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Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having
emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago,
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. |
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Why Egypt? |
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Egypt
holding one of Seven Wonders of the World? The three
Great Pyramids and Sphinx at GIZA. Egypt the eternal
"Gift of the Nile" as described by the Historian
Herodotus. A statement as true as today as it has been
through the fifty centuries of Egypt's extraordinary
history. One of the largest countries in the world,
Egypt is a country of myths and mysteries
But
Egypt
is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red
Sea scuba diving, luxury hotels and Romantic cruises.
Egypt,
known as the "Mother of the World" Egypt has a reason
for such a name for it engages, stimulates, soothes,
fascinates and love |
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Egyptian
Geography: |
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Location |
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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 |
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Area |
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total: 1,001,450 sq kmland: 995,450 sq kmwater: 6,000 sq km |
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Population |
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76,117,421 (July 2004 est.) |
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Religions |
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Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6% |
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Languages |
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Arabic (official), English and French widely understood
by educated classes |
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Egyptian
Government |
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Country
conventional long form: |
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Arab Republic of Egypt |
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Country
conventional short form: |
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Egypt |
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Country local long
form: |
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Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabia |
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Government
type: |
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Republic |
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Capital |
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Cairo |
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Chief of State: |
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President Mohammed Hosni Mobarak.
Head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed Nazief.
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president nominated by the People's Assembly
for a six-year term, the nomination must then be
validated by a national, popular referendum; national
referendum last held 26 September 1999 (next to be held
NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the
president |
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WEATHER & CLIMATE |
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Egypt's climate, as a hole, can be described as mild.
While the midsummer months can get quite hot, the heat
is less taxing than else-where because the humidity is
low. And for the rest of the year the weather is ideal,
the sky sparkling with sunshine, the rainy days few and
far between in Cairo, nearly unknown in Upper Egypt, the
crisp coolness of the air impregnated by the warmth of
the winter. |
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VISA’S : |
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Visas are required for all nationalities. Many
country's citizens can obtain one upon entry however
citizens of some countries are required to obtain their
visa from a consulate before arriving. Although most
airlines can tell you whether one is required for your
entry prior to arrival, it would be best to check with
the closest Egyptian consulate or Embassy to be certain.
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MEDICAL
REQUIREMENTS: |
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Normally no immunizations are required or needed. If you
have recently been traveling in an area known to be
experiencing problems you should obtain a health
certificate before arrival. While in Egypt drink the
filtered bottle water or the mineral water. Also be
sure to bring any prescriptions you might need. And
don’t forget to prepare for the “Pharaoh’s curse” with a
bottle of Imodium or similar. Be careful of fresh fruit
juices as they may be diluted with local non-filtered
water. |
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CURRENCY |
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The local currency is the Egyptian pound (LE). 1 LE =
100 piaster. Banks are opened in major hotels for 24
hrs. Credit cards are widely used in major hotels &
restaurants. Charges will be in Egyptian pounds. The
exchange rate floats and changes daily. You can check
the current rate on-line at
http://money.cnn.com/markets/currencies/ You do not
need to change money prior to arrival as most currencies
are accepted, especially US dollars, by all
establishments EXCEPT you must use Egyptian pounds for
antiquity site entry fees. |
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ELECTRICITY |
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220 volts, 50 cycles AC in Cairo. Wall plugs are the
round two pronged European type. No adapters or
transformers are provided bring your own. |
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HOLIDAYS |
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The weekly day of rest is Friday. Islam is the principal
religion of Egypt. So the “weekend” is generally Friday
and Saturday. Sunday is a normal business day although a
good percentage of the population is Eastern Orthodox
Christian. Islamic Holidays are based on the lunar
calendar and change annually. The Eastern Christian
holidays are generally different than the western
Christian ones. For instance Christmas is on January
06. Tourist attractions (antiquity sites) are open
every day except New Years day. Some sites that are of
an active religious type (monasteries, mosques, etc.)
Close for their appropriate sabbath.
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TIMING |
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Two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time and three
hours for summer time which starts from the last Friday
in April to the last Friday in September. |
