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Africa > Egypt > Introduction
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Y P T |
Pharaohs, pyramids,
papyrus and the PtolemiesEgypt has seen them all and morethis makes it one of
the most exciting destinations in Africa. The legacy of a 6000-year old history is worn
like a proud badge by this country, which boasts some of the most spectacular
archaeological treasures existing in the world todayfrom the sphinx at Giza to the
marvels of Tutankhamens tomb. It is truly a land where the monument building
instincts of man seem to have been on permanent overdrive!
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Nature too, has been
more than generous here, from the life giving Nile to the brilliant Red Sea coral reefs.
For this combination of manmade and natural beauty, Egypt has stirred the imagination of
travellers from all over the worldfrom Alexander the Great and the vandalizing
Romans to the plundering tomb-raiders who arrived at the turn of this century from Europe.
Through all these invasions, Egyptian culture has not only survived, but flourished -a
testament of its inner vitality and resilience. |
Today,
Egypt is a country of contrasts, from its chaotic and over-populated cities to the vast
deserts holding ancient secrets in their wombs. |
F A C
T B O X |
| Full Name |
Arab Republic of Egypt |
| Area |
997,738 sq km |
| Population |
76 million |
| Capital City |
Cairo |
| People |
Hamito-Semitic (including the Berbers), Bedouin Arabs, Nubians (Cushitic) |
| Official Languages |
Arabic. English and French also spoken |
| Religion |
Official-Sunni Muslim, Coptic Christian |
| Government |
Multiparty Republic headed by a President |
Head of State |
President Hosni Mubarak |
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