Background :
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt (Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah in Arabic), country in northeastern Africa and southwestern Asia. Most of the country lies in Africa, but the easternmost portion of Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, is usually considered part of Asia; it forms the only land bridge between the two continents. Most of Egypt’s terrain is desert, divided into two unequal parts by the Nile River. The valley and delta of the Nile are the main centers of habitation. The capital and largest city is Cairo.

Egypt has been a coherent political entity with a recorded history since about 3200 bc. One of the first civilizations to develop irrigated agriculture, literacy, urban life, and large-scale political structures arose in the Nile Valley. The annual flood of the Nile provided for a stable agricultural society. Egypt’s strategic location between Asia and Africa and on the route between the Mediterranean basin and India and China made it an important hub of international trade. Beginning in the 4th century bc, a series of conquerors brought new religions and languages to the land. However, Egypt’s rich agricultural resources, pivotal commercial position, and long-term political unity have sustained a high level of cultural continuity. Although present-day Egypt is an overwhelmingly Arabic-speaking and Islamic country, it retains important aspects of its past Christian, Greco-Roman, and ancient indigenous heritage.

Muslim Arab invaders conquered Egypt in ad 641, and Egypt has been a part of the Muslim and Arab worlds ever since. The foundations of the modern state were established by Muhammad Ali, who served as viceroy of Egypt from 1805 to 1849, while the country was a province of the Ottoman Empire. Britain occupied Egypt in 1882. After 40 years of direct British colonial rule, Egypt became an independent monarchy in 1922. However, British policies enforced by a continuing military occupation limited its independence. In 1952 a group of military officers led by Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew the monarchy and established Egypt as a republic. Nasser negotiated the evacuation of the last British troops from Egypt by 1956. In 1979, under President Anwar al-Sadat, Egypt became the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with the Jewish state of Israel. Egypt remains an important political and cultural center for the entire Arab world.

Religion :
The official religion is Islam and the spirit of tolerance and amity prevails among the Egyptian people, Muslims and Christians.

Language :
The official language is Arabic. A considerable percentage of the Egyptians command foreign languages, foremost among them are English and French.

Access to Egypt :
Airlines :
Egypt is connected with capitals of the world by a network of airlines represented by Egyptair besides international airline companies. Egyptair operates regular domestic flights from Cairo to the major tourist cities also. The major international airports are Cairo Airport, Alexandria Airport, Luxor Aiport, Aswan Airport, Hurghada Airport, Sharm El-Sheikh Airport and Saint Catherine Airport.

Railways :
Cairo is connected with other Egyptian cities by a network of railways. Most trains are air-conditioned and provide food service and wagons-lits. In all trains there are super, first and second class carriages. The Railway Organization offers passengers of the first and second class tickets including fare , hotel residence at a suitable discount. These tickets usually cover the tour between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan through travel agencies. These tickets are available throughout the year. The Railway Organization grants to groups belonging to acknowledged organizations or coming from abroad discounts for the ordinary second and third classes. The Organization also grants a 50% discount to foreign students coming to Egypt either in groups or individually who present student I.D card.

Taxi :
The easiest means of transport between the main cities. Most cabs working in the main cities are equipped with taximetres showing the required fare.

Vehicles :
Tourists can bring along with them their vehicles or motorcycles which provide easy access for touring the country. The main roads connecting the main cities have been well paved and maintained. Along the roads are gas stations and rest areas.

Post and Telecommunication Services :
The post, telegraph and telephone offices are open for the public daily. The central post office in Attaba Square renders its services night and day. The cable service work 24 hours. Post, telegraph and phone rates are fixed according to the decree of the International Post Union.

Currency :
Egypt's currency is the Egyptian pound, consisting of 100 piastres (4.50 Egyptian pounds equal U.S.$1; 2002 average). The Central Bank was created in 1961, when all the country's private banks were nationalized. Several specialized state-owned banks were also set up. Foreign banks were allowed to reenter the county as joint ventures with Egyptian investors in 1974 after having been forced to leave during the nationalization period. In the late 1990s the government planned to privatize one of Egypt's four giant state banks, which account for about 70 percent of total deposits. More than 80 domestic and foreign banks operate in the country.

Egypt circulates the pound as currency. One pound is equivalent to 100 piastres.
1 US Dollar is equivalent to aproximately 3.4 Egyptian Pounds (LE). Some cash can be converted directly at the airport. There are many local banks and a Thomas Cook in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik. Also, most of the larger hotels have banks to exchange travellers cheques or advances on credit cards.

A visitor is only allowed to carry 1000 Egyptian pounds on arrival or departure.

Photography :
Egypt mild climate, clear sky and sunny weather offer photographers unique opportunities for taking superb pictures. Rare antiquities of Egyptian temples, historic monuments and museums are available to take pictures for fees. But it should be observed that it is strictly prohibited to photograph military areas, telecommunications premises or public utilities such as water, power stations and dams.

Government Offices are open daily from 8.30 am till 2.30 pm, except on Fridays and public holidays.
Banks open daily from 8.30 am till 2pm. Weekend is Friday and Saturday. Bank branches in deluxe hotels and Cairo airport are open 24 hours.

What to Pack :
We suggest to bring cotton clothes in summer and woolen clothes in winter. Also in Cairo and the main cities there are shops well stocked with super quality clothes and gear required by the visitors exhibited at reasonable prices. Egypt is well-known for its superb cotton products sold at bargain prices.