Egypt
Country

Egypt

Egypt

Egypt, a land of ancient wonders and modern marvels, is a captivating destination bridging North Africa and the Middle East. Home to the iconic…

#ancient history#pyramids#Nile River#desert#Middle East

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Currency
E£ | EGP | Egyptian Pound
Population
112716600 (2023)
Density
112 / km²
Local time
Languages
Arabic mainly · English, French
Budget / day
E£1200 - E£9000
Also known as
Kemet, Land of the Pharaohs, The Nile Valley, Masr, Misr

Know before you go

Local guide

A deeper read on Egypt.

What people love

Egypt offers an unparalleled journey into antiquity, boasting some of the world's most famous archaeological sites, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. Beyond its rich pharaonic history, the country features stunning natural landscapes, from the vast, serene Sahara Desert to the spectacular Red Sea coast, which provides world-class scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs. It is a highly budget-friendly destination, offering excellent value for accommodation, food, and transport. Furthermore, Egyptian hospitality is legendary, with locals often going out of their way to welcome visitors. The cuisine is also a highlight, featuring delicious and affordable street food.

What to know

Traveling in Egypt can be challenging due to aggressive touts, persistent vendors, and frequent scams around major tourist sites, which can cause significant fatigue. The chaotic traffic and lack of pedestrian infrastructure in cities like Cairo can be overwhelming. Summer temperatures are blisteringly hot, making daytime exploration exhausting. Visitors must also be cautious of food and waterborne illnesses, commonly referred to as 'Pharaoh's Revenge'. As a conservative country, female travelers may experience unwanted attention or harassment and must dress modestly to mitigate this. Finally, occasional political instability and strict security measures, including frequent checkpoints, can disrupt travel plans.

Egypt, officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is located in North Africa and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Sudan to the south, Israel and the Red Sea to the east, and Libya to the west. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and has seen the rise and fall of several powerful civilizations.

Significant events in Egypt's history include:

  1. Ancient Egypt (circa 3100 BC - 332 BC): Ancient Egypt is renowned for its advanced civilization, including the construction of the pyramids, the development of hieroglyphic writing, and the rule of famous pharaohs such as King Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, and Ramses II.

  2. Greek and Roman Period (332 BC - 641 AD): Egypt fell under Greek rule following the conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. It later became a province of the Roman Empire in 30 BC after the defeat of Cleopatra. During this period, Egypt saw the spread of Christianity.

  3. Islamic Conquest and Medieval Period (641 AD - 1517 AD): Egypt was conquered by Arab Muslims in 641 AD, leading to the spread of Islam in the region. The Fatimid Caliphate established Cairo as its capital, and Egypt became a center of Islamic learning and culture.

  4. Ottoman Rule (1517 AD - 1882 AD): Egypt was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1517 and remained under Ottoman rule for over three centuries. The Ottomans modernized Egypt's infrastructure and administration but faced challenges from European powers during the 19th century.

  5. British Occupation and Independence (1882 AD - 1952 AD): In 1882, Egypt came under British occupation due to its strategic importance. The country gained independence in 1922 but remained under British influence. The Egyptian Revolution of 1952 led to the establishment of a republic and the end of the monarchy.

  6. Modern Egypt (1952 AD - Present): Egypt has experienced political and social changes since the 1952 revolution. The construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s helped control the Nile River's flooding and provided hydroelectric power. Egypt has played a significant role in regional politics and has faced challenges such as economic instability and political unrest.

Important landmarks in Egypt include:

  1. The Great Pyramid of Giza: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids in Giza and a symbol of Egypt's ancient civilization.

  2. The Sphinx: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, the Sphinx is located near the pyramids in Giza and is a significant archaeological site.

  3. The Nile River: The longest river in the world, the Nile has been crucial to Egypt's agriculture, transportation, and economy for thousands of years.

  4. The Valley of the Kings: Located near Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom, featuring intricately decorated tombs.

  5. The Temple of Karnak: A vast temple complex in Luxor dedicated to the god Amun, Karnak is one of Egypt's most important archaeological sites.

Egypt's history is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, conquests, and cultural achievements that have shaped the country into the vibrant nation it is today.