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ABOUT EGYPT |
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 The Egyptian Flag
The flag of Egypt consists of three equal sized horizontal stripes - the top
stripe is red; the middle one white; and the bottom stripe is black. In the
center of the Egyptian flag is an emblem of the eagle of Saladin.
The colors of the Egyptian flag are traditional Pan-Arabic colors. The red
stripe refers to the period before the 1952 revolution; which brought a group
of army officers to power after deposing King Farouk, the King of Egypt. This
period was characterized by the struggle against British occupation of the
country. The white symbolizes the revolution which ended the monarchy but
without bloodshed. The color black symbolizes the end of the oppression of the
Egyptian people at the hands of the Monarchy and British colonialism.
This version of the Egyptian flag was adopted on October 4, 1984. Modern
Egypt's first national flag was adopted when Egypt gained partial independence
from Britain on February 28, 1922. The Egyptian flag consisted of a white
crescent with three stars on a green background. Following the 1952 coup, the
Egyptian flag was replaced by the current design and since then has only seen
changes to the centre emblem.
The eagle emblem in the middle of the Egyptian flag is sometimes pictured with
different colors inside of it.
Abusing the Egyptian flag in any way is a criminal offense in Egypt and is
punishable by law - as it indicates contempt of the power of the state.
Egyptian laws also protect the abuse of foreign flags or national emblems of
other countries.
Country Name
Conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt
Conventional short form: Egypt
Local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah
Local short form: Misr
Former: United Arab Republic (with Syria )
Capital
Cairo
Geography
Egypt, the land of contrasts, has a large and varied character; the Nile with
its fertile valley, the deserts and luxurious oases. Cairo, Egypt's bustling
capital, whilst just a little further to the north, the Nile divides out a
delta to the Mediterranean Sea. This northern coast has beautiful white sandy
beaches. While in the East, there is Sinai with its desert coastal plains,
lagoons and crystal clear waters of the red sea.
Population
There are 76 million people in Egyp. 90% of which live along the banks of the
Nile.
Religion
85% of the population are Moslems and approximately 6 million people are
Christian.
Language
The official language in Egypt is Arabic. English and French are widely spoken.
Italian and German are also spoken in restaurants, hotels and many shops.
Health
Egypt is known to be free of serious diseases and illness. Drinking water is
safe. However, it's recommended to drink bottled mineral water.
Climate
Most of the year, except for the winter months; December, January and February,
it is hot and dry.
Summer temperatures range from 40' in Aswan to 32' on the Mediterranean coast.
Clothing
In summer, light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Hats and
sunglasses are advisable for protection from the hot sun, while evenings are
cooler in autumn and winter, so you may require a warm sweater or jacket. Women
should not wear revealing clothes inside or near religious places as it might
offend some people there.
Money
The official currency of Egypt is called the pound ( L.E.) and is pronounced
"El gee-ney" in Arabic. Banknotes come in denominations of 25, and 50
pt. (piaster) 1, 5, 10, 20 and 100 pounds. There are also coins, but they are
rarely found.
Visa
A visa is necessary to enter Egypt. All Egyptians consulates can provide entry
visas, which are also obtainable at most ports of entry. It is possible to
grant visas on the spot, we can, therefore upon request, arrange an entry visa
for you.
Passport
A valid passport is required for all nationalities.
Travelers Checks and credit cards
All banks in Egypt accept most types of currencies and traveler's Cheques, cash
and credit cards.
Shopping and shopping centers in Cairo
Egypt's variety of products satisfy various tastes and different levels of
income. These centers are in and around Cairo. They provide qualities which
rival international standards. Optional shopping tours can be arranged upon
request.
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