A factory at Hulwan, south of the city, makes iron and steel. Other industries in and near Cairo process sugar and manufacture chemicals, paper, textiles, and other products. Many small companies and shops make such items as jewelry and statues that are sold to tourists as souvenirs. In the mid-1900's, the government took over all but the smallest industries. Many industries have been returned to private ownership, but the government still owns the majority of them.
Tourism is a key part of Cairo's economy.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to see the mosques, museums, pyramids, sphinx, and other attractions. The ancient city of Memphis once stood near the site of present-day Cairo. It was founded about 3100 B.C. as the first capital of ancient Egypt. In the A.D. 640's, Arabs from the east conquered Egypt. At the time, Egypt was a province of the Byzantine, or East Roman, Empire.