Which is the Largest City in Africa?
VerifiedAnswer: Cairo
Explanation:
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, stands as Africa's largest city with a metropolitan population exceeding 20 million people. This ancient city, situated along the banks of the legendary Nile River, has been a major urban center for thousands of years and continues to be the most populous urban area on the African continent.
The Greater Cairo metropolitan area encompasses not just Cairo proper, but also the neighboring Giza Governorate (famous for the Great Pyramids) and parts of the Qalyubia Governorate. This sprawling urban region creates what geographers call a megacity - an urban area with more than 10 million inhabitants. Cairo's massive population makes it larger than many entire countries!
What makes Cairo so significant beyond just its size? The city serves as the economic, political, and cultural heart of Egypt and much of the Arab world. It houses important institutions like Al-Azhar University, one of the world's oldest universities and a center of Islamic learning. The city is also home to numerous international organizations and serves as a major hub for business and trade in Africa and the Middle East.
It's worth noting that other major African cities like Lagos in Nigeria, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Johannesburg in South Africa are also enormous urban centers with populations in the millions. However, when considering the entire metropolitan area, Cairo consistently ranks as the largest. The city's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean has contributed to its growth throughout history.
Cairo faces the challenges typical of megacities, including traffic congestion, housing shortages, and infrastructure strain. Despite these urban challenges, the city remains a vibrant center of culture, education, and commerce, earning it the nickname "The City That Never Sleeps" in the Arab world. From ancient monuments to modern skyscrapers, Cairo represents both Africa's rich historical heritage and its dynamic urban future.
