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Tips & General Info
The Country
Egypt is the cradle of civilization, the land of religions and the gateway to
Africa, but above all, Egypt is the gift of the Nile. For more than fifty
centuries this country has witnessed the development of cultures and
civilizations through the different Pharaonic, Christian and Islamic periods.
Egypt, the country where past and present coexist, invites you to enjoy its
permanently warm climate, visiting the ancient splendors of the Pharaohs, the
early glories of Christianity and the masterpieces of Islam, and exploring its
seas which have some of the most beautiful seafloors in the world, as well as
its deserts which have been isolated from the fertility of the Nile. Egypt is
also a modern developing country which is at the same time a seemingly
imaginary one, so rich are its contrasts and contradictions. Even today, you
can see camels and donkeys on the dusty roads lined with Beduin tents which sit
in contrast to futuristic skyscrapers alongside the remains of stone walls from
the Pharaonic period.
Geography
Egypt is a complex country of contrasts, with its great deserts, the chaos of
its metropolises, the simple life of its villages and the freshness and solace
of its oases. Its cultivated land extends from the Valley of the Nile to the
First Cataract in the direction of Aswan. Egypt is delimited on three sides by
natural boundaries: to the north by the Mediterranean Sea, to the east by the
Eastern Desert, which extends as far as the Red Sea, and to the west by the
vast Western Desert. These borders are completed by the desert areas of Sinai,
rich in crystalline rock, and the Red Sea with its marvellous beaches.
Click here to see the map of Egypt
Climate
With the exception of the winter months of December, January and February,
Egypt enjoys a dry climate with summer temperatures
reaching 32 degrees on the Mediterranean coast and up to 40 degrees in Aswan.
Time Zone
Gmt + 2 in winter, Gmt + 3 in summer.
Population
Egypt has approximately 60 million inhabitants. 90% of whom live in the Nile
Valley.
Religion
85% of the population is Muslim and 15% are Coptic Christians.
Language
The official Language is Arab with English and French being the most
widely-spoken foreign Languages, although Italian and German are sometimes
spoken in restaurants and hotels and increasingly in shops too.
Food
The majority of hotels, and specially the most prestigious, try to satisfy the
tastes of their foreign guests by serving international cuisine. Many
restaurants also specialize in foreign food such as French, Italian, Lebanese,
Greek, Chinese and Indian cuisine. The light and not particularly spicy
Egyptian cuisine is also popular with tourists.
Clothing
Requirements vary according to season. In winter you will need lightweight wool
clothes and pullovers, whilst in the summer light cotton clothes are
recommended. It is also advisable to take sun glasses and protective hats.
Shopping
You will find a wide range of Egyptian products, particularly local
handicrafts, to suit all tastes.
Pharmacies
In addition to medicine, pharmacies also sell perfumes and cosmetics. Some are
open 24 hours a day.
Currency
The Egyptian currency is the pound, or "ghine" as it is called in
Arabic, which is available in banknotes of 25 and 50 piasters (cents) and 1, 5,
10, 20, 50, and 100 pounds. Although coins also exist, they are hard to come
by. Travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted by banks, international
hotels, restaurants and shops.
Visas
Visitors to Egypt require an entry visa which may be obtained in person in 24
hours, or by post (which however make take up to two weeks) from an Egyptian
Consulate. Visas are also obtainable on arrival in the country.
Passport
Tourists must be in possession of an international passport which is valid for
at least six months.
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