In the 1950s and 60s a large number of industries were taken over by the government. Although subsequent economic reforms have reduced the state's role the economy is still dominated by public sector. Egypt has a good railway system and there is some travel on the Nile. The country's road system links all the main towns and cities. Gold iron ore, manganese, phosphates and uranium are mined.
Petroleum products are important exports followed by cotton, textiles, jute and wool.
Other industries produce plastics, aluminum products, iron and steel, electronic products, vehicles and paper. Local crafts include carvings and ornaments rugs, carpets and jewellery. Tourism is a significant earner of foreign exchange. The sculpture, wall paintings and carvings of ancient Egypt reached a high degree of sophistication. In subsequent ages Greek and Roman styles, Christian and Islamic art and the occupying French and British all left their mark on Egypt.