Geography
Egypt's land area is approximately 1,001,450 sq km in northeastern Africa. To the north of Egypt is the Mediterranean while Sudan is to the south of its border. Libya shares its western border while the Red Sea and Israel shares its eastern border.
Egypt is mainly a desert country, with the River Nile dividing the country unevenly in two, and the Suez Canal together with the Sinai Peninsula provide a third division. The landscape is mainly made up of flat desert, without any vegetation apart from the few oases that have survived in the Western Desert. Over 90% of the land area is covered by deserts - the Libyan Desert to the west, the Sahara and Nubian Deserts to the south and the Arabian Desert to the east. More than 90% of the population is centered around the River Nile. It is only the Nile valley and the Nile Delta that is both habitable and arable. Narrow strips are also inhabited on the Mediterranean coast and on the African Red Sea coast.
Climate
Egypt is mostly hot and dry throughout the year. Milder weather is experienced by places such as Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast whereas the heat in Cairo and other inland areas is unbearable with temperatures rising to as high as 50C in some parts of the country. Temperature in the desert is dramatic and can fluctuate up to a difference of 37C in a day.
During winter, temperatures can fall to freezing and heavy winter, rain can be expected along the Mediterranean coast. Spring in Egypt is often surrounded by ‘khamsin‘, a predictable hot and bitter wind which brings blinding sand and dust storms. In the desert, the wind can lift sand up to 2 meters from the ground, creating a shifting, billowing layer above the land.
Facts in brief
Official name Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah (Arab Republic of Egypt)
Area 1,001,450 square kilometer (24x Holland), including the Sinai; only 66,000 km2 is inhabitable.
Number of inhabitants 74.7 million (July 2003);
Population density 74 people per square kilometer when calculated for the whole country, but 1132 per km2 inhabitable area.
Capital Cairo
Monetary unit Pound (EGP), divided into 100 piaster. 1 pound is about € 0,14 (Jan. 2009); 1 € = about EGP 7,33. (1 € = $ 1.24; 1 Dollar = € 0.7; Rate in Jan. 2009)
Fuel prices Gas: € 0.25; Diesel: only € 0.10 per liter
License plate of cars ET
Telephone country prefixes 20
Internet country code .eg
Time difference GMT+2; one hour later than in Holland
Road network Fairly good in the inhabitable regions
Prices in general Prices are cheaper than in Europe, except for the obvious touristic places
The best in Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah (Arab Republic of Egypt)
Well, there are many beautiful things to see, like the magnificient antiquities (tombs in the Valley of the Kings, temple of Hatshepsut) but the Nile, especially near Aswan, is also a pretty sight.
Geographical data
In the north Egypt borders to the Mediterranean Sea, in the west to Libia, in the south to Sudan. East of Egypt are the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba and to the northeast Egypt borders to Israel and the Gaza Strip. Remarkable is the very narrow inhabitable Nile Valley going from south to north, while more than 95% of the country consists of deserts. The main part of Egypt lies on the African continent but the Sinai belongs to Asia.
Population
More than 90% of the population is of Eastern-Hamitic origin but has been totally arabised. The largest minority is formed by the Nubians (about 6 million people) who mainly live in southern Egypt. There are also some small groups of Berbers and Bedouin nomads. A few million Egyptians live and work in Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain.
Almost 34% of the population is younger than 15. The average life expectancy for men is 67 years and 73 for women.
Languages
Almost 98% of the population speaks Egyptian-Arabic, a dialect of the Modern Standard Arabic. It is also the most important Arabic spoken since Egypt produces most of the Arab films, tv-series and music. Almost everyone in the countries where Arabic is spoken can understand an Egyptian. There are some minorities which speak Nubian, Berber and Coptic.
Look at ethnologue.com for more information about the languages in Egypt.
Egypt Cuisine and Food
Koushari (Lentils, Macaroni and Rice in Oil)
This is classed as an 'oil' dish by Coptic Egyptians and is prepared during periods of fasting when animal products cannot be taken.
History
Egypt has the richest, oldest and most varied history of any country in the world. The first settlers were the hunting tribes from North Africa who met with the nomadic tribes of Asiatic origin, and settled in North Africa in 12,000BC. The greatest civilization ever known to man - the Pharaonic civilization was considered to be by far the greatest civilization of all.
Overall 30 dynasties existed and were divided into three major periods - Old, Middle and New kingdoms. The Persian invasion was shortlived when Alexander the Great took over Egypt in 322 BC, and brought the Pharaonic period to an end. In 306BC, the Ptolemic era, led by Ptolemy saw the development of Egypt as the cultural and intellectual center of the ancient world. However, the Ptolemaic line ended with the suicide of Cleopatra in 30BC.
Egypt is well known for its long recorded history and the many monuments that still can be seen. We have decided not to write a detailed history anymore, since there is already a huge amount of information on this topic on the internet. Instead a few links with more information about Egyptian history:
- Ancient-Egypt.org
- Gateway
- Narmer.pl
- Swipnet.se
- Nationmaster.com
- The history of ancient Egypt
- Gateway to ancient Egypt
- Ancient Egyptian history & chronology
- A short survey of Egyptian history
- History of Egypt
Culture
Egyptian culture is very much centered on religion and family values. However, there is a vast difference between the rural and urban people of Egypt. The rural inhabitants still live the traditional life of their ancestors and depend entirely on agriculture and live in very modest mud brick houses. In this patriarchal community, the male is still very much the dominant sex and the female still plays the subdued and traditional feminine role. Family ties are very strong, and neighbors are usually treated as family. The urban society still holds on to this traditional system of Egyptian values but to a much less extends. They tend to lead a more modern and westernized lifestyle.
Generally, Egyptians are extremely patriotic. However, they are also known for their helpfulness and friendliness. The dress code is conservative, in line with their Islamic beliefs. Both men and women have to be decently covered, especially the women.
Egypt Holidays
Eid al-Adha Feb. 21-23
Islamic New Year Mar. 15
Sinai Liberation Day Apr. 25
Labor Day May 1
Sham El Nessim May 6
Moulid El Nabi May 24
National Day July 23
Armed Forces Day Oct. 6
Eid al-Fitr Dec. 5-6
People
The people of Egpyt are 99% Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers. The majority of the Bedouin are still nomadic tribal people living in isolated oases and still roam through the country's vast desert regions. Most of them have settled in the Sinai Peninsula and along the Red Sea coast, across from Arabia.
The remaining minority group are made up of Nubians, Armenians as well as Europeans. The Nubians, who originated from Nuba, are the third main racial group in Egypt and there were efforts by the government to reallocate them. However, as a result of these resettlements, most of their ancient culture and architectural tradition were lost. Some Egyptians can also trace their lineage to the Romans, Greeks, Turks, Circassians (Mamluks) and even French and English blood as a result of marriage with the locals.
Language
The official language of Egypt is Arabic. However, the Egyptians uses colloquial Arabic, which is different from that of Classical Arabic used by the Arab community. Most of them speak English as well as French as a second language.
Religion
The majority of Egyptians are Muslims. Only less than 10% of the population are of the Christian faith, with most of them belonging to the Christian Orthodox faith from the Coptic Church. Fortunately, Muslims and Copts enjoy a peaceful coexistence in Egypt. Mosques and churches can be found next to each other in most cities in Egypt. However, intermarriage is strictly forbidden by both religions.
Egypt : Places of interest
From North to South:
- Alexandria
Alexandria counts today about four million inhabitants. It was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.
With the untimely death of this last one , one of its Generals, Ptolemy, founded his own dynasty in Egypt, and made of Alexandria the centre of the Hellenistic world.
Ptolemy is at the origin of the construction of the lighthouse, the city quickly became the capital of Egypt and its larger port.
During the antiquity times, it was one of the greatest arts centres in the Mediterranean, thanks to its famous Library. It has been known a Roman domination period then a Byzantine one, until 646 when it was conquered by the Arabs, after a Persian interlude.
The city is located at the west of the delta of the Nile, between the lake Mareotis and the island of Pharos to which one it is attached.
- Cairo
Cairo (Al-Qahira, the Victorious, Misr in Egyptian) is the capital of Egypt, its official population is about 17,5 million inhabitants, but including its agglomeration it would count more than 25 millions.
This immense city, sometimes infernal because of impossible circulation and pollution, is very active and rich of life, with its numerous districts, monuments, mosques and souks.
It is located on the southern edges of the delta of the Nile, in the north of Egypt. The city with its agglomeration includes moreover three other minor centers: Imbaba, Heliopolis and Giza.
- Pyramids of Giza
The plate of Giza is an exceptional place of interest: the three great pyramids among its one of Khufu, ultimate survivor of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the sphinx.
The site is today at the limit of Cairo in the east, the desert is in the west. A museum is in course of construction.
The pyramid of Khufu
The great pyramid of Khufu was set up during the 4th dynasty, higher monument of the world during 4000 years (146,58m). It is the tomb of the Pharaoh Khufu, started from a standard funerary complex of the Old Empire.
The pyramids with face smooth were covered with blocks of lime stones which "smoothed" the walls. These stones were probably re-used during centuries for other construction, the pyramid of Khafra preserve a part, as well as the rhomboidal pyramid in Dahshur.
The pyramid of Khafra
The pyramid of Khafra is the second highest pyramid of Egypt. It overhangs two temples. It was built for the Pharaoh Khafra, wire of Khufu.
Its top is still covered with limestone, although smaller than the pyramid of Khufu, it however appears higher because set up on a higher site and with more tilted slopes.
Sphinx
73m large and 20m high, the sphinx is turned towards the east. It was carved in the rock. The body is one of a lion lying and the head one of a sovereign carrying the Nemes. He was probably the guard of the site, or perhaps more precisely of the temple built beside the pyramid of Khufu.
- Necropolis of Saqqara
Not far from Memphis, the necropolis of Saqqara was occupied during all Egyptian antiquity. It is here where the first mastabas and pyramids were built by the first royal dynasties.
There are many temples and sanctuaries.
- Pyramides de Dahchour
On the site of Dahshur, two large pyramids rise: the rhomboidal pyramid of Sneferu (the father of Khufu) and the red pyramid of same Sneferu.
- Sinai
- Temple of Abydos
Abydos is one of the oldest cities of high Egypt (southern of the country), located at ten kilometres westward of the Nile.
It is known for its archaeological richnesses, which are among most important of Egypt.
The holy city of Abydos was the place of many ancient temples, among its a royal necropolis where some of the first Pharaohs were buried.
Abydos became famous with the large temple of Seti I, under which a tunnel contains the tables of Abydos: a chronological list of the cartridges of the majority of the Pharaoh, since the old dynasties of Narmer/Menes, to the Pharaohs of the last dynasty.
- Luxor
Luxor is located on right bank of the Nile, it is the place of the ancient Egyptian city Thebes, in High-Egypt, 700 km southward from Cairo and 300 km northward from Aswan.
There are about 450 000 inhabitants.
It is one of the most touristic places of Egypt with four million visitors annually. It is also a place where start cruises on the Nile.
- Temple of Karnak
Karnak shelters the most important and the greatest religious center of ancient Egypt, the temple of Karnak, located close to the ancient Thebes (today Luxor), the religious capital.
It is the second site most visited of Egypt after the great pyramids of Giza.
- Temple of Luxor
The Temple of Luxor is in the centre of ancient Thebes. It was devoted to the Amon god.
The main part was built under the XVIIIth and the XIXth dynasties, started under Amenhotep III in the XIVth century before our era.
But it is about one century later, under Ramesses II, which it takes truly its importance. Much later, Alexander the Great, then Tiberus made restorations.
- Valley of the kings
The Valley of the Kings is an area of Egypt located on the Western bank of the Nile at the level of Thebes (today Luxor).
The valley is made of a hole in the Libyan chain which leads to the valley of the Nile.
Its Arab name is Biban el-Moulouk which means "the doors of the Kings" in reference to the doors which in the past closed the tombs.
- Temple of Edfu
Edfu is the largest and the most important temple dating from the Ptolemaic dynasty.
It is situated on left bank of the Nile, about 180 km northward of Aswan and 105 km southward of Luxor.
- Temple of Kom-Ombo
40 km northward of Aswan, 160 km southward of Luxor, on the right bank of the Nile, there was the town of Nubit. Today, on the site of the ancient city, remains only the temple Greek-Roman of Kôm Ombo which a part felt in the Nile.
- Aswan
During antiquity, one of the rich things of Aswan were its granite careers, often transported to the north by the Nile
It counts today about 250 000 inhabitants, located in the south of Egypt, near of Nubia, about 850 km far from Cairo.
The southernmost city of Egypt, at the limit of Black Africa with which the trade thrived, it was called Swan by Copt' people, which means trade.
On the edges of the Nile, it counts two islands, the Elephantine island and the Kitchener island.
- Philae island
Close to Aswan, on the island of Philae there was the temple of Isis, partly submerged the year after the construction of the first dam, the construction of the second threatened to absorb it completely.
So, the temple was moved by a common operation between Egypt and UNESCO on the island of Aguilkia in 1974, 300 m northward from Philae' island.
- Temples of Abu-Simbel
The two temples of Abu Simbel were built by the Pharaoh Ramesses II (who reigned from -1304 to -1213) during the XIXth dynasty.
Egypt Travel Requirements
Visa
Obtain visa in advance unless you are traveling only to the Eastern Coast of Sinai from the Taba Terminal (10 km. south of Eilat). Unless you are an Israeli citizen, you can pick up your passport with the visa the same day, provided you brought it in the morning. Israeli citizens must wait 7-10 days.
If you are an outsider it is best to obtain a visa in a consulate or embassy in your home country, however it is also possible to obtain them upon arrival at Cairo International Airport.
Passport
Passport is valid for at least 6 months and is required by all.
Currency
The currency for the Egyptian are Egyptian Pound = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of E100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres.
Credit cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller’s cheques:
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking hours
The banking hours are Sunday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 2 pm.
Social Conventions
The dominant influence of Islam and many traditional customs and beliefs are tied up with religion. The Egyptians are generally courteous and hospitable thus expects similar respect from visitors. The form of handshaking will suffice as a greeting. Woman should dress conservatively and not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in religious buildings and in towns, because of the strong influence of religion.
The Western style of dress is accepted in the modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars of bigger towns.
Documentation
Visitor's own International Driving Permit are required to drive any motor vehicle. All vehicles including motorcycles are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher and a red hazard triangle.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Egypt without incurring customs duty:
- 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
- A reasonable amount of perfume and 1 liter of eau de cologne.
Prohibited items
The items are: narcotics, firearms and cotton; for a full list, contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office.
Tipping
Tipping worth 10-12% is added to hotel and restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5% is normal. Taxi drivers generally expect 10%.