About EgyptAbout EgyptWhen you visit Egypt, there are so many sites that you will want to visit, the length of your trip will never seem long enough! I often meet people, on my tours, that have been to Egypt more than 15 times, and they keep returning to see something new Articles
Egypt
2007-12-07 01:54:00 Egypt is the cradle of civilization, the beacon of religion and the gateway to the continent of Africa. For over 70 centuries, Egypt has accomplished the development of culture, civilization and contributed to the history of the world. A journey through Egypt represents traveling through time, from one period to another, exhilarated by the history of those who remained immortal revealed by many of its secrets beneath the desert sands.Around 7,000 years ago, a river and a desert have played a significant part in forming the landscape and character of the oldest civilization on our planet - Egypt - one of the mystical paradises.Take a tour through Phoraonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic Egypt to help you understand and appreciate the treasures that unfolded civilizations of man kind. The tour will provide you with information on the earliest evidence of Egyptian writing- Hieroglyphics, the rise and fall of legendary kingdoms and dynasties, migration, the great pyramids and temple b... More About: Egypt
Travel Time to Egypt
2007-12-06 21:04:00 Travel Time to Egypt Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and this is the best time to visit. As you will notice, the tourist season is during winter and spring, but this is also the high season, and prices go up at this time of year. Some hotels can be really expensive, and because of this, I would advise prior reservations for all hotels before you come, even the budget hotels.From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs, without strangers obscuring the view!Although certain Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who would rather be here than having to endure even hotter weather in their own countries, advanced bookings are rarel... More About: Travel
Car Rental in Egypt
2007-11-10 01:00:00 Exploring Egypt is a great experience through Egypt Nile Cruises. But this does not mean that those wanting to go on sightseeing tours of Egypt by road have no option. Tourists can very easily avail Car Rental in Egypt. Driving along the Nile or Red Sea coast has its own charm. Offering you to choose cars with or without drivers is the superb Car Rental in Egypt. Moreover, English-speaking guide can also be hired along with Car Rental in Egypt. Feel free to negotiate for the best bargains while hiring a car in Egypt.Below is a list of Companies offering Car Rental in Egypt: -Hertz195 Sharia 26th of July, Mohandiseen Cairo, EgyptThrifty1 Al-Entesar, HeliopolisCairo, EgyptJ Car33 Sharia Missaha, DoqqiCairo, EgyptAvis16 Mamal as-Sukkar, Garden CityCairo, EgyptBudget Rent-A-Car5 Makrizy, ZamalekCairo, Egypt* Car Rental Service of all the above-mentioned Companies is also available at Cairo International Airport in Egypt
Egypt Airports
2007-11-06 02:25:00 Cairo International Airport (CAI)Location: The airport is situated 14 miles (22km) from Cairo.Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between last Friday in April and last Friday in September).Contacts: Tel: +20 (0)2 265 3308 or (0)2 268 4248.Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are two miles (3km) apart and are linked by a free shuttle, which departs about every half an hour.Transfer to the city: There are taxis outside the main arrivals hall; the journey to central Cairo takes around 45 minutes.An Airport Shuttle bus is a convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Cairo and along the Pyramids Road in Giza.Public buses and air-conditioned coaches also leave regularly from Terminal 1. Car rental: Car hire companies at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz.However, driving in Cairo is best avoided, otherwise visitors can hire a driver with their car for a small additional charge.Facilities: Facilities include a restaurant and several cafeterias, banks and A... More About: Egypt , Airports
Egypt Contacts
2007-11-06 02:22:00 Egyptian Tourist Authority, Cairo: +20 (0)2 684 1970 or www.egypt.travelEgyptian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 5400.Egyptian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 3304. Egyptian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 4931.Egyptian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 4437.Egyptian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 1590.Egyptian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 6566.United States Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 797 3300. British Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 0852. Canadian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 791 8700.Australian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 575 0444.South African Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 359 4365. Irish Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 735 8264. New Zealand Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 461 9178. Emergencies: 122 (Police); 123 (Ambulance), More About: Egypt , Contacts
Egypt Passport & Visa Requirements
2007-11-06 01:59:00 Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a valid passport, and a visa is required. A 30-day visa can be obtained on arrival for US$15, provided the purpose of travel is for tourism. For travellers entering Egypt via South Sinai and remaining in the South Sinai resort area, a free 14-day visa can be obtained on arrival. Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK citizens must have a valid passport, and a visa is required. A 30-day visa can be obtained on arrival for US$15 or the equivalent, provided the purpose of travel is for tourism. For travellers entering Egypt via South Sinai and remaining in the South Sinai resort area, a free 14-day visa can be obtained on arrival.Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians must have a valid passport, and a visa is required. A 30-day visa can be obtained on arrival for US$15 or the equivalent, provided the purpose of travel is for tourism. For travellers entering Egypt via South Sinai and remaining in the South Sinai resort area, a... More About: Visa , Passport
Sites of Egyptian Missions
2007-11-06 01:55:00 Egyptian Consulate General in San FranciscoEgyptian Embassy in WashingtonEgyptian Consulate General in RiyadhEgyptian Consulate General in JeddahEgyptian Consulate General in MarselliaEgyptian Consulate General in New YorkEgyptian Embassy in Abu DhabiEgyptian Embassy in RiyadhEgyptian Consulate General in LondonEgyptian Embassy in OttawaEgyptian Consulate General in MontrealEgyptian Consulate in ParisEgyptian Consulate in ChicagoEgyptian Consulate in DubaiEgyptian Consulate General in MelbourneEgyptian Embassy in CanberraEgyptian Consulate General in SydneyEgyptian Embassy in New DelhiEgyptian Embassy in JakartaEgyptian Embassy in ParisEgyptian Consulate General in BenghaziEgyptian Embassy in SingaporeEgyptian Embassy in RomeEgyptian Embassy in AthensEgyptian Embassy in AmmanEgyptian Embassy in TripoliEgyptian Embassy in RabatEgyptian Embassy in TunisEgyptian Embassy in BudapestEgyptian Embassy in BrasiliaEgyptian Embassy in KievEgyptian Consulate General in HamburgEgyptian Embassy ... More About: Sites , Missions , Egyptian , Missi
Religion & Religious Services
2007-11-05 15:01:00 Religion & Religious Services Islam is the official religion of Egypt, but there is a large Coptic community and other Christian sects are represented in the country. There is also a small Jewish community. Islam is part of the Judaeo-Christian family of religions and was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in what is now Mecca, Saudi Arabia.Islam has five major principles, called pillars, which form the foundation of the religion. The first is the belief that there is only one God and that the Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God. The second is prayer, which is performed five times a day and can be conducted in any place as long as it is done facing Mecca. Almsgiving is the third principle and by religious law Muslims must donate a percentage of their savings to the poor.The fourth pillar is the obligation to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The fifth pillar is pilgrimage to Mecca, hajj, which all Muslims hope to perform at least once. The pilgrimage is performed during t... More About: Religion
On Arrival
2007-11-05 14:57:00 On ArrivalA notice stamped in passports on entry into Egypt says “registration within 7 days” but arrivals in Cairo should in fact be registered within 48 hours, either at the nearest police station or at the Mugama’a. Visitors need re-registration at each new city visited for for the sake of the tourists' safty. Hotels perform this service routinely, but visitors staying in private houses, must make other arrangements to be registered. Their hosts may be held responsible for failure to do so.CustomsThe visitor is permitted to enter the country with 250 grams of tobacco, or 50 cigars, one liter of alcohol and personal affects. Animals must have a veterinary certificate attesting to their good health and a valid rabies certificate.Cairo International Airport is one of the few airports that has a duty free shop upon arrival and departure.Persons traveling with expensive electronic equipment such as cameras, video cameras, or computers may be required to list these items in thei...
Medical Emergencies in Egypt
2007-11-05 14:21:00 Medical Emerge ncies in Egypt Travelers are always worried about medical emergencies they might face in a foreign country. Such worry is always exaggerated when the destination is to a non-Western country. These are usually exaggerated by a false image some people have in their mind about Egypt.Apart from the historical background of medicine during the ancient and middle ages, medical practice in Egypt has always enjoyed a good reputation in the modern era. Numerous physicians graduating from Egyptian faculties of medicine have a high standard of knowledge worldwide. Students from all over the Arab countries and Africa come to learn medicine, on both under and postgraduate levels. One of the best examples of Egyptian physicians is Sir Magdy Yacoub, the famous cardiac surgeon who graduated from Cairo University. Sir Magdy is currently practicing in UK, and was the first non-British to be knighted by the Queen of England.The major worry of a visitor is his need for hospitalization in c... More About: Medical
What to Wear
2007-11-05 14:15:00 What to Wear Egypt is a conservative country and visitors should respect this attitude. No topless or nude bathing is permitted.On the practical side, leave your synthetics at home as they will prove to be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter - bring materials that breathe. It is advisable to wear cotton in summer as the heat can be like a furnace. In winter wear layers that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.Wear loose and flowing garments, which are not only modest, but practical in a hot climate. Have you ever wondered why the Bedouin wear layers of flowing robes? Why they cover their heads and the back of their necks? Centuries of living in desert climates have taught them that loose garments keep one cooler and layered garments allow wind to enter and circulate, creating a natural ventilation system. Protecting the head and neck from loss of moisture prevents heat stroke.Bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of wal...
Weather in Egypt
2007-11-05 03:18:00 Weather in Egypt The Egyptian summer is hot and dry in most of the country, and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo, and the city swelters in August! Winter is mild with some rain, but usually it is bright, sunny days with cold nights.During the summertime, sun protection is the most important single consideration for an Egypt trip, especially for the fair-skinned. Wearing a sunhat is essential. Cheap, and pure cotton, sunhats are made locally and available everywhere. Travel clothing should be light and comfortable, 100% cotton clothing is the best and robust shoes are a must! The climate of Egypt is characterized by a hot season from May to October and a cool season from October to May. Extreme temperatures during both seasons are moderated by the prevailing northern winds.-In the coastal region average annual temperatures range from a maximum of 37° C (99° F) to a minimum of 14° C (57° F). Wide variations of te... More About: Weather
Introduction To Egypt
2007-11-03 17:02:00 Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 BC, historically. Egypt is probably one of the oldest vacation spots. Early Greeks, Romans and others went there just for fun, and to see the wonders of some of mankind's earliest triumphs. But Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and five star restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera and it is a cultural experience like none you have ever experienced. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement. More than anything else, we want you to think of Egypt as fun. For thousands of years, it has been the playground of emperors and kings, and we hope you will take the time to find out why. The Flag of EgyptThe first national flag of modern Egypt was established by a Royal Decree in 1923 when Egypt gained conditional independence fr... More About: Egypt , Introduction
Introduction
2007-11-03 17:00:00 The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 191... More About: Introduction
Geography
2007-11-03 16:58:00 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 PeninsulaGeographic coordinates:27 00 N, 30 00 EMap references:AfricaArea:total: 1,001,450 sq km land: 995,450 sq km water: 6,000 sq kmArea - comparative:slightly more than three times the size of New MexicoLand boundaries:total: 2,665 km border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 kmCoastline:2,450 kmMaritime claims:territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationClimate:desert; hot, dry summers with moderate wintersTerrain:vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and deltaElevation extremes:lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 mNatural resources:petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zincLand use:arabl... More About: Geography
People
2007-11-03 16:55:00 Population:80,335,036 (July 2007 est.)Age structure:0-14 years: 32.2% (male 13,234,428/female 12,631,681) 15-64 years: 63.2% (male 25,688,703/female 25,082,200) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 1,576,376/female 2,121,648) (2007 est.)Median age:total: 24.2 years male: 23.9 years female: 24.6 years (2007 est.)Population growth rate:1.721% (2007 est.)Birth rate:22.53 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)Death rate:5.11 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)Net migration rate:-0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)Sex ratio:at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.048 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.024 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.743 male(s)/female total population: 1.017 male(s)/female (2007 est.)Infant mortality rate:total: 29.5 deaths/1,000 live births male: 31.22 deaths/1,000 live births female: 27.68 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population: 71.57 years male: 69.04 years female: 74.22 years (2007 est.)Total fertility rate:2.77 childr... More About: People
Government
2007-11-03 16:49:00 Government EgyptCountry name:conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt conventional short form: Egypt local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah local short form: Misr former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)Government type:republicCapital:name: Cairo geographic coordinates: 30 03 N, 31 15 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in April; ends last Thursday in SeptemberAdministrative divisions:26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, As Suways, Ash Sharqiyah, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', SuhajIndependence:28 February 1922 (from UK)National holiday:Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)Constitution:11 September 1971; amended 22 M... More About: Government
Economy
2007-11-03 16:45:00 Economy - overview:Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. In the last 30 years, the government has reformed the highly centralized economy it inherited from President NASSER. In 2005, Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF reduced personal and corporate tax rates, reduced energy subsidies, and privatized several enterprises. The stock market boomed, and GDP grew about 5% per year in 2005-06. Despite these achievements, the government has failed to raise living standards for the average Egyptian, and has had to continue providing subsidies for basic necessities. The subsidies have contributed to a growing budget deficit - more than 10% of GDP each year - and represent a significant drain on the economy. Foreign direct investment remains low. To achieve higher GDP growth the NAZIF government will need to continue its aggressive pursuit of reform, especially in the energy sector. Egypt... More About: Economy
Communications
2007-11-03 16:43:00 Telephones - main lines in use:10.808 million (2006)Telephones - mobile cellular:18.001 million (2006)Telephone system:general assessment: large system; underwent extensive upgrading during 1990s and is reasonably modern; Internet access and cellular service are available domestic: principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and microwave radio relay international: country code - 20; 5 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (1998)Radio broadcast stations:AM 42 (plus 15 repeaters), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999)Television broadcast stations:98 (September 1995)Internet country code:.egInternet hosts:5,363 (2007)Internet users:6 million (2006) More About: Communications
Transportation
2007-11-03 16:32:00 Railways:total: 5,063 km standard gauge: 5,063 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2006) Roadways:total: 92,370 km paved: 74,820 km unpaved: 17,550 km (2004)Waterways:3,500 km note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 17.68 m (2006)Pipelines:condensate 464 km; condensate/gas 94 km; gas 6,021 km; liquid petroleum gas 897 km; oil 5,120 km; oil/gas/water 36 km; refined products 897 km (2006)Ports and harbors:Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta, Marsa Matruh, Port Said, SuezMerchant marine:total: 77 ships (1000 GRT or over) 1,032,116 GRT/1,553,065 DWT by type: bulk carrier 13, cargo 33, container 2, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 14, roll on/roll off 10 foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Greece 8, Lebanon 1) registered in other countries: 55 (Bolivia 1, Cambodia 14, Georgia 14, Honduras 4, North Korea 1, Panam... More About: Transportation , Tran
About Egyptian Pyramids
2007-11-03 16:06:00 There are no more famous ancient sites within Egypt, or for that matter elsewhere in the world, than the Great Pyramids at Giza. They are, without question, the icon most associated with the Egypt. They have been both the main destination for tourists, and a source of imaginative thought to the world for over three thousand years.However, there are actually over 100 pyramids in Egypt, many of which are relatively unknown to anyone who is not an ancient Egypt enthusiast. All but a very few are grouped around and near the City of Cairo, just south of the Nile Delta. Otherwise, only one royal pyramid is known in southern Egypt (at Abydos), that being the one built by Ahmose, founder of the 18th Dynasty and Egypt's New Kingdom. It may have also been the last royal pyramid built in Egypt.Hence, major pyramids were not built throughout Egypt's ancient history. The Pyramid Age began with a burst of building, starting with the 3rd Dynasty reign of Djoser. Some of the early kings, most spe... More About: Egyptian
History of Egypt
2007-11-03 00:01:00 About Egypt The origins of ancient Egyptian civilization, which many regard as one of the fountainheads of Western culture, cannot be established with certainty. Archaeological evidence suggests that early dwellers in the Nile Valley were influenced by cultures of the Near East, but the degree of this influence is yet to be determined. Describing the development of Egyptian civilization, like attempts to identify its intellectual foundations, is largely a process of conjecture based on archaeological discoveries of enduring ruins, tombs, and monuments, many of which contain invaluable specimens of the ancient culture. Inscriptions in hieroglyphs, for instance, have provided priceless data.The framework for the study of the Dynastic period of Egyptian history, between the 1st dynasty and the Ptolemaic period, relies on the Aegyptiaca of Manetho, a Ptolemaic priest of the 3rd century BC, who organized the country's rulers into 30 dynasties, roughly corresponding to families. General a... More About: History
Travel Time to Egypt
2007-11-02 23:58:00 Travel Time to Egypt Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and this is the best time to visit. As you will notice, the tourist season is during winter and spring, but this is also the high season, and prices go up at this time of year. Some hotels can be really expensive, and because of this, I would advise prior reservations for all hotels before you come, even the budget hotels.From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs, without strangers obscuring the view!Although certain Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who would rather be here than having to endure even hotter weather in their own countries, advanced bookings are rarel... More About: Travel |
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