Egypt is an African country bordered by the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Gulf of Aqaba to the east, the Red Sea to the east and south, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. Egypt is considered the cradle of civilization, and Ancient Egypt saw key developments in writing, agriculture, and government. Egypt is well-known for iconic landmarks such as the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt was controlled by the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire, declaring nominal independence in 1922. In 1952, Egyptian forces expelled British soldiers and declared itself a republic. Egypt is the most third-most populous country on the African continent.