The Nile River has been very important to Egyptian people for thousands of years. The Nile provides water for drinking, washing, and growing food. Boats travel up and down the river carrying people and goods. Even the plants and animals of Egypt need the Nile to survive. Without the river, most of the country would be barren desert.

What makes this environment special or different? The Nile is over 4,000 miles long, making it the longest river in the world. It starts in the jungles of Rwanda and flows through four other countries before reaching Egypt.

Egypt is part of the Sahara, the world's largest desert. It almost never rains in Egypt. Most of the land is barren with miles and miles of sandy desert. The waters of the Nile make it possible for trees and other plants to grow in the river valley. Ever since ancient times, almost everyone in Egypt has lived in the green valley along the river.