City and governorate of Egypt, situated on the west bank of the Nile to the southwest of
Cairo, of which it forms a suburb of the greater metropolitan area; population of city (1996 est) 2,221,900, and governorate (1996 est) 4,779,900. It has textile, footwear, brewing, and film industries. It is noted for its archaeological sites; 8 km/5 mi to the southwest are the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkure, and the Great Sphinx.
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