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| With an estimated 82 million inhabitants, Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa. About half of Egypt's residents live in urban areas. |
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Egypt is bordered by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south and by the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. The total area is about 1,010,000 square kilometers (390,000 sq. miles) out of which ca. 96% is desert with only about 4% (40,000 sq. km. or 15,000 sq. miles) of the total area for for human and animal habitation. These fertile areas, with the exception of a few oases in the desert, are to be found in the upper and lower Nile delta . This is also where most of Egypt's cities and attractions are to be found.
Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the worlds most famousmonuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. Luxor on the western banks of the Nile in Upper Egypt is another famous destination, as this is the site of the majority of the most impressive monuments. Luxor was the capital and religious center of the pharaohs for a long time. Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings . |
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Egypt offers much more than old monuments. The Red Sea has a wide choice of dream beaches for swimming and excellent diving. Egypt's coast on the Red Sea provides the best and most beautiful coral reefs in the northern hemisphere. There are diving clubs in every beach resort. The Red Sea resorts at Sinai peninsula includes Dahab, Hurghada and Shar el Sheikh. Egypt also offers desert treks, towns and cities including Alexandria , one of the greatest ancient cities, Aswan, Asyut and Cairo , the modern capital, with great museums. Also you could visit the Suez Canal, that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indien Ocean, or you could take a leisurely float down the Nile on a luxurious river boat.
The climate is generally dry, with very hot summers and moderate winters. Temperatures average between 27 C (80 f) and 32 C (90 F) in summer and up to 43 C (109 F) on the Red Sea Coast. November through March are definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt . Not much rain falls in Egypt except on the northern Mediterranean coast in the winter months. South of Cairo, rainfall averages only about 2 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in.) per year and at intervals of many years.
A tourist visa is required by most foreign tourists and can be obtained from any Egyptian Consulate or on arrival. Tourist visas are valid for 1 month's duration and may be extended at the Egyptian Passport and Emigration Offices. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Please check with the Egyptian consulate in your country for further information on entry requirements.
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Map of Africa |
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