Egypt

Located in the northeast corner of Africa, Egypt was the home of an advanced civilization that built the great pyramids 6,000 years ago. Today, most of Egypt's population lives in the fertile Nile River valley. Many are crowded in the capital city of Cairo, Africa's largest city. The remaining 70 percent of Egypt is predominantly desert land. Islam is Egypt's official religion, and is practiced by 94 percent of the population. Small Christian groups include Coptic Orthodox and Evangelical churches.

Tourism, petroleum and fees from the Suez Canal are important sources of revenue for Egypt. The nation has a fast-growing population, a $44 billion foreign debt and high unemployment. Most Egyptians live in harsh economic conditions and barely manage to provide for daily meals, housing and education for their children.

That's why handicrafts are so important to Egyptians. The Mennonite Central Committee (through MCC Egypt) works to provide employment opportunities for young people who can participate in small-scale handicraft production projects. MCC works with a network of groups to export Egyptian handicrafts to Ten Thousand Villages stores. Egyptian exports include woven rag rugs, papyrus and paper cards reflecting traditional folk art, nickel-plated accessories (including key chains, pendants and crosses), sisal bags, jewelry, decorated pens, and silk-screened fabrics, cards and tee-shirts.