Question 1

What is the population of Egypt?

Accepted Answer

The population of Egypt is approximately 105.9M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Friends of the same sex usually shake hands and kiss each other on the right and left cheek, sometimes repeating this if they haven't seen each other for a long time. Do: Shake a woman's hand only if she extends hers first Respond to a compliment with a compliment of your own or by giving Allah's blessings Don't: Use first names unless given permission

Question 3

What are the dining customs in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Bread (unleavened) is eaten with every meal and is so important that "Aish" translates to "life." In restaurants, leaving food behind is a sign of wealth. Do: Expect bread with every meal Try tahina, a common condiment Don't: Do not offer or consume pork or alcohol, which are prohibited by the Qurán Meat is expensive and eaten only occasionally Konafah is a dessert eaten during Ramadan and for feasts Sahalab is a pre-packaged spice drink sold in powder form

Question 4

What etiquette should I know when visiting in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Visiting regularly signals the importance of a relationship, and hospitality follows careful customs around gifts and religious respect. Do: Pass and receive gifts with both hands or the right hand only Remove your shoes before entering a mosque Wear clothing covering the entire body in a mosque Don't: Do not give or receive with the left hand Do not give alcohol as a gift to Muslims Do not stay away for long periods, which signals the relationship is insignificant

Question 5

How should I dress in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Dress standards are modest and traditional; traditional women cover their hair and bodies except the face and hands, while men wear modest clothing. Do: Dress modestly and traditionally Modest Western-style clothing is popular in large cities A beard can signal religious faith or membership in certain political organizations

Question 6

What gestures are considered rude in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Certain gestures and physical contact are impolite, particularly involving feet, pointing, and touching between men and women. Don't: Do not point the bottom of your foot at another person Do not point at a person Do not walk in front of someone praying A man should not touch a woman in public Very good friends of the same sex may walk hand in hand in public Do not walk arm in arm unless married or engaged

Question 7

What is family life like in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Family is central: extended families often live together, children support parents in old age, and close ties are strongly maintained. Cousins are often as close as siblings Children are expected to support parents in old age rather than use rest homes Parents often play a key role in planning children's future, including profession and choice of spouse A girl may be protected and accompanied in public by her brothers

Question 8

What do Egyptians do for fun?

Accepted Answer

Socializing is the main form of recreation, including visiting bazaars, drinking tea or coffee, and enjoying sports and films. Coffeehouses are large, noisy places with lively discussions and arguments Soccer is the most popular sport Films and TV soap operas are popular entertainment People enjoy reciting poetry or singing folk songs

Question 9

What is the capital of Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of the country. Situated along the banks of the Nile River in the northeast of the country, it is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Arab world. Cairo's history stretches back over a millennium, and the city sits in close proximity to the ancient sites of Giza, including the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx, making it a nexus where ancient history and modern urban life converge.

Question 10

Where is Egypt located?

Accepted Answer

Egypt is located in northeastern Africa, though its Sinai Peninsula extends into southwestern Asia, making it a transcontinental country. It occupies the northeastern corner of the African continent and borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. This strategic position has made Egypt a crossroads of civilizations for millennia and, following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, one of the world's most important transportation corridors linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.

Question 11

What countries border Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Egypt shares land borders with four countries: Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Israel to the northeast, and the Gaza Strip (Palestinian territory) to the northeast. To the north, Egypt is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, while the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coast lie to the east. This position at the junction of Africa and Asia has historically given Egypt an outsized role in regional trade, diplomacy, and military affairs.

Question 12

What is the main religion practiced in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, practiced by approximately 94% of the population, the vast majority of whom are Sunni Muslims. Coptic Christianity, one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world, is practiced by roughly 6% of Egyptians and represents a faith with roots in the country dating back to the 1st century CE. Islam was introduced to Egypt by Arab rulers in the 7th century and has deeply shaped the country's language, law, architecture, and cultural calendar, including the widely celebrated month of Ramadan.

Question 13

What currency is used in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Egypt's official currency is the Egyptian pound, with the ISO currency code EGP. The pound is subdivided into 100 piastres and is issued by the Central Bank of Egypt. The Egyptian pound has experienced significant fluctuations in recent decades, particularly during periods of economic reform, and the government has at various times maintained managed exchange rate policies. Foreign visitors will find currency exchange facilities widely available in major cities, airports, and hotels.

Question 14

What language is spoken in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, with Egyptian Arabic — a distinct and widely recognized dialect — serving as the everyday spoken vernacular. Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal contexts, government, and media. English and French are widely understood among educated Egyptians and are commonly encountered in business, tourism, and higher education. Egypt's Arabic dialect holds particular cultural influence across the Arab world, largely due to the country's prolific film, television, and music industries.

Question 15

What is Egypt known for?

Accepted Answer

Egypt is internationally renowned for its ancient monuments, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II around 1257 BCE. The discovery of Tutankhamun's intact tomb — containing a golden face mask, thrones, and elaborate jewelry — remains one of the greatest archaeological finds in history. Beyond antiquity, Egypt is known for the Suez Canal as a critical artery of global trade, for its distinctive cuisine featuring dishes such as koshari and ful medames, and for a rich tradition of humor, wordplay, and communal storytelling that flourishes especially during the month of Ramadan.

Egypt

Declare Your Relationship to Egypt

CountryReports Community

Quick Look Factsheet

Unlock the full Egypt factsheet