Egypt

Background

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.

Geography of Egypt

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.

Area

Total: 1,001,450 sq km
Land: 995,450 sq km
Water: 6,000 sq km

Land boundaries

2,665km (Border countries: Gaza Strip, Plastein ,Israel, Libya, and Sudan).

Climate: Desert, hot, dry summers with moderate winters.

People of Egypt

Population

Ethnic
Eastern stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French)1%.
Religions:
Muslim(mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%.
Languages:
Arabic(official), English and French widely understood by educated classes.

Government of Egypt

Country name: Arab Republic of Egypt (Egypt).
Local short form: Misr.
Local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah.
Government type: Republic.
Capital: Cairo.
Administrative divisions: 27 governorates.
Independence: 28 February 1922 (from UK).
National holiday: Revolution Day, 23 July (1952).
Constitution: 11 September 1971.
Legal system: Based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions) accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations.
Executive branch: Chief of state: President “Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK” (since 14 October 1981).
Head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004).
Flag description: Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black the national emblem (a gold Eagle of Saladin facing the hoist side with a shield super imposed on its chest above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band.

Egypt Time

GMT + 2hours.

National Day: 23 July (anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July 1952).
Phone Codes:

Egypt Country Code: 2
Codes for major Cities: Cairo: 02 & Alexandria: 03.

When calling a city from outside Egypt, remove the “0” in front of the local code. The country code is 00 (20) plus Cairo local code (02) - becomes 00 (202).

Egypt Currency

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP; symbol E£) = 100 piaster. Notes are in denominations of E£100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 50piastres and 25 piaster. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 20, 10and 5 piasters.

Currency exchange

Available at banks, official bureau de change and most hotels. Banks often have better exchange rates than bureau de change or hotels. All common international currencies are accepted.

Exchange rate indicators: http://touregypt.net/money/ .

Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but only bigger hotels or restaurants in Cairo and restaurants in tourist areas will accept credit cards as payment. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which maybe available.
Traveller's cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is prohibited.
Banking hours
Sun-Thurs 08:30-14:30.