DLTK's Countries and Cultures
Egypt Crafts, Facts, and Activities for Kids
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind this website is meant for children, so I do generalize and simplify quite a bit!
Egypt is a transcontinental country—meaning it’s a country that spans across two continents—in Africa and Asia. Egypt is home to some of the most famous archaeological finds in the world: mummies, the Pyramids, and all their histories. It is an interesting country for children to study for this reason.
The White Desert, Egypt
Photographed by © Sarah Goldsmith; used with permission under C.C. BY 2.0
Egypt, a country rich in culture and history, speaks Modern Standard Arabic as its official language. Diverse local languages also thrive, including Nubian languages like Nobiin, Bedouin Arabic dialects in the Sinai Peninsula, Beja in the Eastern Desert.
Located in the Northern Hemisphere, Egypt is organized into 27 governorates, each with its own capital. It's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel and the Red Sea, Sudan, and Libya.
Egypt's ancient mythology adds to its allure, with tales of gods and goddesses like Osiris, Isis, and Ra playing a central role in its rich cultural tapestry, influencing everything from art to daily life.
Capital city: Cairo
Language: Modern Standard Arabic
National Bird and Animal: Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
National Flower: Lotus Flower (Nelumbo nucifera)
Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
Egypt doesn’t actually have an official national bird. The Steppe Eagle is used symbolically, but it’s not officially designated by the Egyptian government.
Neat Facts:
- Cairo has served as the capital of Egypt for more than 1000 years!
- The 365-day, 12-month calendar was invented in Egypt!
- Over 130 pyramids have been located in Egypt!
Lotus Flower Clay Bowl
For an Egyptian lotus flower bowl, paint it blue.
The White Desert is a magical place with huge chalk formations shaped like mushrooms by the wind over thousands of years. It's home to the tiny desert fox and ancient sea fossils, hinting it was once underwater!
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the ancient world's seven wonders, built from over 2 million stone blocks. It's huge, nearly 500 feet tall! Nearby are two more big pyramids, Khafre and Menkaure.
The Great Sphinx of Giza, over 4000 years old, is the biggest ancient statue in the world, made from limestone. It used to be brightly colored!
The Nile River, the world's longest river, flows through Egypt into the Mediterranean, creating a green valley in the desert. Ancient Egyptians farmed along its banks.
Ras Mohammed National Park is where two gulfs meet, surrounded by desert. It's famous for its protected coral reefs, diverse fish, and sunken shipwrecks, making it a top spot for scuba diving
Book Suggestions:
Learn About Pyramids, Peter Mellett
Lorenz Books
1998 Anness Publishing LimitedThanks to Blair for contributing this book suggestion, suitable for Ages 10+
Egypt (First Discovery Books)
by Claude Delafosse, Philippe Biard (Illustrator), Gallimard Jeunesse, Phillip Biard