Geography: Egypt is located in northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia, with a land area of about 1 million square kilometers. The state is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Libya to the west, Sudan to its south, and the Red Sea to the east. Most of Egypt’s population and economic activity are concentrated along the Nile River, the longest river in the world, and runs the country’s length from south to north. The Nile Valley and Delta are highly fertile areas and support most of the country’s agriculture. Egypt also includes parts of the Sahara Desert, including the Western and Eastern deserts, which cover about 96% of the country’s land area. The Sinai Peninsula, located in northeastern Egypt, connects the country to Asia and is bordered by the Red Sea to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.

Essential Egypt travel information

Currency – Egyptian Pound (E£). $1 is roughly equivalent to E£24,48.

Daily budget for 1 person – E£636 ($27).

Languages – Arabic.

Socket type – Types C and F, 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Time zone – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): GMT+02:00.

Top 3 cities to visit – Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Great Pyramid of Giza, Karnak Temple, and Egyptian Museum.

Typical costs and budget for visiting Egypt

Daily spending – Approximately E£636 ($27) per person each day while traveling on a budget.

Meals – E£194 ($8.15)

Transport – E£107 ($4.50)

Hotel – E£555 ($23) for two people.

A weeklong vacation for two people will typically cost E£636 ($374).

Transport and best ways to travel around Egypt

Although inexpensive, there are better means of transportation than train and bus networks. Buses are not exceptionally safe, especially if you’re going alone, and trains frequently arrive hours late. Although hiring a cab can be more expensive, it could be more cost-effective if you are traveling in a group and stopping in nearby cities.

The simplest and quickest way to get to the main cities is by domestic aircraft. If you reserve early, it may be surprisingly affordable.

As opposed to purchasing admission tickets and transportation to the destination, tour rates in the cities may provide a better value. In the cities, you may take a cab, a caleche, or a classic Egyptian felucca on a Nile cruise to get around.

Safety in Egypt

Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks, you should refrain from traveling to Egypt near the Libyan border or in the North Sinai region.

It is not advisable to leave valuables unattended in a public space or unprotected in a hotel room since small-time crime can occur anywhere. Women traveling alone or independently may find it a bit riskier or unpleasant.

Popular cities and towns

Alexandria – It is among the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt. Even if the renowned library and the enormous lighthouse are gone, the now-modern city contains many old treasures.

Cairo – The city has several attractions, some of which are accessible with the Cairo Pass. Take a Nile boat, and remember to stop by the nearby ancient sight of The Great Pyramid of Giza.

Luxor – The Valley of the Kings is home to the ancient Theban metropolis. There are several ancient temples to see, all accessible with the Luxor Pass.

Must-do and see in Egypt

Explore the Luxor Karnak Temple Complex. Temples, towers, chapels, and other historic structures are all disrepair.

In Cairo, check out the Royal Mummy Exhibit. Mummies and gilded coffins from pharaohs who reigned more than 3,000 years ago can be found.

In Cairo, check out the Egyptian Museum. The most extensive collection of Pharaonic artifacts in the globe is housed in this museum, the oldest in the Middle East.

Experience the Nile Cruises. The Felucca cruises offer a chance to experience a real voyage on a historic sailing ship while discovering the area.

Typical Egyptian food to try

Ful Medames: This cuisine has been around since the pharaohs’ reign. It’s a fava bean stew in which the bean grains boil all night in a big pot before being spiced and seasoned with olive oil.

Mulukhiya: This is a green leafy vegetable called “jute” in English. The leaves are separated and cooked in this dish with spices, garlic, and lemon juice until they look like a dense stew.

Fattah is made up of layers of rice and fried aish baladi, along with meat pieces, and is finished with tomato sauce and vinegar. It is well-liked at parties and religious holidays.

Fun facts about Egypt

1. Of the seven marvels of the ancient world, only the Great Pyramid of Giza has survived and stood the test of time.
2. Cairo is the most significant metropolis in the Middle East and all of Africa. Twenty-two million people live in the municipality, which is 500 square kilometers.
3. The ancient Egyptians revered cats. Due to this, the majority of households kept cats as pets because they thought they would be lucky animals.
4. To foretell the annual flooding of the Nile River, the Egyptians created a calendar that runs 365 days a year.

Climate: Egypt has a predominantly desert climate, with hot and dry conditions throughout the year. The country experiences only two seasons, a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The temperature usually varies greatly depending on the location, with the coastal regions experiencing more moderate temperatures due to the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, the inland desert areas can be scorching during the summer months. The country receives very little rainfall, with most areas receiving less than 100 mm of precipitation annually. The Nile River is a crucial water source for the country, with irrigation used to support agriculture in the Nile Valley and Delta. Sandstorms can occur during the summer months, particularly in desert regions.

Population: Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the third-most known state in Africa, with an approximate population of over 104 million people as of 2021. Most people are around the Nile Valley and Delta, with over 20 million living in the capital city of Cairo and its surrounding urban areas. Egypt has a relatively young population, with over 60% under 30.

Languages: Egypt has a rich linguistic history, with the official language being Modern Standard Arabic. Moreover, many other languages are spoken in Egypt, including Egyptian Arabic, the most widely spoken dialect, Bedouin Arabic, Sudanese Arabic, and Siwi Berber. Additionally, there are several minority languages spoken in Egypt, such as Nobiin, Beja, and Domari. The Coptic language, an ancient Egyptian language that uses the Coptic alphabet, is still spoken by some members of the Coptic Christian community. Overall, Egypt’s linguistic diversity reflects its long and complex history and diverse population.

Religion: The majority of the population in Egypt is Muslim, with approximately 90% of the population adhering to this faith. There is also a significant Christian minority, with Coptic Christians comprising around 10% of the population.

Government: Egypt is a presidential republic with a multi-party system of government. The president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The region is divided into 27 governorates, each ruled by a governor assigned by the president.

Economy: Egypt has a mixed economy heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and the Suez Canal. The country has recently tried diversifying its economy, focusing on developing the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Culture: Egyptian culture is a diverse and ancient civilization known for its rich history, art, and traditions. The country is known for its stunning architectural feats, like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Egyptian cuisine is also a significant aspect of the culture, with traditional dishes such as kosher, ful medames, and stuffed grape leaves. Additionally, music and dance are essential elements of Egyptian culture, with traditional instruments such as the oud and the ney being widely used. Islam is the dominant religion, and its influence can be seen in many aspects of daily life, including clothing, customs, and celebrations. Situated at the intersection of Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, Egypt’s culture is an exceptional fusion of age-old customs and contemporary impacts.

Recent History: Egypt has undergone significant political changes recently, including the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 following a popular uprising. Since then, the country has experienced political turmoil and economic challenges, including a decline in tourism following a series of terrorist attacks. In 2014, former army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was elected as the country’s new president and has since implemented many economic and political reforms.