All about Egypt

	geographical area Almost 1 million square kilometres. Most of the country is desert or semi-desert and 99% of the population lives in the fertile Nile Valley or Delta, which is just 4 - 6% of the total surface area of the country.
	capital Cairo. Almost a third of the population (approx. 23 million) reside in the capital and outer lying suburbs.
	population Approximately 70 million people (the most populous country in the Arab world).
	people 99% are Egyptians, Bedouins and Berbers. The remaining 1% are Nubians, Armenians and other Europeans (mostly Italian and French).
	language Arabic is the official language, though English and French are widely spoken in major towns and tourist centres.
	system of government Presidential Republic with a democracy.
	currency Egyptian Pounds (E£, EGP or LE). LE£1 consists of 100 Piastres. Exchange rate is subject to fluctuation Egypt - GBP £1 = LE £10.56 USD $1 = LE £5.35
	religion Egypt is an Islamic country with 90% of the population Sunni Muslims. The remaining 10% are Coptic Christians and followers of other faiths.
	TIME Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving time (+3 hours) is observed from 1 May to 30 September.
	trading hours 0900 - 1300hrs and 1700 - 2200hrs in summer and 1000 - 1800 hrs in the winter, often with a long break in the afternoon. Many shops are closed on Friday and Sunday and hours may change during Ramadan.
	festivals Christmas The Coptic Christmas celebrated on the 7th January. The Coptics believe this day to be birthday of Christ. People enjoy a mass gathering at midnight and enjoy a traditional cuisine of festival known as "fata". Pharaonic Wedding This festival is the symbol of ancient civilization of Egypt and is celebrated in the month of November. This festival is considered a lucky day for marriages so at this time couples visit Karnak Temple in Luxor and get married there. Abu Simbel Sun Festival This Festival of Egypt is associated with the ancient temple of Egypt-Abu Simbel and highlights the ancient traditional rituals of Egypt. This festival is held on 22nd February. Ramadan One most major events in Egypt is Ramadan. People fast when the sun in the sky, but as a westerner you will be able to eat and restaurants and shops will still sell food. Opening hours can be altered but you will still be able see everything. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over Egypt as well as in other Muslim countries also and you will see lots of decorations and lights in the street at this time. It lasts for about a month and the precise date varies from year to year but tends to be around the September/October time.

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