Home of the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, Egypt's modern wonders include the highest dam, the Aswan, which captured the world's largest man-made lake, Lake Nasser. A third wonder is the world's largest textile mill. Arabic is the common language of the country. Egypt is one of the world's leading producers of cotton. Other crops include rice, corn, wheat, sugar, citrus fruits, and vegetables.
Industry ranges from food processing and textiles to the production of aluminum and steel.
Egypt's government is in the midst of a major economic reform program, contending with the legacy of a socialist past. Politically, the government aims to preserve stability by gradually expanding democratic processes while attempting to improve the standard of living. Cairo, arising in the seventh century, is considered the cultural capital of the Arab world. The city contains five universities, two dozen museums, and hundreds of mosques. Embassy staffers there are featured as part of State Magazine's continuing series.