Egypt is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt and is located in north-eastern Africa and southwestern Asia. Cairo, the capital and largest city, is the most modern in the Middle East and Africa.It is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by Israel and the Red Sea, on the south by Sudan, and on the west by Libya. The country has a maximum length from north to south of about 1086 km (about 675 m) and a maximum width, near the southern border, of about 1255 km (about 780 m). It has a total area of about 1,001,450 sq km (about 386,662 sq m). Less than one-tenth of the land area of Egypt is settled or under cultivation, this consists of the valley and delta of the Nile, a number of desert oases, and land along the Suez Canal. More than 90 percent of the country consists of desert areas: In the west, the Libyan Desert, a part of the Sahara Desert which is also known as the Western Desert. The Libyan Desert includes a vast sandy expanse called the Great Sand Sea. Located here are several depressions with elevations below sea level, including the Qattara Depression, which has an area of about 18,000 sq km (about 7000 sq m) and reaches a depth of 133 m (436 ft) below sea level, the lowest point in Africa. Also found here are the oases of Siwa, Kharga, Baharia and Dakhla.

People:
The population is made up of mainly Moslems and Coptic Christians.  The main day of worship is Fridays, which is their weekend holiday. Government offices, Institutions, and Banks close Fridays and Saturdays.The food is varied, chicken and lamb are popular, as is rice, pasta, beans and Pita bread. Tea(Shei) is the main drink of the Egyptians, and is served frequently with mint.
Egyptians keep themselves and their homes very clean.  Cairo in particular is a 24 hour city when most stores and activities go on around the clock non-stop.Its common form of greeting to see men or women holding hands, linking arms, and embracing on the cheek with others of the same sex. This is their culture and there are no sexual overtures to it. Men and women do not show affection to each other in public.  It is acceptable to hold, or link arms with your partner in public, but that is it. To be on the safe side, and so as not to offend, it is best to follow what you see. 

Smoking:
Smoking is quite prevalent, although it is banned in all food restaurants. If you are a smoker yourself you might want to try smoking the water pipe (Shesha) in one of the many street cafes..

Alcohol:
Egyptians in general do not drink, there are severe restrictions on the purchase of alcohol. Restaurants and tourist spots do serve alcoholic drinks, and if you have purchased duty free, you may drink it in your room. However, alcohol is not readily available to purchase by the bottle, and Alcoholic drinks can be expensive. You should check the price first before ordering, so there are no surprises.. 

Crime:
Crime is low, no rape .  It is safe to walk the streets at any time of day, like all cities you should be cautious and attentive to your whereabouts.  

Tipping:
In Arabic it is called Backshish. We have 12% service charge usually included in most hotels & restaurants bills; however, you are expected to add a little extra. 

Photographs:
You will have no problem in finding beautiful scenery to take pictures, but you should avoid of military sites, and in some places there is an extra charge for cameras. 

Media & Press:
We have numerous Radio stations, some of which are multilingual for tourists and foreigners living in Egypt. Also we have many local TV channels in Arabic and one in English and French. We have various Newspapers and periodicals in Arabic & English in addition to the Satellite where you can see the news & the media of every part of the world. 

Climate
Egypt's climate is characterized by a hot season from May to September,  Summers are hot at mid-day, but cool-off at night with a constant desert breeze. The best season is from October to April when the temperature is comfortable by day and cool by night, on average 14gr C (57gr F)

Average Temperatures:  

Clothing:
Dress modestly in Cairo and off beach cities, Bathing suits should only be worn on beaches. Women should cover their arms and legs while visiting mosques. In summer, loose cotton clothing may be the most comfortable. Conservative clothing is the preferred wearing apparel

Transportation
Taxis and Limousines are widely available in all major cities in Egypt; however, there are many less expensive alternatives in most cities, e.g. Subway, Metros, Trains, and Buses. It is not advisable to use taxis in traveling between cities, as Planes, Buses, and trains are accessible for a modest fee.

Buses:
Street buses are a basic, but a cheap means of getting around. Buses between cities are of a higher standard, and have bathroom, Videos, central air-condition and a waitress service onboard for longer trips.

Trains:
On day trains it is well worth paying the extra for First Class, still very reasonably priced. The seats are comfortable, reclining, almost like flying first class on a plane. There is a trolley wait service for snacks, sandwiches and drinks.

The night sleeper trains are owned by Carlson Wagon lit and are quite comfortable. Beds are one up and one down bunk beds. Adjoining carriages are available for families. An adequate dinner and breakfast are served directly to the cabin as part of the price. Drinks with the meals are not included other than coffee with breakfast. There is a wash sink in each cabin, toilets at the end of each carriage. Luggage is stored overhead in your cabin. 

Metro:
In Cairo: Efficient, well organized, and runs to a strict timetable, well worth using if the train goes to areas where you want to travel. 

Nile Water Buses:
Fast and cheap for crossing the Nile or going to the areas covered by the bus.

Distance in Egypt: 

Train trips Times : 

Flight trips Times :