Verified Facts
Official NameArab Republic of Egypt
CapitalCairo
Population107.3 million
Area1,002,450 km² (387048 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic
CurrencyEgyptian pound (£)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionAfrica / Northern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Notable Achievements
| Category | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Nile River Basin Initiative | A comprehensive water management project to protect and develop the Nile River Basin, benefiting over 100 million people |
| Sports | African Cup of Nations | Egypt's national football team has won the African Cup of Nations a record seven times, with the most recent win in 2010 |
| Arts | Egyptian Film Industry | Known for producing some of the most acclaimed Arab films, including Cairo Station and The Yacoubian Building |
| Development | Suez Canal Expansion | A major infrastructure project that has increased the canal's capacity and reduced waiting times, boosting Egypt's economy |
| Innovation | Egyptian Space Program | Established in 2010, the program has launched several satellites, including EgyptSat-1 and NileSat-1 |
| Global Contributions | United Nations Peacekeeping | Egypt has been a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 3,000 troops deployed worldwide |
| Education | American University in Cairo | A leading English-language university in the region, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities |
| Environment | Red Sea Coral Reef Conservation | Efforts to protect and preserve the coral reefs in the Red Sea, which are some of the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems in the world |
Cultural Treasures
- The Pyramids of Giza, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, are a testament to Egypt's rich history and architectural achievement.
- The Valley of the Kings is a vast burial ground for pharaohs and nobles, featuring elaborate tombs and intricate artwork.
- The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, with its large dome and towering minarets.
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including King Tutankhamun's golden mask.
- The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
People & Global Impact
- Naguib Mahfouz, the Nobel Prize-winning author, is widely regarded as one of the most important Egyptian writers of the 20th century.
- The Egyptian diaspora has made significant contributions to various fields, including science, medicine, and the arts, with notable figures such as Ahmed Zewail, the first Egyptian to win a Nobel Prize.
- Malak Hifni Nasif, a pioneering feminist and writer, played a key role in the Egyptian women's rights movement in the early 20th century.
- The values of hospitality and respect for tradition are deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture, with visitors often commenting on the warm welcome they receive.
What Visitors Love
- The warm hospitality of the Egyptian people, who are known for their welcoming nature and generosity.
- The delicious cuisine, which features popular dishes such as koshari, falafel, and shawarma.
- The stunning scenery, including the Nile River, the Red Sea, and the Sinai Desert.
- The rich history and archaeological sites, including the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and the Egyptian Museum.
- The vibrant cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, which offer a unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
- The relaxed atmosphere of the Red Sea resorts, which are popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Hidden Gems
- The Siwa Oasis, a remote and picturesque town in the Western Desert, is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
- The St. Catherine's Monastery, located in the Sinai Desert, is one of the oldest continuously operating monasteries in the world and a significant center of Christian heritage.
- The Wadi el-Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vast desert valley featuring numerous fossils of ancient whales and other marine life.
- The Egyptian city of Aswan, located in the south of the country, is a charming and historic town with a rich cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings.