Aswan, Egypt

Capital City

The heat is brutal, with average summer highs over 40°C and a bone-dry climate. Aswan's population of 200,000 relies on a mix of tourism, agriculture, and industry, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache. Frequent archaeological discoveries suggest a rich history, but flash floods driven by rare rainfall can be deadly. For hardy travelers seeking ancient monuments and a taste of rural Egypt, Aswan may be worth the challenges.