The Western Desert: about 68 percent of the country's total territory. It extends from the Nile Valley to the Libyan borders, and from the Mediterranean coast to the Sudan.

Language

Arabic is Egypt's official language. However, most Egyptians understand and speak English and French. In larger towns, the foreign visitors will encounter no difficulty in communicating with the people.

Religion

Approximately 85 percent of the population of Egypt is Moslems. Most of the balance, about 10 million, are Christian Orthodox who belong to the Coptic Church. In most cities in Egypt, mosques and churches can be found next to each other. There are also some synagogues since a small Jewish community still lives in Egypt.

Weather

Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons to visit Egypt when mild weather prevails; temperatures vary between 60 and 80 Fahrenheit. Evenings are cool. During April, an occasional hot sand wind blows which can make sightseeing less enjoyable. The summer months are hot, 80 - 105; however, the air is dry and humidity low. In Alexandria, on the Mediterranean, the months of December through February are rainy and cold. October to April represents the best time, with water temperatures of 60 to 70 F.

Summer:       21 Jun –  21 Sep

Autumn:        21 Sep – 21 Dec

Winter:         21 Dec – 21 Mar

Spring:          21 Mar – 21 Jun

Economy

Before the 1952 revolution, Egypt's economy depended mainly on agriculture. Since then, however, the country has developed its other natural resources, and at present Egypt exports oil, finished textiles, canned food, cars, and the Suez Canal is considered an important source of revenue as an average of 70 ships cross it daily and pay fees. . Tourism is a main part of the economy. In an effort to increase its cultivable land, the country is using new irrigation methods, and in parts of the desert new cities have been built.

Agriculture

The high fertility of the soil in the Nile Valley enables Egypt to grow many agricultural products, especially rice, vegetables, onion, sugar cane and fruit. Furthermore, Egypt is one of the world's main producers and exporters of long staple cotton.

Education

Education in Egypt from primary school up till university is provided free to all Egyptians. The education system is composed of four stages - primary, preparatory, secondary, and university. Primary education is mandatory and is extended to children between the ages of six and twelve.

Currency

The basic unit of currency is the Egyptian pound divided into 100 piasters. Banknotes: 25, 50 (piasters), 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 (Egyptian pounds). Silver coins: 5, 10, 20 piasters. Fluctuating exchange rate stands now approximately at one U.S. $ = 5.2 Egyptian pounds Euro = 7.9 Egyptian pounds.

You must have one of the following to enter Egypt: a passport valid six months beyond your stay in Egypt; a Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations to Palestinians, refugees and stateless persons or a seaman book (excluding Taiwan). Exclusions include seaman books issued by Taiwan, or not valid for Egypt; nationals of South Africa (excluding students attending Egyptian Universities); and nationals of Libya, unless married to an Egyptian.