Damanhur, Egypt

Capital City

With a population of just 51,709, Damanhur is a small city in the Nile Delta, far removed from the glitz of Cairo. The city has a long history, absorbing ancient villages over time, but its modern incarnation offers little beyond agricultural industries and a climate that can be harsh, with rare rainfall and the occasional bout of hail or frost. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city revolted against French rule in 1799, only to be cruelly crushed. Overall, Damanhur is best suited for those seeking a quieter, more provincial lifestyle in the Egyptian countryside.