Al-Buhayrah

Al-Buhayrah (Arabic: البحيرة) is a governorate (muḥāfaẓah) in northern Egypt, located in the Nile Delta (Lower Egypt). 

It occupies the western part of the Nile Delta, west of the Rosetta Arm (Rashīd Branch). 

Its capital and largest city is Damanhur. 

Other important places are Rosetta (Rashīd – where the Rosetta Stone was discovered), Idku, Kafr el-Dawwar, and Abu Hummus. 

Known for its fertile agricultural land: particularly long-staple cotton, cereals, and other crops. 

It also contains desert areas in the south and archaeological sites (such as the remains of ancient Naukratis). 

It has been historically important since the Fatimid period (Damanhur became the capital at that time). 

It is an important agricultural and historical area in the Nile Delta, also home to Christian monasteries in Wadi al-Natrun.

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Al Fayyum

Al Fayyum is a governorate (province/muhafaza) in Central Egypt, approximately 100 km southwest of Cairo. 

It is the country's largest natural oasis and lies in a deep depression in the Western Desert. 

Capital: the city of Al-Fayyum (Fayoum City, formerly known as Crocodilopolis or Arsinoe). 

Geography: Mostly below sea level, with Lake Qarun as its largest lake, irrigation canals (including the Bahr Yussef/Yusuf Canal), and fertile agricultural land. 

History: Inhabited since Ancient Egypt (from around 7000 BC, Neolithic sites), flourished during the 12th Dynasty and Ptolemaic period (thanks to massive irrigation works), center of worship of the crocodile god Sobek, numerous Greek and Roman remains and papyrus discoveries. 

Famous attractions: Wadi El Rayan (nature reserve with waterfalls – the only one in the Egyptian desert). Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales – UNESCO World Heritage Site). 

Lake Qarun and bird sanctuary. 

Pyramid of Lahun, Hawara, Karanis, and other archaeological sites. 

Present: Important agricultural area (vegetables, fruit, rice), growing tourism, but also high poverty in parts of the province. 

In short: a unique blend of fertile oasis, spectacular nature, prehistoric and pharaonic history, and a popular day trip from Cairo.

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Al Gharbiyah

Al Gharbiyah (also spelled Al-Gharbiyyah or Gharbia) is a governorate (muḥāfaẓah) in the middle of the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt. 

Capital: Tanta (a culturally and religiously important center) 

Location: Between the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the Nile, bordered by Kafr el-Sheikh (north) and Monufia (south), among others. 

Economy: Fertile agricultural land → main producer of cotton, onions, grapes, rice, grains, and fruit. 

Also, textile industry (especially Al-Mahalla al-Kubra is a major textile center) and agro-related industries. Major cities: Tanta, Al-Mahalla al-Kubra, Zifta, Kafr el-Zayat, Basyun. 

Known for: intensive irrigation, historical sites (such as ancient Sais), mosques and churches, and as a strategic hub in the delta (railways to Cairo, Alexandria, and Damietta). 

In short: a densely populated, super-fertile agricultural and industrial area in the heart of Egypt's Nile Delta, with Tanta as its beating heart.

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Alexandria

The Governorate of Alexandria (محافظة الإسكندرية) is one of Egypt's 27 governorates and serves as the second capital after Cairo. 

It is the country's main port city and is located on the Mediterranean Sea, on the western side of the Nile Delta. 

Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, it was a world-renowned center of learning for centuries, with the famous Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Pharos (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). 

Today, it is Egypt's largest port (accounting for approximately 60% of imports/exports), a major industrial center (including chemicals, textiles, and shipbuilding), and a popular summer holiday destination with beautiful beaches. 

The city of Alexandria itself (the capital of the governorate) is also called the "Bride of the Mediterranean" because of its location, mild climate, and long corniche (seaside promenade). 

Famous sights include the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, Pompey's Column, the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and the Montaza Palace. 

In short: a historic, cosmopolitan port city with a mix of antiquity, beach, and modern industry – a far cry from "classical" Egypt of pyramids and Luxor.

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Al Ismailiyah

Al Ismailiyah (also called Ismailia Governorate ) is one of the governorates (provinces) of Egypt, located in the northeastern part of the country in the Canal Zone. 

Capital: The city of Ismailia (named after Khedive Ismail Pasha), situated on the western bank of the Suez Canal at Lake Timsah (Lac Timsah). 

Location: Between Port Said Governorate (north) and Suez Governorate (south). 

The Suez Canal forms much of its eastern border, including the Great Bitter Lake. 

Part of it lies in the Sinai Peninsula (Asia), the rest in Africa → therefore sometimes called "Afro-Asian." History: The modern city of Ismailia was founded in 1863 during the construction of the Suez Canal by Ferdinand de Lesseps. 

The governorate took its current form around 1960. 

The area has ancient roots (pre-dynastic and pharaonic times, possibly biblical Pithom/Succoth). 

Economy & Characteristics: Strong ties to the Suez Canal (port, shipping, and administrative activities). Agriculture along the Ismailia Canal (Sweet Water Canal) → vegetables, fruits (mangoes, strawberries), livestock, and fish farming. 

Known for beautiful gardens, lakes, a peaceful atmosphere, and nicknamed "Little Paris" or "city of beauty and enchantment" due to its French influences and green appearance. 

Universities (Suez Canal University), museums, and military bases. 

In short: a canal governorate with a strategic location, green oases in the desert, historical ties to the Suez Canal, and a relaxed, green atmosphere compared to other Egyptian cities.

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Al Jizah

Al Jizah (Arabic: محافظة الجيزة, also spelled Giza Governorate) is one of the main governorates of Egypt. 

It is located centrally in the country, primarily on the west bank of the Nile River, directly opposite the capital Cairo, of which it is part of the Greater Cairo Metropolitan Area. 

Capital: The city of Giza (Al Jizah). 

Most famous landmarks: The Pyramid of Giza (with the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Sphinx, and nearby ancient sites such as Saqqara and the ruins of Memphis (the ancient capital of Egypt). 

Economy: Tourism (a top global destination due to the pyramids). 

Agriculture (grain, cotton, vegetables, dates – especially in the Nile Valley). 

Industry: A major industrial center with zones such as 6th of October and Sheikh Zayed). 

Geography: It comprises a narrow, fertile strip along the Nile River and vast desert areas to the west (including the Bahariya Oasis).

It's a mix of ancient history, modern urban growth, and industry, and is located right next to Cairo—hence the enormous traffic and influx of tourists. 

In short: the province of the pyramids, but also a densely populated, industrial, and agriculturally important area in the heart of Egypt.

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Al-Minufiyah

Al-Minufiyah (also spelled Monufia or Menoufia) is a governorate (muḥāfaẓah) in Lower Egypt, located in the southern part of the Nile Delta, between the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the Nile. 

It lies north of Cairo and borders, among other places, Gharbia to the north. 

Capital: Shibin El-Kom (شبين الكوم) 

Major cities: Shibin El-Kom, Menouf (former capital until 1826), nearby Tanta region, Sadat City (industrial new city), Ashmun, Quesna, Bagour, and more. 

Economy: Primarily agriculture (very fertile delta soil → cotton, vegetables, fruit, grains), plus industry (especially in Sadat City and Quesna). 

Interesting fact: Birthplace of four Egyptian presidents: Anwar Sadat, Hosni Mubarak, Adly Mansour, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi – hence the nickname "the governorate of presidents." 

It is a classically agricultural, densely populated, and historically significant part of the Nile Delta, with roots dating back to the pharaonic era (origin of the name of the ancient city of Menouf = "the good earth"). 

In short: fertile Nile Delta governorate, agriculture and industry, birthplace of several presidents, directly north of Cairo.

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