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Marsa Matruh
Arabic:
marsā matrūh
Other spelling: Mersa Matrouh; Matrouh
Town in northwestern Egypt with 70,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate), on the Mediterranean coast. It is the capital of the Matruh governorate with 270,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate) and an area of 212,112 km².
Marsa Matruh is the centre for regional agriculture and livestock. Water in the region is scarce, annual rainfall seldom exceeding 200 mm, but aided by the supplies of local wells. Among the main agricultural products are olives, barley, fruits and even grapes for wine. Tourism has developed into becoming the most important activity in modern times, receiving mainly Egyptians and Libyans. Around the town, a number of great beaches are found. Port activities have also developed into much importance, with exports of minerals from the region.
Historically, Marsa Matruh has been thriving from two main activities, smuggling and sponge harvesting, but both now belong to the past.
Marsa Matruh is well-connected to other urban centres by road and rail. Siwa Oasis is 300 km south, the border town to Libya, Sallum, 217 km west and Alexandria 298 km east.
HISTORY
331 BCE: Founded by Alexander the Great.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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