Facts

  • Population » 92.1 million
    • the highest population in the Arab world.
    • Younger than 15 yo: 31.3%
    • 65+ yo: 4.3%
  • Main language » Arabic, English is widely spoken.
  • Main religions » Islam, Christianity
  • Life expectancy » 71 years (men), 74 years (women)
  • Currency » Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • Electricity » 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used.
  • International dialling code » +20
  • Internet domain » .eg
  • Emergency numbers » 122 (police), 123 (ambulance) and 180 (fire)

Geography

  • Area » 1 million sq km (386,874 sq miles)
  • Time » GMT+2
  • Landmass is dominated by desert.
  • Most Egyptian cities, including the capital, and largest city Cairo, are located along the banks of the River Nile.
  • Egypt is a transcontinental country spanning northeast Africa and  southwest Asia.
    • Egypt is an important bridge between the West and the Muslim worlds.
    • The dividing line between Africa and Asia is the Sinai Peninsula, which runs through Egypt.
    • The Suez Canal is considered the “border” that divides Africa from Asia. This is a dividing line between continents, but it runs through Egypt.
  • Neighbouring destinations: Libya, the Sudan, Israel, and the Gaza Strip.

Notes

  • One of the worlds tourism hotspots.
  • One of Africa’s leading economies.
  • Research, learn, and respect the cultural differences and nuances of what to wear and how to act while in Egypt as these are often dissimilar from western countries and can be challenging for some.
  • A broadening experience. Challenging and enriching. Rich in culture. Enjoy the differences and the chaos.
  • The region is considered among the oldest civilisation, with many historical places to visit scattered across Egypt.

Overland

  • A Carnet de Passage is required for Egypt.
  • Road traffic: Drives on the right.

Climate and Weather

Summary: Most of Egypt has an arid desert climate – hot and dry year round with a little rain along the northern coast in winter. Cooler coastal region that borders the Mediterranean. Between May and October, summer temperatures in Cairo can soar to 50°C (122°F). Destructive sandstorms are caused by the hot khamaseen winds that blow across the country in late winter and early summer.

Security & Safety

As of Sept 2018: Due to a heightened threat of terrorist incidents in the region, some governments are advising against unnecessary travel to Egypt.

Government Travel Advice

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Last Updated on September 18, 2018