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While known around the world for its ancient monuments and antique civilizations, Egypt has played an important role in the Middle East politics in modern times. A vital transportation hub since the construction of the Suez Canal in 1869, it gained official independence in 1922 though remained under British influence until the revolution of 1952. Today Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and one of major powers in Middle East and the Islamic world. Learn more about the country´s rich history, people and culture as well as most recent political developments in this book.

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