Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world. Founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty, it has served as Egypt's political and cultural centre for over a millennium. Situated along the Nile River, just south of the Nile Delta, Cairo's strategic location has historically made it a focal point for trade and culture. 

The city is renowned for its rich history, encompassing ancient, medieval, and modern eras. Notably, the Giza Plateau, located within the Greater Cairo area, is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, iconic remnants of ancient Egypt. Cairo's historic centre, often referred to as "Islamic Cairo," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its concentration of Islamic architecture, including mosques, madrasas, and fountains. 

The city is also a hub for education and culture in the Arab world, housing institutions like Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities globally. In recent years, Cairo has seen significant developments, such as the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, which showcases an extensive collection of ancient artefacts. Despite challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, Cairo remains a vibrant metropolis, blending its historical heritage with modern urban life.

• Cairo has an estimated population as high as 12 million, according to 2016 World Population Review estimates.
• Cairo city has a land area of 204 square miles (528 square kilometers).
• Cairo has a hot desert climate like most of Egypt's interior.
• The Greater Cairo metropolitan area includes the city of Cairo, New Cairo city, Giza, Shubra El-Kheima, 6th of October City and Obour City.
• The metropolitan population is 20.5 million people living over 660 square miles (1,709 square kilometers).
• Official currency used in Cairo is Egyptian pound
• Cairo GDP was US$102.2 billion in 2014
• At the country level, Egypt’s land territory covers 115,124 square miles (298,170 square kilometers). The national population was 102.6 million inhabitants as of July 2016.
• Exports from Egypt totaled US$22.5 billion in 2016. Highest-value Egyptian exports are petroleum oil, TV reception equipment, gold, oranges, cables, carpets and wood furniture according to the International Trade Centre.
• For Egypt overall, population density drops significantly to an average 250 inhabitants per square mile (100 per square kilometer).

Cairo, Egypt's capital, functions as both a city and a governorate, making it one of the country's three city-states. The administrative framework of Cairo Governorate is structured into four primary areas: Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern. Each area is overseen by a deputy governor and is further divided into districts, known locally as 'ahya' (singular: 'hayy'). 

In total, there are 38 districts within the governorate. These districts are subdivided into police wards called 'qisms', with some districts encompassing multiple qisms. The governor of Cairo, appointed by the President of Egypt, holds the highest executive authority within the governorate and is responsible for implementing national policies at the local level. The governorate's administrative responsibilities include urban planning, infrastructure development, and the provision of public services such as education, healthcare, and transportation. 

Additionally, Cairo encompasses several satellite cities, including New Cairo, Shorouk, Badr, and the New Administrative Capital. These cities are under the jurisdiction of the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), which operates under the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. While NUCA manages planning and land allocation for these satellite cities, the Cairo Governorate oversees certain public services within them, ensuring cohesive governance across the metropolitan area.

Cairo serves as Egypt's economic hub, contributing approximately 22% to the nation's economy while housing 11% of its population. The city's economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as governmental services, commerce, industrial production, and media. Historically, Cairo's economy centred on governmental functions and trade. In the latter half of the 20th century, the industrial sector expanded significantly, with notable developments in textiles and food processing, including sugar cane production. 

The city hosts the majority of Egypt's publishing houses, media outlets, and nearly all film studios, solidifying its status as a cultural and informational centre. Additionally, Cairo is home to half of the nation's hospital beds and universities, underscoring its role in education and healthcare. In recent years, Cairo has experienced a renaissance in its downtown area, driven by both state investment and private initiatives. Efforts are underway to restore historic buildings and promote cultural activities, aiming to rejuvenate the city's vibrant cultural scene. 

However, challenges persist, including traffic congestion, pollution, and a shortage of services due to rapid urban growth. Despite these issues, Cairo remains a dynamic metropolis, continually adapting to modern economic demands while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Egypt’s extensive transportation network, laid out by the British, connects most of the country’s urban centres with the capital. Within metropolitan Cairo, the transportation network is made up of both formal and informal sectors. The Public Transport Authority runs a bus network, which was introduced in the 1950s. In addition, a far-reaching system of authorised, licensed cabs operates in the city. Informal transportation services include minibuses and taxis, which sprang up in the late 1970s and ’80s; these continue to predominate, particularly in areas that serve the expanding informal neighbourhoods. The Cairo Metro, a citywide subway system, began service in 1987 and has since been significantly expanded.

Traffic congestion is a serious problem in Cairo, particularly as both imports and local assembly plants have provided greater access to automobiles. To combat congestion and pollution, the Egyptian government built a substantial number of bypass highways and overpasses. Donkey-drawn carts, though technically outlawed, are also a common sight on Cairo’s streets, operating among the city’s automobiles, minibuses, buses, streetcars, and trolleys.