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Introduction
Facts & Information
Egypt History
Egypt Hotels
Egypt Attractions
Egypt Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
Resources

Egypt.

Egypt Facts & Information

 Location Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula
 Climate Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters
 Terrain Vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta
 Population 77,505,756
 Nationality Egyptian
 Ethnic groups Eastern Hamitic stock 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European 1%
 Religions Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%
 Languages Arabic (official), English and French
 Government Type Republic
 Capital Cairo
 Currency Egyptian pound (EGP)
 Description of Flag Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the national emblem centered in the white band; design is based on the Arab Liberation flag and similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars, Iraq, which has three green stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band, and Yemen, which has a plain white band
 Egypt Flag Flag of Egypt

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Egypt Culture

Egypt may be filled with miles and miles of desert land, but there’s more than enough habitable land to house some 77.5 million people. Most of the population—some 99 percent—is made up of Egyptians, Bedouins and Berbers, while the remaining 1 percent of the population is made up of Greeks, Nubians, Armenians and other Europeans. Despite there being a Coptic Era in Egypt’s history, when Christianity was ushered in, only 6 percent of

the population follows this religion. The remaining 94 percent are Muslim, mostly Sunni.

If you’re worried about whether or not you’ll find other English speakers during your travels, you may be relieved to note that English (and French) is understood by many in the tourism industry and those who have higher education in the city. Arabic, however, is the official language and remains widely used.

Hoping to connect with modern-day Egyptian culture, but don’t understand Arabic? Try the next best thing and check out a local club to listen to the country’s eclectic music. Tombs and temples have long been covered in paintings depicting various instruments dating back thousands and thousands of years. And while no musical pieces have been written down from that time, a number of universities have tried to extrapolate the sounds those instruments would have made in an attempt to recreate songs from the past. Today, you’ll find popular Egyptian singers covering everything from American Top 40 favorites (in Arabic) to songs from Egypt’s greatest singers, including Umm Kulthum, whose funeral was said to be larger than that of President Nasser. Whether you hear songs from the past or present, Egyptians hold a special place for music—and you’ll find yourself feeling the same, regardless of whether or not you understand the spoken word.

More Information:
 www.state.gov

 

Egypt Shopping

Before you head out to the market in any of Egypt’s great cities, it’s important to know that you’ll be encouraged—expected even—to haggle with vendors. This is especially true over more expensive items, such as gold and jewelry. Some even call haggling in Egypt another art form (and, yes, it is legal). The trick with haggling is to use any prewritten price as a maximum amount that you’d be willing to pay—aim for something much lower and then negotiate upwards,

slowly, until you find a price in the middle that you’re happy with. One trick: use cash, not credit card. Another tip: try to find a local who you trust—whether a tour guide or someone you already know from the country—to help you bring down the “international tourist” inflation that you’ll no doubt be charged. Finally, try the phrase “Be kam?” to ask “how much” something is.

While there are literally hundreds of markets spread throughout the country, the most famous—by far—is the Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo. Better known simply as Khan, this market is said to have been founded in 1382 and responsible for establishing major trade between the East and West—apparently leading to the discovery of the North American continent. While you’ll no doubt find numerous stalls filled with Egyptian art and fine gold jewelry, don’t be surprised to spot American branded jeans and other international goods.

 

Egypt Restaurants

We’ve provided listings for some of the top restaurants in Egypt including Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants, affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between. Sample traditional Egyptian cuisine or other specialty cuisines that are sure to make your taste buds happy.

Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to our site to submit your own restaurant review.

  Choose a Egypt Restaurant Location  
  Alexandria Aswan Cairo  
  Dahab Giza Hurghada  
  Luxor Sharm El Sheikh    

 


Egypt Travel Guides
 Frommer's Egypt
 Lonely Planet Egypt
 Let's Go Egypt
 Fodors Egypt