What is now Egypt has been a nation for much longer than most. Menes, the first Pharaoh, united Upper and Lower Egypt in 3050 BC, creating a country whose legacy is unmatched in recorded history. Elaborate tombs were designed, magnificent pyramids constructed, and a vast and impressive pantheon of deities were honored in huge temples. Hieroglyphs were etched in stone, detailing everything from the lives of the Gods to the lives of the common slaves. The Nile was harnessed for irrigation. By any standard, this dynastic society reflected success on every level.
Eventually, however, Egypt fell to outside influences. The most lasting influence was made by Arab invaders, who conquered Egypt and introduced Islam around AD 640. Others who saw Egypt as an inviting prize included the Ottoman Turks, the French and finally the British. Egypt won nominal independence from the British in 1922. The subsequent monarchy came to an end in 1953 with the overthrow of King Farouk. The following year, Gamal Abdel Nasser came to power and ruled with tremendous popular support for 14 years. He was succeeded by Anwar Sadat. The current president, Hosni Mubarak, has been in office since 1981.
Legal and economic reforms during the 1990s led to increased foreign investment and economic expansion. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world) continues to be a major factor of the Egyptian economy.
