Egypt

Destination Information

This destination

Ever since 500 BC, when Ancient Greek scholars visited the magnificent monuments that were already two and a half thousand years older than their own civilization, travellers have been irresistibly drawn to Egypt.

Today, the millions of tourists who visit this fascinating country still stand in awe before the archaeological and artistic legacy of the ancient Egyptians – the temples, pyramids, and tombs of the Nile Valley.

Cruise ships and traditional felucca boats make it possible to view the unchanged scenery and stunning monuments along the fertile banks of the Nile, Egypt’s ribbon of life that divides two great desert regions – the Western (Libyan) Desert and the Eastern (Arabian) Desert.

The shores of Egypt are washed by two seas, the Mediterranean in the north and the Red Sea in the east – two very different influences that have caused Egypt to play the part of a bridge, between continents and civilizations, throughout history, a role that it continues to serve today.

It is the Red Sea that is responsible for a newer facet to tourism in Egypt – that of diving holidays. The Red Sea resorts are gateways to some of the most spectacular diving in the world. From the still unsolved mysteries of some of the world’s most ancient buildings and artefacts to the blatant modernity of cities such as Cairo, Egypt should be visited at least once in everyone’s lifetime.

Capital

Cairo

Population

76.8 million (UN, 2008)

Area

1 million sq km (386,874 sq miles)

Time difference / local time

GMT +2

Languages

Arabic

Currency

Egyptian Pound

Telephone calling code(s)

+20

Internet domain .eg
Electricity

220 V

Climate data for this region.

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