Egypt offers the world relics of the ancient Pharoahs, temples, the Sphynix and the sensational pyramids. These are surely wonders that must be seen.
10 December 2007
Name: Arab Republic of Egypt
Nationality: Egyptian
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
Population: 74.9 million
Religion: Muslim (mostly sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%
Capital: Cairo
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 71 years (women) (UN)
Currency: 1 Egyptian Pound = 100 piastres
Internet domain: .eg
International dialling code: +20
Flight time: 4 hours 50 minutes form UK
Time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Electricity: 220 Volt A/C. An adapter for European plugs is needed.
Climate: Egypt has a desert climate (except the coastal strip along the Mediterranean). hot, dry summers with moderate winters. Daily sunshine averages 12 in the summer and 8-10 in the winter. There are some cloudy days in the north during the winter months, with some rain but few in the south. Southern Egypt is hot in the summer with low humidity.
Best time to go: For a Nile cruise or the Red Sea holiday go between October and May.
Entry: Travellers from the UK and Republic of Ireland entering Egyp need a passport valid for at least six months after departure from Egypt and must obtain visas from Egptian consulates overseas or at the airport upon arrival. Some nationalities must obtain a visa from the Egyptian Consulate prior to travel.
Tipping: Everybody wants a tip in Egypt for every slight service rendered. They call it 'baksheesh' which means 'spread the wealth'. Keep a stock of low value currency for tour guides, waiters and porters etc. Even a couple of Egyptian pounds (around 20p) would be welcome. However, this is always discretionary.