Egypt

officially the Arab Republic of Egypt Info

Capital City: Cairo (Population 9.54 million).

Country Population: 109.3 million (2021).

Official language: Arabic.

Local Currency: Egyptian Pound L: E.

Time Zone:  GMT +2 hours.

Calling Code: +20.

Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins.

President: Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The best time to visit Egypt depends on what you want to see and do.

If you want to see the ancient sites such as the pyramids and temples, it's best to visit in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing.

If you're interested in Egypt's beaches and red sea, the best time to visit is in the winter (December to February) when the weather is cool and dry, and the water temperature is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

If you're interested in visiting Luxor, Aswan and Nile River cruise, the best time to visit is between October to April, as the temperatures are less hot, and the water level is high enough to allow the boats to navigate through the Nile.

It's worth noting that Egypt is a popular tourist destination, so it can get quite crowded during peak seasons, such as Christmas and Easter.

     Koshari: hearty and filling dish made from lentils, rice, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garnished with crispy fried onions.

·        Ful Mesdames’ traditional breakfast dish made from mashed fava beans, served with olive oil, lemon juice, and various toppings such as tomatoes, onions, and parsley.

·        Kofta: Ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with spices and herbs, formed into sausage-like shapes and grilled or fried.

·        Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables (such as eggplant, zucchini, or grape leaves) filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.

·        Shawarma: A popular street food made from marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) cooked on a spit and shaved off to make a sandwich, served with tahini, tomatoes, and onions.

It's also worth trying some of Egypt's traditional sweets such as:

·        Basbousa:  semolina cake sweetened with syrup.

·        Konafa:  sweet pastry made with fine vermicelli-like pastry.

·        Umm Ali: bread pudding made with puff pastry.

Egypt has a variety of traditional and popular drinks that visitors should try when visiting the country. Some of the most popular beverages include:

Tea: Known locally as "Shai" and is served sweet and often with mint. It's a common drink to find in almost everywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants.

Coffee: Known locally as "ahwa" and is usually brewed with a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.

Karkadeh: A popular hibiscus tea that is typically served cold and is known for its vibrant red color.

Tamarind juice: Known locally as "Tamar" and is made from the tamarind fruit, it's sweet and sour in taste.

sugarcane juice known locally as "Assab" or "Assab El nakhl" is a popular drink in Egypt, especially during the summer months. It is made from freshly squeezed sugarcane stalks and is typically served cold. Some vendors may add a bit of lime juice to give it a slight tangy flavor. It is a natural drink, rich in minerals and vitamins. It's a perfect thirst quencher and a refreshing alternative to soda.

Sugarcane juice can be found in street vendors and small shops throughout the country, especially in the summer. It's also widely consumed in the countryside and in rural areas, where sugarcane farming is more prevalent. Some vendors may also add a bit of ginger or mint to give it a bit of extra flavor.

It's worth noting that sugarcane juice should be consumed fresh, and it's not recommended to drink it after a long period of time as it may contain harmful bacteria.

In addition to these non-alcoholic drinks, Egypt also has a variety of local beers, wines, and spirits that can be found in restaurants and bars.

It's worth noting that Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and drinking alcohol is not widely accepted in certain parts of the society and it's prohibited in public places during Ramadan.

Egypt has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations that have ruled the region over the centuries.

The ancient Egyptians are perhaps best known for their monumental architecture, such as the pyramids and the temples of Luxor and Karnak, as well as their art and hieroglyphs.

The ancient Egyptians also had a complex religion and mythology, and many of their cultural practices and beliefs were closely tied to their religion.

In more recent times, Egyptian culture has been heavily influenced by Arab and Islamic culture, as well as by the West. Today, Egypt is known for its music, dance, literature, and film, as well as its art, food, and festivals.

Egypt's environment is diverse, with a range of habitats including deserts, wetlands, coastal areas, and mountain ranges. The country has several protected areas and national parks, including the Ras Mohamed National Park, which is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, and the Wadi El Rayan Protected Area, which is known for its wetlands and waterfalls. Overall, Egypt's environment is diverse and rich in natural resources, but it is facing several challenges due to human activities. The government has taken steps to address these issues, but more needs to be done to ensure the preservation of the environment for future generations. Egypt is in northeastern Africa and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west. The total area of Egypt is about 1,010,000 square kilometers (390,000 square miles) making it the 30th largest country in the world. Egypt's terrain is mainly desert, with a narrow strip of fertile land along the Nile River. The Nile River is the main water source in Egypt, and it runs through the country from south to north, dividing it into two main regions: Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt. The Nile River is also responsible for the fertile land in Egypt, and it is the main source of irrigation for agriculture in the country. The highest point in Egypt is the Gharib Mountain, which is 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) above sea level, and the lowest point is the Qattara Depression, which is 133 meters (436 feet) below sea level. Egypt has a hot desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. The coastal regions along the Mediterranean and Red Sea have a milder climate, with more rainfall and cooler temperatures. The eastern desert and the Sinai Peninsula are among the driest places on earth with very little rainfall and high temperatures. Overall, Egypt's geography is diverse and varied, featuring desert, mountains, and a narrow strip of fertile land along the Nile River. The Nile River is the main water source in the country, and it plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture and economy. The country's climate is hot and dry, with some variations in the coastal regions.

Egypt has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. The civilization of ancient Egypt is one of the oldest and most influential in the world, and it is known for its monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing, and sophisticated religion.

Ancient Egypt is generally divided into three main periods: the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE), the Middle Kingdom (2040-1782 BCE), and the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE). During the Old Kingdom, Egypt developed a centralized government and monumental architecture, such as the pyramids. The Middle Kingdom saw a resurgence of culture and economic prosperity, and the New Kingdom was a time of military expansion and the construction of grand temples and tombs.

After the fall of the New Kingdom, Egypt fell under foreign rule for centuries, first by the Persians, then by the Greeks and Romans. In the 7th century AD, Egypt became part of the Islamic empire, and it remained a province of the Ottoman Empire until the 19th century.

In 1882, Egypt became a British protectorate, and it gained independence in 1922. Egypt has undergone several political changes throughout the 20th century.

Egypt has a rich and diverse history with many notable historical sites and wonders. Here are the top 10 historical wonders in Egypt:

The Great Pyramid of Giza: The largest and most famous of the pyramids, built for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BCE.

The Sphinx: A giant statue of a lion with a human head, located near the Great Pyramid.

The Temple of Amun at Karnak: A complex of temples and chapels built during the New Kingdom, dedicated to the god Amun.

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri: A mortuary temple built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, known for its intricate carvings and decoration.

The Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel: Two large temples built during the reign of Ramses II, known for their massive statues of the pharaoh.

The Valley of the Kings: A valley in Luxor that contains the tombs of many pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun.

The Temple of Luxor: A temple built during the New Kingdom, dedicated to the god Amun and the god of the afterlife, Osiris.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu: A temple built during the Ptolemaic period, dedicated to the god Horus.

The Temple of Ptah at Memphis: A temple built during the Old Kingdom, dedicated to the god Ptah.

The Temple of Seti I at Abydos: A temple built during the New Kingdom, dedicated to the god Osiris and containing a list of the pharaohs of Egypt.

These are some of the most famous and well-preserved ancient wonders of Egypt, and they are considered a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. They are still being studied and researched by Egyptologist and Historians to uncover more of the civilization's secrets and way of life.

Egypt is known for its traditional crafts and souvenirs, making it a great destination for shopping. Some of the most popular items to shop for in Egypt include.

Handmade carpets and rugs: Egypt are famous for its high-quality carpets and rugs, which are made using traditional techniques and materials.

Papyrus paintings: These traditional paintings are made using the ancient Egyptian technique of painting on papyrus paper.

Hand-painted ceramics: Egyptian ceramics are known for their intricate designs and bright colors.

Egyptian cotton: Egypt is known for producing high-quality cotton, which is used to make a variety of products such as clothing, linens, and towels.

Jewelry: Egypt is known for its traditional jewelry, which is often made of gold and silver and features intricate designs and precious stones.

Leather goods: Egypt is also known for its high-quality leather goods, such as bags, wallets, shoes, and belts.

Perfumes and oils: Egypt are famous for its perfumes and oils, which are made using traditional methods and are made from natural ingredients.

Spices: Egypt is known for its spices and herbs, which are used in traditional Egyptian cuisine and are also used in traditional medicine.

Hand-crafted souvenirs: You can find a wide range of hand-crafted souvenirs such as statues, figurines, and keychains, which are often made of different materials such as alabaster, copper, and soapstone.

Traditional clothing: Egypt is also known for its traditional clothing such as the Galabia and the Shemagh, which are popular souvenirs for visitors.

Egypt offers a wide range of shopping options for visitors, from traditional crafts and souvenirs to modern products. It's a great place to find unique and authentic gifts and souvenirs to take back home.

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival: A rare event that takes place twice a year, it marks the alignment of the sun with the temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel.

The International Cairo Film Festival: An annual event that showcases the latest in Arab and international cinema.

The Cairo Opera House: The Cairo Opera House hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year, including opera, ballet, and orchestral concerts.

The Cairo Jazz Festival: An annual event that brings together jazz musicians from around the world.

The Aswan International Women's Film Festival: An annual event that focuses on films made by women and films that explore women's issues.

The Gouna International Film Festival: An annual event that takes place in El Gouna, a Red Sea town, and showcases films from around the world.

The Cairo International Book Fair: An annual event that features booksellers from around the world and attracts literary figures and readers from Egypt and the region.

The Coptic Christmas Celebrations: The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt celebrates Christmas on January 7th.The celebrations include processions and singing hymns, and people will attend church to celebrate.

Coptic Easter:  is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, which usually falls between April 4th and May 8th. The celebrations begin with the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Eid al-Fitr: This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is celebrated with prayer, family gatherings and exchange of gifts.

Eid al-Adha: This festival is also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice" and marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is celebrated with prayer, family gatherings and the sacrifice of animals.

Ramadan: A month-long festival when Muslims fast during the day and break the fast in the evening with family and friends.

Mawlid al-Nabi: This festival marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, and is celebrated with prayer, recitation of the Quran and the telling of the Prophet's stories.