Country Guide • Egypt
Egypt is located in the north eastern corner of Africa. It is bound by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, the Red Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and Israel to the north east.
| Official Name | Arab Republic of Egypt |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,001,450km² (386,660mile²) |
| Population | 74,718,500 |
| Continent | Africa |
| Population per mile² | 193 |
| Capital City | Cairo |
| Religions | 95% Sunni Muslims, 4% Coptic Christians |
| Language | Arabic |
| Government | Republic |
| Currency | Egyptian Pound |
| GDP | $268 billion |
| GDP per Head | $3,900 |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc |
| Land Use | Arable Land 3% |
| Agriculture | Cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetableslivestock including cattle, water buffalo, sheep and goats |
| Industry | Oil and gas, metals, tourism, agriculture (especially cotton) and Suez Canal revenues |
| Tourism | Think of Egypt, and think of the pyramids and wonderful temples, the Holy Land, and many other religious monuments. Egypt also offers many adventure tours as well, including nature and desert treks, great scuba diving and even golf. Or just choose to simply relax on Egypt's wondrous Red Sea or Sinai coasts, or take in the high culture of Cairo |
| Natural Hazards | Occasional droughts, frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides, dust storms and sandstorms |
| Health Risks | Bilharzia (be aware if thinking of swimming in the Nile!) |
| Climate | The majority of Egypt has a desert climate which is hot and arid. There are two seasons, the cool winter season from November to April, and the hot summer season from May to October, although temperatures are often tempered strong offshore breezes. The period between March and June is subject to the Khamsin which is a dust laden sandstorm that blows from the Sahara in the south. There is very little rainfall and generally only along the coastline where it averages 8 inches per year. Average temperature ranges in Cairo are from 8 to 18°C in January to 21 to 36°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC+2 hours |
| National Days | Anniversary of Revolution 23 July |
| Visas | All visitors to Egypt are required to have a visa and a passport valid for six months. Visas can be arranged through Egyptian embassies worldwide |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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