Fast Facts

Fast Facts

• Capital : Cairo
• Country code : 00 + 20 
• Population : 80,335,036
• Time :. GMT + 2

Overview

Egypt is in North Africa, located between Libya and the Gaza Strip, the Red Sea north of Sudan and including the Asian Sinai Peninsula. Egypt is a land of ancient civilizations and monumental historical sites. With a history spanning over 7,000 years the depth, intensity, and fascination of this history goes to a level that rivals most other countries. Egypt is a mystical land bustling with life, sound and visual beauty.

Egypt’s history is nothing less an awe-inspiring. The ancient Egyptians established a magnificent and enduring civilization whose achievements have captured the imagination of the world ever since. There are so many historical sites in Egypt, including the Pyramids which are absolutely a must-see when going to Egypt. In the heart of the Red Sea Mountains, St. Anthony’s is the oldest Coptic monastery in Egypt and St. Paul’s is famous for its murals representing Virgin & Child. Nestling at the foot of Mount Sinai is St. Catherine’s, thought to be the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world. Revered by Muslims, Christian and Jews, it was built fourteen hundred years ago next to where it is believed that God delivered his Ten Commandments to Moses.

Take a trip down the Nile and you will be able to see and explore a succession of ancient temples and tombs that are testimonies to the remarkable achievement s of the people of ancient Egypt. To witness Egypt’s full splendour you must take a trip to visit the Nile Valley and Cairo, home to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the Citadel. The highlight of the Nile Valley is Luxor, famous for the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, the Luxor Temple and further south, the Temples of Karnak. Egypt’s scope is glorious and endless and it is impossible to not be continually amazed when travelling to this enchanting country.

Climate

Egypt enjoys two climates, summer and winter. Throughout the year the weather is typically sunny during the day with slightly cooler evenings. Summers are quite dry and last from May to October while the moderate winters are from November to April. The summers are dry In April which is the changeover period from summer to winter, the typical Egyptian winds occur which are weird and wonderful. These winds are strong and carry large amounts of sand and dust from the desert. During the time of these sand storms temperatures can rise by as much as 20 degrees in two hours. In Egypt’s inland temperatures are extremely hot in the winter and chilly at night.

Language

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Money

The Egyptian currency is Egyptian Pound. 100 piastres equal one Egyptian pound (£E). Notes range from 25 pieastres up to a 1,000 pound notes. The most commonly found notes will be 1,5,10, 20 and 50 Egyptian pound notes, while coins are rarely as they have little worth.
Bank opening times are 8.30am to 2pm daily, closed Fridays, Saturdays and most holidays.
Changing money is not a problem. You’ll receive an official stamp when changing money and you will be given a receipt which is used for possible inspection. There are plenty of cash point machines where you are able to withdraw money.

Visas

Visas are required when travelling to Egypt. 
EU nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Newiba and Taba for up to 14 days receive a free visa stamp in their passports upon arrival.

Tourist visas for Egypt can often be obtained upon arrival in Egypt for citizens of most countries, otherwise a visa will need to be applied for.

Religion

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%