description de l'Egypte - Etat Moderne - Pl 16.jpg
File:Giza pyramid complex from air (2928).jpg
Giza pyramid complex from air (2928).jpg
File:Giza Zoo by Hatem Moushir 90.JPG
Giza Zoo by Hatem Moushir 90.JPG
File:Orman Garden - Lotus pond 01.jpg
Orman Garden - Lotus pond 01.jpg
File:Cairo University-3.JPG
Cairo University-3.JPG
File:Sphinx International Airport 01.jpg
Sphinx International Airport 01.jpg
File:Cairo Metro line 3 - Gamat El Dowal station.jpg
Cairo Metro line 3 - Gamat El Dowal station.jpg
File:The main gate of the Grand Egyptian Museum.jpg
The main gate of the Grand Egyptian Museum.jpg
File:Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum.jpg
Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum.jpg
File:Imhotep-Museum (Sakkara) 02.jpg
Imhotep-Museum (Sakkara) 02.jpg
File:Nahdet masr.jpg
Nahdet masr.jpg
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