Egypt
Subregion: Northern Africa
Egypt is a country located in Northern Africa. The Capital City is Cairo. The government is a Unitary semi-presidential republic. The common languages of the country are Arabic. The predominant religion is Islam. Egypt has both a private and public Healthcare system. There are many different public and private providers and facilities.
Safety:
Egypt is generally a safe country to visit, and millions of tourists visit the country every year without incident. However, like any destination, Egypt has its share of safety concerns that travelers should be aware of. There have been occasional terrorist attacks in Egypt in recent years, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. Travel to the Sinai peninsula is extremely dangerous and restricted by the government. The government has been working to improve security in the region, but travelers should exercise caution and stay informed of any developments. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is not uncommon in Egypt, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist sites. Travelers should keep their belongings close and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. Travelers to Egypt should be aware of potential health risks, such as food and waterborne illnesses, heat stroke, and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. It's important to take necessary precautions and consult with a healthcare provider before traveling to Egypt. Egypt's roads can be dangerous due to reckless driving, poor infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Travelers should exercise caution when driving or taking public transportation. Political demonstrations and protests can occur in Egypt, and they have occasionally turned violent. Travelers should avoid large gatherings and stay informed of any developments. Egypt is a country with a high rate of road accidents and safety concerns, especially in urban areas. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in Egypt. Many of Egypt's roads are poorly maintained, with inadequate lighting and signage. Many drivers in Egypt drive aggressively, speed, and ignore traffic signals. Traffic laws are not consistently enforced, and drivers who break the rules often go unpunished. Pedestrians are also at risk in Egypt, as many drivers do not yield to pedestrians and there are often no designated crosswalks. It is recommended to use reputable taxi companies, especially at night, and to avoid using motorcycles or scooters due to the high risk of accidents.
Cultural Customs:
Egypt is a country with a rich history and cultural traditions that have been shaped by its ancient civilization, Islamic religion, and modern-day influences. Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, and it heavily influences the country's culture and customs. The call to prayer is heard throughout the day, and mosques are an important part of Egyptian architecture and social life. The family is highly valued in Egyptian culture, and it is common for multiple generations to live together in the same household. The eldest male is typically the head of the household, and family members are expected to show respect and obedience to their elders. Egyptian cuisine is known for its use of herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garlic. Some popular dishes include koshari (a mixture of rice, lentils, and macaroni), ful medames (fava beans), and mahshi (stuffed vegetables). Most locals eat their meals sitting on the floor with the food on a low table. Everyone is served out of a communal serving bowl. Traditional Egyptian clothing for men includes the galabeya (a long, loose-fitting garment) and the shalwar kameez (a tunic and trousers). For women, the hijab (headscarf) is commonly worn, along with a long dress or skirt. Women should be dressed modestly in garments that cover from shoulders to below the knee. Islamic holidays are strictly observed in Egypt, including Ramadan (a month of fasting) and Eid al-Fitr (a three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan). Other holidays include Coptic Christmas and Easter, as well as secular holidays such as Revolution Day and Independence Day. Egypt is famous for its ancient pyramids, temples, and monuments, which are some of the world's greatest architectural achievements. Traditional Egyptian art often features hieroglyphics, geometric patterns, and scenes from everyday life. Egyptian music and dance are an important part of the country's cultural heritage. The traditional music features instruments such as the oud (a stringed instrument), the tabla (a type of drum), and the qanun (a type of harp). Belly dancing is also a popular form of dance in Egypt. Alcohol is not widely consumed but there are bars in larger cities however, they don’t generally serve women that are unaccompanied.
Geography & Weather:
Egypt’s climate is desert.
In the city of Cairo, which is on the north coast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 49 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 57 degrees F and August being the hottest month with a median temperature of 82 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area as they average only 2 inches of rain per year. The sun shines all year round.
In Luxor, which is in the middle of the country, the average temperature ranges from 45 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 58 degrees F and August is the hottest month with a median temperature of 92 degrees F. There isn’t a rainy season in this area. Central Egypt is one of the sunniest places in the world, the sun is out 10-12 hours a day, all year round.
Economy:
Egypt has the third-largest economy in Africa, after Nigeria and South Africa, and it is one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. Despite this, Egypt has struggled with high levels of unemployment and poverty. As of 2021, Egypt's unemployment rate was around 7.4%, according to the World Bank. However, this figure only takes into account those who are actively seeking employment and does not include those who have given up looking for work or who are underemployed. The actual unemployment rate may be much higher. One of the main challenges facing Egypt's economy is the large number of young people who are entering the job market each year. This has put pressure on the government to create more jobs and provide opportunities for young people. In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at boosting employment, including programs to encourage entrepreneurship and small business development. Another challenge for Egypt's economy is its reliance on a few key sectors, such as tourism and agriculture. These sectors have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a significant drop in tourism revenues and disrupted global supply chains for agriculture. To address these challenges, Egypt's government is working to diversify the economy by investing in other sectors, such as manufacturing and technology. The government has also implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment. Overall, while Egypt's economy has made significant progress in recent years, there is still much work to be done to address high levels of unemployment and promote sustainable growth.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
EGP 1.00 = USD .064
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
102,334,404
Median Age:
24.6
Life Expectancy:
72.54
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 30 day (available on arrival at airport) $25
Multiple entry Visa $60
*Electronic Visas are available for US Citizens prior to arrival*
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Egyptian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Egypt for at least ten consecutive years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities, have no criminal convictions, and is at least 21 years of age. The person must also prove competency in Arabic.
Citizenship by investment is available for wealthy individuals that are looking to invest 250k USD or more.
Residency Requirements:
A temporary residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into Egypt as expats. You must have your 90 day tourist visa and apply in English and Arabic at the local police station. This visa is good for 1, 3 or 5 years.
Resources:
Egyptian Citizenship by Investment
Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Expats in Egypt Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Cairo
Consular Section
5 Tawfik Diab Street
Garden City, Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472
Email: ConsularCairoACS@state.gov