Egypt
Fascinated by the history of ancient civilizations? Then travel to the land of Egypt, which features the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Egypt is also known for its historical heritage, hospitable householders, and the Nile River Valley. Millions of tourists come to Egypt each year to visit Cairo, the biggest and busiest metropolis in Africa. There one can scuba dive in the Red Sea, visit the museums full of priceless ancient artifacts, or see the countless and varied monuments, including the impressive pyramids, obelisks, sphinxes (particularly the famous Great Sphinx), and temples. In addition, there are examples of grand Ottoman architecture, such as mosques, minarets, citadels, and palaces. The Nile River, the longest river in the world, contains many other tourist hot spots, including Luxor and Aswan, both ancient cities.
For thousands of years, Egypt was a world power, but after being conquered initially by the Persians in 341 BC, the nation has been subjected to the rule of numerous foreign powers, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and British. Egypt’s culture is a fusion of all the past empires that established themselves on its soil. In the 19th century, Egypt became an important trade thoroughfare after the construction of the Suez Canal. Today Egypt is a populous developing country and a republic.
Whether people picture themselves riding a camel across the sandy dunes or exploring an ancient pharaoh’s tomb and uncovering treasures and riches beyond their wildest dreams, Egypt is a land that inspires the imagination.
Climate
Deserts comprise much of Egypt’s landmass, and the vast majority of cities and population lie on or near the Nile River, especially the Nile River Delta. The whole country has a hot and arid climate, with even less rain south of the Delta.
Health and Safety
Travelers should take caution and stay aware of news updates, due to the high risk of terrorist attacks.
Visit the CDC’s Egypt page for updated information on health conditions in Egypt.
Religion and Festivals
Islam plays a major role in Egypt, and Egyptians are predominantly Sunni Muslims. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the second major religion, with a following of nearly 10% of the population.
Transportation
Flying to Egypt is easy, but fares are competitive. Public transportation by train or bus within Egypt is also convenient, although not always comfortable, and most destinations are on the same route. The road network is long, and portions of it are poorly maintained.
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