Aswan Dam

Introduction to Aswan Dam

• Egypt is in North Eastern Africa where the continent meets Asia.
• 97% of Egypt is inhospitable desert
• 95% of the population live within 12 miles of the Nile

How it was built

• Construction completed in 1970, $1bn (US).
• The Egyptian Government built the dam with funding from the Soviet Union, 'Temple of Development'
• 1970- Aswan Dam generated 50% of Egypt's electricity, today only 15%.

Advantages

• Nile Flood controlled
• Hydroelectricity
• Stored water used for year round irrigation
• Provides jobs in agriculture

Disadvantages

• 100-120 thousands Nubians were displaced
• People lost their traditional homeland
• Their cultural aspects were doomed
• Great loss to Historians & Archaeologists
• Increased snail fever
• Have to pay to fish in dam
• Sediment trapped in dam