A country in the northeastern corner of Africa. Much of Egypt is barren and desolate. Most of the inhabitants live in the Nile Valley, which stretches some 550 miles (890 kilometers).

Ancient Egypt was rich and prosperous. Great public works were built, including canals for irrigation; strong cities for defense; and royal monuments, especially pyramid tombs and temples, which are still among the wonders of the world. For a time, the Egyptian government was an imitation of the patriarchal order of the priesthood (Abr. 1: 21-27).

Abraham and Joseph were led to Egypt to save their families from famine, Gen. 12: 10 (Gen. 37: 28). Joseph was sold into Egypt, Gen. 45: 4-5 (1 Ne. 5: 14-15). Jacob was led to Egypt, Gen. 46: 1-7. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, Ex. 3: 7-10; 13: 14 (Heb. 11: 27; 1 Ne. 17: 40; Moses 1: 25-26). Egypt symbolized evil, Ezek. 29: 14-15 (Hosea 9: 3-7; Abr. 1: 6, 8, 11-12, 23). An angel told Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus into Egypt, Matt. 2: 13 (Hosea 11: 1).