Monufia Governorate, Agricultural governorate in Nile Delta, Egypt.
Monufia Governorate covers roughly 2,543 square kilometers between Cairo and Gharbia, with branches of the Nile running through its territory. The capital Shibin El Kom sits centrally and serves as the administrative hub for several surrounding districts.
The region moved its administrative capital from the ancient city of Menouf to Shibin El Kom in 1826. This decision marked a shift in regional governance and reflected the growing importance of the new capital.
The name Monufia comes from the hieroglyphic word 'Nafr', which means 'The Good Land' and reflects the region's agricultural fertility. Local markets display the produce from surrounding farms, and towns host gatherings where growers exchange seeds and farming knowledge.
The governorate maintains extensive irrigation networks from the Rosetta and Damietta branches of the Nile for growing cotton, wheat, and potatoes. Visitors can explore the rural landscape along the main roads that connect the different towns.
Four Egyptian presidents, including Anwar el-Sadat and Hosni Mubarak, were born in different cities within Monufia Governorate. This political prominence has brought the region nationwide attention over decades.
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