The Aswan High Dam is in which African country?

Egypt.

The Aswan High Dam is located in Egypt, a country situated in the northeastern region of Africa. This impressive structure spans the Nile River, the world’s longest river, and is situated near the city of Aswan in southern Egypt. The dam was constructed to control the annual flooding of the Nile, which was both a boon and a bane for the ancient civilizations that thrived along its banks. Historically, the Nile’s floods deposited rich silt on the farmlands, enhancing agricultural productivity, but the floods also caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes.

The construction of the Aswan High Dam was a monumental project that began in 1960 and was completed in 1970. The dam is 3,830 meters long, 980 meters wide at the base, and 111 meters tall, making it one of the largest embankment dams in the world. The creation of the dam resulted in the formation of Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes globally, extending into northern Sudan.

The primary purposes of the Aswan High Dam are to generate hydroelectric power, improve irrigation, and control the Nile’s flooding. The dam’s hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 2.1 gigawatts, contributing significantly to Egypt’s energy supply. Moreover, the dam provides water for the irrigation of millions of acres of farmland, thereby supporting Egypt’s agricultural sector, which is crucial for the nation’s economy and food security.

However, the construction of the Aswan High Dam has had its drawbacks. The creation of Lake Nasser led to the displacement of over 100,000 Nubian people and the submersion of numerous archaeological sites. Efforts were made to relocate many of these sites, including the famous temples of Abu Simbel, to higher ground. Additionally, the dam has caused environmental changes, such as the reduction of the Nile’s natural sediment flow, which has impacted soil fertility downstream and led to increased coastal erosion.