The Nile River is the longest river in the world. During ancient times, it was an important feature of ancient Egyptian society. The river provided ancient Egyptians with food and water. Each year, the river's banks overflowed, covering the land in black silt, which ancient Egyptians referred to as the "gift of the Nile." This silt made the land along the river’s banks fertile and allowed the ancient Egyptians to grow crops. The majority of Egypt is covered by desert, and is mostly uninhabitable. Most of the ancient population, estimated to be around 200,000, lived along the Nile. The river was important for other reasons as well. Papyrus, which ancient Egyptians used to make paper, also grew along the river. The river was also used for travel and trade. The Egyptian gods Hapi and Osiris were connected to the river. According to the passage, which factor best explains why the majority of the ancient Egyptian population lived near the Nile River?

religious beliefs
travel opportunities
political boundaries
agriculture