Population is estimated at 100 million but growing rapidly, about half live in urban areas, including the major cities of Cairo, Alexandria and others along the Nile. Egypt has been continuously inhabited since the 10th millennium BCE and its history of trade and political takeovers has ensured a rich mixture of genetic and cultural traditions.
Egypt is predominantly Sunni Muslim, an estimated 90%, with 9% Coptic Christian and 1% other denominations.
All Egyptians speak Arabic, and a small percentage speak other languages with the Arabic, such as the people of Siwa and Nubians.
Egypt is a cultural leader in the Arabic-speaking world, and heavily influences literature, music, film and television with its cultural production.
Egypt offers travel opportunities that can include your interests in culture, history, adventure, relaxation, family experiences, spirituality, and romance.
Food.
The mix of cultures and trade across this country’s history has ensured a wonderful cuisine, with many traditional favourites and contemporary twists that are seeing the ideas of “Egyptian food” changed. Foods familiar from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines appear on Egyptian menus.
You can choose from large restaurants, cafes or street food from small stalls (sometimes on wheels). Meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans can all be satisfied with variety, and while Egyptian food has become part of the offering in many countries through the familiar humus, falafel, and its famous baked sweets, you are sure to complete your visit with some new favourites.
Try: Mouloukhiya (Dark green soup), koshari, taa’meya (falafel), ful (beans), karkadeh (Hibiscus tea, hot or cold), pigeon, the excellent seafood and bbq meats. Meals will be served usually with soup, salad and or vegetables, and bread. Naturally, food in the restaurants in tourist areas is more expensive, often comparable with European prices, while the places used mostly by Egyptians can be very inexpensive.
Coffee shops are an essential part of Egyptian life, where the men gather to drink tea or coffee, smoke shesha, talk, and play board games or watch television. Women do go to the coffee shops, but you should go with company, not alone.
Hygiene
Be aware that hygiene may not be of the highest standards, depending on the place. The number of tourists that suffer from some kind of parasite or bacterial infection is significant. Despite assurances to the contrary, exercise common sense and bring appropriate medications to deal with problems.
Drink only Bottled water. It is available everywhere. The local brands (most common being Baraka, Siwa, Hayat, Dasani) are just as good as expensive imported options which are also available: Nestle Pure Life, Evian.
As a precaution, don’t eat raw vegetables or fruits that you can’t peel, and Insist that your juice be prepared fresh with bottled water.
For complete travel health information about Egypt updated daily visit the following link http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/egypt.php
Alcohol
Egypt is a majority Muslim country, so alcohol is not served everywhere. It is available in hotels, bars, nightclubs, pubs, on board the Nile cruisers and in most restaurants. You should not walk around the streets drinking alcohol, but restrict your drinking to the places where it is served.
