For hundreds of generations, the Nile's annual flood deposited silt along the narrow strip of arable land on both banks of the River. The completion of the Aswan High Dam (1970) has permitted more extensive irrigation. Egypt's usable farmland has substantially increased as a result. It still represents, however, only five percent of the country's landmass.
The Nile remains the vital centre of Egypt. Vessels transporting people and goods both along and across the River are a constant in the lives of most Egyptians.