Lake Nasser

Lore & Background

Lake Nasser was created by the Aswan High Dam, built between 1960 and 1970 at the behest of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, for whom the lake is named. The dam replaced the insufficient Aswan Low Dam of 1902 and aimed to provide stable water, increase agricultural production, and generate electricity. The lake's construction faced opposition from Sudan, as it flooded land in northern Sudan where many Nubian people lived, forcing tens of thousands to relocate.

Reader's Guide

Lake Nasser's significance lies in its transformative economic and environmental impact on Egypt. By providing a reliable year-round water supply, it increased Egypt's arable land by about 30% and supports a fishing industry with 52 fish species, including tilapia and Nile perch. The lake also generates up to 2.1 gigawatts of hydroelectricity, meeting a significant portion of Egypt's electricity needs. However, its creation flooded ancient Nubian monuments, prompting an international UNESCO-led campaign to relocate sites like Abu Simbel, while some, such as the fortress of Buhen, remain underwater. The lake faces a current threat from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which reduces water flow and could destabilize Egypt and Sudan.

Did You Know?

• Lake Nasser is named after Gamal Abdel Nasser, the second president of Egypt.
• The Sudanese portion of the lake is called Lake Nubia.
• The lake flooded the fortress of Buhen, which now rests underwater.
• The lake's overflow empties westward into the Toshka Lakes when water levels are high.