Egypt Civilization

Egypt Tourist Information.

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Welcome to Egypt

Egypt, located in the northeast of Africa, is one of the world's top tourist destinations. The heritage of the ancient Egyptian civilization is visible throughout the country. Egypt is mostly a desert, an extension of the Sahara Desert.

When to Go/Climate:

the climate is very dry and hot. July and August are the hottest months, traveling in these months is not recommended. The best time to travel to Egypt is in winter, from November through February. Spring and fall are ok, too. During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the Ramadan, some restaurants may be closed during the day, and transports may be less frequent.

Get in:

The capital of Egypt, Cairo is the main gateway to Egypt, its airport is called Cairo International Airport (CAI). The country's main tourist destinations have international airports as well. Many charters fly to Egypt during the high season. Note that tourists from certain countries may need to apply for a Tourist Visa.

Get around:

The best way to travel around is by train (always buy First Class tickets), bus and boat (on a Nile Cruise).

Money and Costs:

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (E£), but many tourist services accept American Dollars and Euros. Accommodation, food and transport are cheap, but admission fees to the country's main tourist attractions are expensive. A valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) will reduce your costs. A service tip of 5-10% is expected.

Length of stay:

if you want to visit Egypt's main tourist destinations, you will need three or four weeks.

Languages/People:

75 million people live in Egypt. People are friendly and open. Arabic is the local language, and although English is widely spoken in tourist businesses, most local people are unable to have a fluent conversation in English.

Food:

Egypt's cuisine is very tasty. Some of the local dishes are the Ful Medames, fava beans partially mashed with olive oil, accompanied by pita bread; the falafel, fried bean balls, served as fast food; and Koshary, macaroni lentils, rice chickpeas with tomato sauce. In Egypt you will also find all major international fast food chains. The possibility of a parasite or a bacterial infection is high, it is recommended to bring medication.

Bellow these lines you will find a short description of Egypt's main tourist attractions. I hope you enjoy my virtual presentations. Enjoy

the new bibliotheca alexandrina

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The city of Alexandria is worldwide known for two reasons: the lighthouse and the library. Nothing remains today of these wonders of the ancient times, though.

In 295 b.c, the Egyptian ruler Ptolemy I commissioned the construction of thegreat library of Alexandria. In the following years, local scientists traveled through the region to purchase books for the library. In times of Ptolemy III some of the more important books in the world were copied. The library also held originals of Aeschylus, Euripedes and Sophocles, and most probably the largest Greek collection, the library of Aristotle. The ancient library had 500,000 scrolls. All human knowledge was stored here, but its more important role was as a center for scientists and philosophers.

Archimedes invented here the pump still in use today and known as archimedes' screw. Euclid wrote "Elements" (the base of the Euclidean geometry) and "optics" (a treatise of geometrical optics). Other famous scholars of this library isolated the function of the heart, calculated the circumference of the earth and came up with the concept of leap year.

In 48 b.c. The library, and at least 40,000 scrolls, burned when Julius Caesar attacked the harbor. 2,000 years later, after 10 years of planning, a new library stands in Corniche, near Silsila. At least 4 million titles and several multimedia resources will be stored here. The new bibliotheca Alexandrina also aims to attract international scholars.

In the photo you can see the $200 million new Bibliotheca Alexandria.

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt

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Welcome to Alexandria! Alexandria (Iskendariyya, in Arabic) is the second largest city in Egypt. It is located in the Mediterranean coast and it is one of the most mythical cities in this country. Unfortunately not much remains today of this city's golden ages. Most of the ruins are under the current buildings or under the water.

The city was founded by Alexander the great in 331 BC. A few years later the legendary lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the world, was constructed. Some centuries later the city was governed by Cleopatra. In this city took place the stormy relationship between this queen and Julius Cesar and Mark Anthony of Rome. In the following centuries the city declined and in the 19th century it became a small fishing village. In the 20th century the city recovered part of its lost splendor. At the beginning of the 21st century the city has almost five million inhabitants and it is attracting many tourists thanks to its long history, its nice beaches and the new works under construction. The most important of these works is the new library.

If you want to learn more about this beautiful city, known as "the pearl of the Mediterranean", and see some of its most wonderful sites, this Photographic Tour is for you.

Alexandria, the mosque of Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi

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The mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas is the biggest and most wonderful mosque in Alexandria. The mosque was originally built in 1775. In 1943 the four domes and a minaret were added. Inside the mosque there is a colonnade and eight granite columns.

Most of the mosques in Alexandria can be visited by tourists. Visitors are required to dress modestly and women must cover their heads with a headscarf. Women are not allowed in the mosque of Mursi Abul Abbas' main room, they can only visit one of the side rooms. Visitors have to make a donation and leave the shoes at the entrance.

Alexandria, Roman Amphitheater

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The Roman theater was, in Ptolemaic times, in the park of Pan, a pleasure garden. It was used for musical performances, and sometimes also for wrestling contests. Materials for its constructions were brought form all over the world: marble from Asia Minor, red granite from Aswan and white marble from Europe.

To the North of the theater archeologistsare working on the remains of the Roman baths and houses. This area is closed to tourists, but you can see part of the arches and walls from here.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

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The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the first stops on most people's itineraries when traveling to Egypt. With over 120,000 artifacts, the museum houses an incredible display depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. You can enjoy mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewelry and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures. King Tut's goodies include his socks, underwear and the boy-king's death-mask made of solid gold, described as the most beautiful object ever made. The displays are not all labeled very well and it's a little haphazard but you'll enjoy it nevertheless.

The museum is open from 9am - 5pm daily. For more information on exhibits and virtual tours visit the Egyptian museum web site.For more information about visiting Cairo see my travel guide to Cairo.

Note: If you can't make it all the way to Cairo but you're interested in seeing some of Tutankhamun's treasures, an exhibit is currently on display at the de Young Museum in San Francisco: "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs ". It will open in New York on April 23, 2010.

Top 10 Picks for Hotels in Cairo

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My top 10 picks for best hotels in Cairo (Egypt) include luxury, mid-range and budget options. This list of Cairo's best hotels have been chosen based on their value, location and style. You'll find Cairo's best boutique hotels as well as those offering the cleanest dorms. The most expensive hotels start at the top of the list.Budget hotels can be found further down. The cheaper the hotel, the more likely you'll be asked to join a tour. But that's a good idea in Cairo.Cairo hotel rates fluctuate (per season and exchange rate) so please check with the hotel directly, or a booking engine for the most current price.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nila Plaza

With views of the Citadel and the Nile, this Four Seasons Hotel gets top ratings. It's certainly a luxurious place to stay. You can have dim sum overlooking the feluccas sailing down the Nile, or enjoy a glass of wine by any of the three pools and cool off from a dusty day of sightseeing. Rooms are large, modern and well appointed. Staff is very attentive and welcoming which is especially nice if you're traveling with children. Shopping is close by at upscale malls and of course the souks. There are no less than 8 restaurants in the hotel, so no need to navigate the noisy streets of Cairo looking for a suitable dining spot.Rates: From $ 400 per roomReviews: Tripadvisor

Mena House Oberoi, Giza

The Mena House is a palatial, luxury hotel, very close to the Pyramids and surrounded by 40 acres of gardens. The Mena House is more than 100 years old and has seen its fair share of royalty and famous clientele. The decor is sumptuous, lots of antiques and hand crafted furniture. If you like modern, clean lines, you may feel a bit claustrophobic. There's a golf course, swimming pool, and several restaurants, (the Indian one is great), but you'll be paying top dollar for food and drinks. Service from staff is generally excellent, but the Internet service is expensive. You will have to take a taxi to get to Cairo's other sights.Rates: Start at $ 220 for a double room.Reviews: Tripadvisor

Cairo Marriott, Zamalek

The Cairo Marriott is a large, 20 story hotel located in one of the nicest suburbs of Cairo, Zamalek. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile and was originally a palace, built in 1869. The hotel is modern, light and bright with over a 1000 rooms; not exactly intimate. There are several restaurants to choose from, but this is also a good neighborhood to explore alternative dining options. It's a good choice for business travelers as well as tourists with children. The hotel has a casino attached to it, shopping center, a large outdoor (and indoor) pool and well-maintained gardens. Breakfast is generous and included in the room rate.Rates: Start at $ 190 per night for a doubleReviews: Tripadvisor

Talisman Hotel de Charme, Central Cairo

The Talisman is a boutique hotel with 24 charming rooms. Each room is unique, tastefully furnished and decorated with antiques. If you want to be in the heart of Cairo, a 20 minute walk to the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo and the bazaars, this is a great option. Breakfast is included as is free internet service. The hotel has a tour company that offers tours at reasonable prices, but they won't push you to use them. The hotel is on the 4th floor of a traditional building on a small street (so quieter), lined with local shops. Perfect if you want to enjoy Egypt rather than escape it by staying at a resort. Rooms have TV, mini fridge and large bathrooms.Rates: From $ 130 per night (flexible)Reviews: Tripadvsior

Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel, Giza

Le Meridien is the largest hotel located in Giza, close to the Pyramids. It's really a luxury resort, with swimming pools, tennis courts, sauna, themed restaurants, a shopping arcade and more.You don't have to leave the property except to take a tour or taxi to see Cairo's many sights. It's perfect for families with children and tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday Cairo. The Pyramids can be seen from anywhere on the property including the swim-up bar. Service is excellent, the restaurants get good reviews as well. Book a room with a view of the Pyramids.Rates: From $ 120 per double room.Reviews: Tripadvisor and VirtualTourist

Hotel Longchamps, Zamalek

Hotel Longchamps is a favorite mid-range hotel with those who know Cairo well and return often. The hotel is in Zamalek, a nice upper-class, leafy suburb situated on an island in the Nile River. It's close to central Cairo and just a few blocks away from the river banks. There are 30 rooms, all have AC, TV, a sitting area and internet access. Breakfast is included and internet service is free.The hotel has a modern feel to it, with nice antiques scattered throughout. There's a small restaurant that serves breakfast (included), lunch and dinner; you can enjoy drinks in the garden terrace.Rates: Start at $ 54 per night for a single roomReviews: Tripadvisor Booking: Direct with the hotel

Windsor Hotel, Central Cairo

The Windsor is a lovely mid-range hotel in central Cairo filled with period charm. The hotel was originally built in 1899 as the Royal Baths and later used as a British Officers Club during the second world war. The bar is still fully functional (with original decor) and a great place to have a cool beer at the end of a hot day. The hotel is within walking distance to all the major sights in Central Cairo like the Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Railway Station and bazaars, as well as the metro line (a safe and quick way to get around). There are 55 rooms in the hotel with period furnishings and high ceilings.Staff are attentive and honest.Rates: Start at $ 37 for a single room

Isis Hotel

The Isis hotel is a nice, clean, budget hotel in central Cairo close to Midan Talaat Harb. Its location on the 15th floor gets you away from the heat and noise of the city. It also allows for some nice Nile views. It's very close to the Egyptian Museum, handy since you want to visit at least a couple of times to see everything. You certainly get value for money, rooms are large and most come with private bathroom and TV. The hotel offers some good value tours but you are not obliged to take them. Staff is very friendly and helpful.Rates: Start at $ 20 for a shared bathroom, $ 30 for private bathroom per night.Reviews: TripAdvisor

Paris Hotel, Central Cairo

The Paris hotel is a hostel with charm. It gets rave reviews for its friendly staff, clean rooms, and excellent location (under 10 minute walk to the Egyptian Museum). Hotel rates do not include breakfast. There are 20 beds available, some in a dorm, some as a triple or double room. There's free internet access, rooms have AC (not the dorm), and a small common library. The tourist oriented (but Egyptian cuisine) Felfela restaurant is right below the hotel, handy for a packed lunch or quick dinner.Rates: Start at $ 17 per person per nightUser Reviews: Tripadvisor; Hostel WorldBooking: Make a reservation through Hostel World

Hostel Brothers, Central Cairo

Hostel Brothers is quickly making a name for itself as a very affordable, clean, safe and relaxed place to stay in the heart of bustling Cairo. They offer free pick up from the airport as well as free shuttle buses to see the Pyramids. There's free internet service, AC and breakfast included in the price. It's very close to the Egyptian Museum and the Nile. You can also take Arabic lessons, organize a reasonably priced tour of Egypt and of course meet like-minded travelers from all over the globe.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE WEST BANK Luxor (ancient Thebes)

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The West Bank of Luxor is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. And 'much of what we call the Valley of the Kings, though many have called the whole area by that name. In fact, manygood books on the west bank of Luxor (ancient Thebes) are titled,"Valley of the Kings ", although they cover the entire area. It can be abit 'confusing for the novice, especially considering the actualconceptual scope of the religious conception. If you look only at theValley of the Kings, you see only the tombs, but the tombs were an integral part of larger mortuary complexes. In fact, the entire west bank is honeycombed with tombs, not only of the ancient Egyptian kings, but their families and nobles who served them.

MORE PLACES IN THE REGION OF HURGHADA2

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Soma Bay:

Soma Bay lies approximately 45 km south of Hurghada on a 10 million sqm peninsula. Soma Bay houses altogether 4 hotel resorts, a top-class 18-hole golf course, which was designed by the golf legend Gary Player. As a result of the available black sand a spa & thalassic therapy centre has been opened. For snorkel fans and those who want to be, there is a breathtaking house reef which lies directly ‘in front of your door’.

Safaga:

Safaga is a seaport and an attractive tourist destination. It is located 60 km south of Hurghada and has fine sandy beaches of approximately 60 km in length. The place is among Egypt's most important health resorts due to the black sand, which contains a healthy share of Uranium. This sand is the basic substance for the treatment of many skin illnesses, especially psoriasis. The air quality in Safaga is very high-quality, because the place lies directly on the red sea and is surrounded by mountains. The foundation of the city dates back to the year 1911, this happened at the same time with the discovery of phosphates in this area. Two small villages are in the vicinity of Safaga. The El Nasr village, it is located on the kilometer 85 of Safaga-Kena Street and is the home of the original desert inhabitants. Umm-Elhoitat is the name of the second village. It is situated 26 km south-western from Safaga, directly beside the phosphate mines.
The name Safaga first became known after an international meeting took place there in June 1995, in its framework the outstanding natural cure results of the scientific and medical experts became known world-wide.

MORE PLACES IN THE REGION OF HURGHADA

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El Gouna:

El Gouna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Red Sea and it is unlikely that El Gouna is only a good ten years old. At first it was just a fantastic idea to Egyptian businessman Samieh Sawieras to found a city man-made, on the banks of the Red Sea.The realization of this ambitious project started with the construction of a unique hotel with a capacity of 200 rooms in the middle of the desert, about 22 km north of Hurghada, in 1996.
Today there is a well-working infrastructure, excellent road network from a large hotel and golf facilities, the location also has its own small airport. With its comfortable or luxurious hotels, which leaves nothing to be desired. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the 18 hole golf course.

Sahle Hasheish:
The name sounds strange, but it contains a true nucleus. For several decades, the rumors were afloat that most drugs have been landed illegally on the route in this hidden corner. The site is located about 18 km south of Hurghada and is among the latest big tourism projects on the Red Sea. A "mini-city", is constructed with 6 hotel resorts, which will be officially launched at the end of 2007, some are already in operation. A multiplex cinema and a central location, vibrant downtown that are ideal for creating a pleasant holiday. One of the attractions is a massive deck, which juts 250 feet into the sea and will be completed shortly.

Makadi Bay:
Makadi Bay is located about 30 km south of Hurghada. This is also a place, which only in recent years has really started to take hold. Makadi Bay is built on a romantic bay and includes 15 hotel resorts. In order to create a more lively Hurghada, the developer built a small town with a bank, the Oriental Café, supermarket, and among other things, a pharmacy. The coral reef and the beautiful trail along the walk through the hotel facilities are the most important features.

Egypt Tours - Have You Thought About a Trip

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Egypt tours are a great chance to experience everything Egypt has to offer. You can assemble your own tour, or use a prepackaged tour that makes everything easy.
Egypt tours that have been prearranged for you will allow you to experience all of Ancient Egypt’s monuments and temples, as well as today’s cities and recreational activities. However, you won’t have to worry about organizing the whole tour yourself. Discounts are available on tours, too - you might even be able to visit some locations free of charge.
Why Choose Packaged Egypt Tours?
- Planning a trip on your own can be fairly expensive. A package tour may be less expensive than ordinary plane tickets, and will probably include your airfare.
- Tours also save time. There’s no need to waste time trying to figure out the best places to visit - they’ve all been selected for you.
- Traveling as part of a group allows you to feel safe. You’ll be surrounded by people just like you, and are less likely to feel isolated.
- Having a guide can really help. Most guides speak a variety of languages, and will help you find anything you need. They can also help you learn a lot more about the country.
- Organized trips make shopping and sightseeing simple. You’ll be able to find everything, because the tour guide will take you to every location - there’s no danger of getting lost.

What You Can Expect From Egypt Tours
Most tours in Egypt are what is called a classic tour. They last for a week or two and include a number of standard locations. Most of them begin and end in Cairo, and you can expect to see a number of sights there.
The Sphinx, Pyramids, bazaars, and Egyptian Museum are common stops while you’re in Cairo, but they’re not all the city and it’s surroundings have to offer. Fortunately, there are often sightseeing opportunities on both ends of your trip.
After Cairo, most tours head to Luxor. This location offers some of Egypt’s most incredible archaeological treasures. You’ll see the Temple at Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings here. However, you should pay attention to how you travel.
Egypt tours vary in how they transport people from Cairo to Luxor. Some will offer a trip by plane. This is the fastest option, but also the most expensive. Buses are a more common choice, but be sure that they’re air conditioned! Other tours will use rail transport.
After Luxor, you’ll probably take a Nile cruise. Usually lasting three to four nights, these cruises are best between October and April. However, there are a few one day cruises for people who have very little time.
Nile cruises generally feature trips to locations like Kom Obo, Esna, Edfu and end in Aswan. Most tours travel up the river, heading south, but a few start in Aswan and travel down the river to the north.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be able to view many of Egypt’s wonderful antiquities and architectural marvels. Many ships also offer entertainment at night.
If you’re on a longer tour, a trip to Abu Simbel may also be included. This is one of Egypt’s best attractions - its temples shouldn’t be missed!
If you’d like to go to Abu Simbel, you’ll have to head from Aswan to that location via plane, bus, or taxi. If you take the bus, the journey will last about three hours.
Don’t be surprised if the buses travel in a convoy. This is to make sure that the trip is as safe as possible.
In addition to the standard Egypt tours, there are some wonderful add ons. Consider taking a trip to the Red Sea and enjoying some of the wonderful swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Or, see the Siwa Oasis or Sinai desert.
How to Make Your Egypt Tour Great
It’s important to take precautions and treat yourself well on a tour. They can be overwhelming and tiring, so make sure you’re well enough rested to see everything and enjoy it.
Remember that you’re probably not accustomed to this climate. It’s important to remain hydrated and stay out of the hot sun. Also remember to wear sunscreen or clothes that cover your body to prevent a burn.
If you can, arrive a little bit before your tour or stay for a few extra days. This will allow you a little more freedom, so you can go sightseeing on your own.
Egypt Tours Come In All Varieties
The classic tours are great, but they’re not the only thing you’ll encounter. It’s also possible to find specialty tours, longer tours, and other unusual opportunities.
Consider taking a diving and beach tour that will help you enjoy Egypt’s great water sports. There are family tours for those with kids, and ecologically oriented tours for people who want to find out about Egypt’s environment.
Also available are religious tours, gay friendly tours, and tours that offer disability access. Tours for people interested in the life of women in Egypt are available, and feature special interviews and sights. There’s almost certain to be an Egypt tour for you.

Tourism in Hurghada , People of Hurghada

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Tourism in Hurghada
The first hotel built in the region was the Sheraton on the road Felfela. The main period of development in the tourism sector began in 1990 and is still on trial. The total number of hotels has now reached 200, including a modest 2-star accommodation and luxury properties on the huge side. The number of tourist arrived to Red Sea in year 2008 reaches almost 2 million. More than what is considered the busiest season from September to November and March to May. Hurghada is the largest resort on the Red Sea and less than the main competitor to Sharm el Sheikh on the Sinai.
People in Hurghada
Today the official population of more than 180 000 Hurghada, with particular assumptions in the tourism sector but also in industries like mining, fishing and construction. Many foreigners who visited Hurghada in the past has never left. Mostly working in the dive guide, real estate and business communities considerable night life of Russians, Germans, Eastern Europeans, Britons have developed. A portion of population growth also comes from women who have married local men and now raising the next generation of multi-cultural city. The city of Hurghada is divided into three areas Sheraton Road, El Dahar and the waterfront.
Sheraton Road (El Sakala)
Sheraton Road and El Sakala center of tourism is the main street in town. It 's the most animated part of the city with many bazaars, bars, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, restaurants and night clubs. You will find many hotels on the sea side of Sakala. Across the street there are apartments for locals and foreigners who live here (especially Hadaba). Sakala square is at the end of a main road. Here you will find many fish restaurants and local restaurants.Since the beginning of Sakala in just a few meters away is a square in El Arousa - a bride or siren standing in the street. The road to the sea side will take you to Hurghada Marina - the new waterfront from the marina of yachts and luxury apartments surrounded by old fisherman families. Opened in 2008, you will find in the shops of Marina many (including some brands High Street), fabulous bar, great restaurants, clubs or just a nice area to walk on hot summer evenings.

The Promenade (Village Road) The second famous tourist area called Village Road (El Memsha in Arabic). More than 5 km of waterfront with spacious and clean pedestrian area, mainly 4-star hotel, popular nightclubs, international restaurants, some mall-type shopping centers and countless shops. For a first acquaintance with Hurghada, village road is calmer and less harassment of a desire for the tourist area of experience in Sakala, therfore as well but much less reflect the local culture and lifestyle of any other part of the city. places to visit include the street Village Esplanada Mall, shopping center Kottas, duty free shops, nightclubs Little Buddha and the Hard Rock Café.

El Dahar
And then there's left El Dahar. Dahar is home to the majority of people living in the area, but also for the number of hotels, city council, the aquariums, the library, the largest mosques and food market. Dahar in tourist areas and will not travel much, but until now, most of the areas are safe enough to sneak around and discover the other side of Hurghada. If interested in shopping, Dahar offers bazaars and streets full of bargains.

All what you love to know about Egypt

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Official Name: Arab Republic of Egypt

Geography
Area: 1,001,450 sq. km. (386,000 sq. mi.); approximately equal to Texas and New Mexico combined.
Cities: Capital--Cairo (pop. estimated at 16 million). Other cities--Alexandria (6 million), Aswan, Asyut, Port Said, Suez, Ismailia.
Terrain: Desert, except Nile valley and delta.
Climate: Dry, hot summers; moderate winters.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Egyptian(s).
Population (July 2007 est.): 80,335,036.
Annual population growth rate (2007 est.): 1.72%.
Ethnic groups: Egyptian, Bedouin Arab, Nubian.
Religions: Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian 9%, other Christian 1%.
Languages: Arabic (official), English, French.
Education: Years compulsory--ages 6-15. Literacy--total adult 58%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2006 est.)--31.33 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy (2006 est.)--71 years.

Government
Type: Republic.
Independence: 1922.
Constitution: 1971.
Branches: Executive--president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative--People's Assembly (444 elected and 10 presidentially appointed members; an additional 64 seats for women were created in 2009), and Shura (consultative) Council (176 elected members, 88 presidentially appointed). Judicial--Supreme Constitutional Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 29 governorates.
Principal political parties: National Democratic Party (ruling). Principal opposition parties--New Wafd Party, Al Ghad Party, Democratic Front Party, National Progressive Unionist Grouping (Tagammau), and Nasserite Party.
Suffrage: Universal at 18.
Economy
GDP (FY 2009 est.): $188 billion.
Annual growth rate (FY 2009 est.): 4.7%.
Per capita GDP (PPP, FY 2009 est.): $5,650.
Natural resources: Petroleum and natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc.
Agriculture: Products--cotton, rice, onions, beans, citrus fruits, wheat, corn, barley, sugar.
Industry: Types--food processing, textiles, chemicals, petrochemicals, construction, light manufacturing, iron and steel products, aluminum, cement, military equipment.
Trade (FY 2009): Exports--$25.2 billion: petroleum, clothing and textiles, cotton, fruits and vegetables, manufactured goods. Major markets--EU, U.S., Middle East. Imports--$50.3 billion: machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, livestock, food and beverages, paper and wood products, chemicals. Major suppliers--EU, U.S., China.

PEOPLE AND HISTORY
Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world and the second-most populous on the African continent. Nearly all of the country's 80 million people live in Cairo and Alexandria; elsewhere on the banks of the Nile; in the Nile delta, which fans out north of Cairo; and along the Suez Canal. These regions are among the world's most densely populated, containing an average of over 3,820 persons per square mile (1,540 per sq. km.), as compared to about 200 persons per sq. mi. for the country as a whole.

Small communities spread throughout the desert regions of Egypt are clustered around oases and historic trade and transportation routes. The government has tried with mixed success to encourage migration to newly irrigated land reclaimed from the desert. However, the proportion of the population living in rural areas has continued to decrease as people move to the cities in search of employment and a higher standard of living.

The Egyptians are a fairly homogeneous people of Hamitic origin. Mediterranean and Arab influences appear in the north, and there is some mixing in the south with the Nubians of northern Sudan. Ethnic minorities include a small number of Bedouin Arab nomads in the eastern and western deserts and in the Sinai, as well as some 50,000-100,000 Nubians clustered along the Nile in Upper (southern) Egypt.

The literacy rate is about 58% of the adult population. Education is free through university and compulsory from ages six through 15. Rates for primary and secondary education have strengthened in recent years. Ninety-three percent of children enter primary school today, compared with 87% in 1994. Major universities include Cairo University (100,000 students), Alexandria University, and the 1,000-year-old Al-Azhar University, one of the world's major centers of Islamic learning.

Egypt's vast and rich literature constitutes an important cultural element in the life of the country and in the Arab world as a whole. Egyptian novelists and poets were among the first to experiment with modern styles of Arabic literature, and the forms they developed have been widely imitated. Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz was the first Arab to win the Nobel prize for literature. Egyptian books and films are available throughout the Middle East.

Egypt has endured as a unified state for more than 5,000 years, and archeological evidence indicates that a developed Egyptian society has existed for much longer. Egyptians take pride in their "pharaonic heritage" and in their descent from what they consider mankind's earliest civilization. The Arabic word for Egypt is Misr, which originally connoted "civilization" or "metropolis."

Archeological findings show that primitive tribes lived along the Nile long before the dynastic history of the pharaohs began. By 6000 B.C., organized agriculture had appeared.

In about 3100 B.C., Egypt was united under a ruler known as Mena, or Menes, who inaugurated the 30 pharaonic dynasties into which Egypt's ancient history is divided--the Old and the Middle Kingdoms and the New Empire. The pyramids at Giza (near Cairo), which were built in the fourth dynasty, testify to the power of the pharaonic religion and state. The Great Pyramid, the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops), is the only surviving monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ancient Egypt reached the peak of its power, wealth, and territorial extent in the period called the New Empire (1567-1085 B.C.).

Persian, Greek, Roman, and Arab Conquerors
In 525 B., Cambyses, the son of Cyrus the Great, led a Persian invasion force that dethroned the last pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty. The country remained a Persian province until conquered by Alexander the Great in 322 BC, ushering in Ptolemaic rule in Egypt that lasted for nearly 300 years.

Following a brief Persian reconquest, Egypt was invaded and conquered by Arab forces in 642. A process of Arabization and Islamization ensued. Although a Coptic Christian minority remained--and remains today, constituting about 10% of the population--the Arab language inexorably supplanted the indigenous Coptic tongue. For the next 1,300 years, a succession of Arab, Mameluke, and Ottoman caliphs, beys, and sultans ruled the country.

European Influence
The Ottoman Turks controlled Egypt from 1517 until 1882, except for a brief period of French rule under Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1805, Mohammed Ali, commander of an Albanian contingent of Ottoman troops, was appointed Pasha, founding the dynasty that ruled Egypt until his great-great grandson, Farouk I, was overthrown in 1952. Mohammed Ali the Great ruled Egypt until 1848, ushering in the modern history of Egypt. The growth of modern urban Cairo began in the reign of Ismail (1863-79). Eager to Westernize the capital, he ordered the construction of a European-style city to the west of the medieval core. The Suez Canal was completed in his reign in 1869, and its completion was celebrated by many events, including the commissioning of Verdi's "Aida" for the new opera house and the building of great palaces such as the Omar Khayyam (originally constructed to entertain the French Empress Eugenie, and now the central section of the Cairo Marriott Hotel).

In 1882, British expeditionary forces crushed a revolt against the Ottoman rulers, marking the beginning of British occupation and the virtual inclusion of Egypt within the British Empire. In deference to growing nationalism, the U.K. unilaterally declared Egyptian independence in 1922. British influence, however, continued to dominate Egypt's political life and fostered fiscal, administrative, and governmental reforms.

In the pre-1952 revolution period, three political forces competed with one another: the Wafd, a broadly based nationalist political organization strongly opposed to British influence; King Fuad, whom the British had installed during World War II; and the British themselves, who were determined to maintain control over the Canal. Other political forces emerging in this period included the communist party (1925) and the Muslim Brotherhood (1928), which eventually became a potent political and religious force.

During World War II, British troops used Egypt as a base for Allied operations throughout the region. British troops were withdrawn to the Suez Canal area in 1947, but nationalist, anti-British feelings continued to grow after the war. On July 22-23, 1952, a group of disaffected army officers (the "free officers") led by Lt. Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew King Farouk, whom the military blamed for Egypt's poor performance in the 1948 war with Israel. Following a brief experiment with civilian rule, they abrogated the 1923 constitution and declared Egypt a republic on June 19, 1953. Nasser evolved into a charismatic leader, not only of Egypt, but the Arab world, promoting and implementing "Arab socialism." He nationalized Egypt's economy.

Nasser helped establish the Non-Aligned Movement of developing countries in September 1961, and continued to be a leading force in the movement until his death in 1970. When the United States held up military sales in reaction to Egyptian neutrality vis-a-vis Moscow, Nasser concluded an arms deal with Czechoslovakia in September 1955.

When the U.S. and the World Bank withdrew their offer to help finance the Aswan High Dam in mid-1956, Nasser nationalized the privately owned Suez Canal Company. The crisis that followed, exacerbated by growing tensions with Israel over guerrilla attacks from Gaza and Israeli reprisals, resulted in the invasion of Egypt that October by France, Britain, and Israel; the invasion was reversed by U.S. political intervention, and the Canal remained nationalized.

Nasser's domestic policies were frequently oppressive, yet generally popular. All opposition was stamped out, and opponents of the regime frequently were imprisoned without trial. Nasser's foreign and military policies helped provoke the Israeli attack of June 1967 that virtually destroyed Egypt's armed forces along with those of Jordan and Syria. Israel also occupied the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights. Nasser, however, was revered by the masses in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world until his death in 1970.

After Nasser's death, another of the original "free officers," Vice President Anwar el-Sadat, was elected President. In 1971, Sadat concluded a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union, but a year later, ordered Soviet advisers to leave. In 1973, he launched the October war with Israel, in which Egypt's armed forces achieved initial successes but were defeated in Israeli counterattacks.

Camp David and the Peace Process
In a momentous change from the Nasser era, President Sadat shifted Egypt from a policy of confrontation with Israel to one of peaceful accommodation through negotiations. Following the Sinai Disengagement Agreements of 1974 and 1975, Sadat created a fresh opening for progress by his dramatic visit to Jerusalem in November 1977. This led to President Jimmy Carter's invitation to President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin to join him in trilateral negotiations at Camp David.

The historic Camp David accords were signed by Egypt and Israel and witnessed by the U.S. on September 17, 1978. The accords led to the March 26, 1979 signing of the Egypt-Israel peace treaty, by which Egypt regained control of the Sinai in May 1982. Throughout this period, U.S.-Egyptian relations steadily improved, but Sadat's willingness to break ranks by making peace with Israel resulted in the enmity of most other Arab states.

Domestic Change
Sadat introduced greater political freedom and a new economic policy, the most important aspect of which was the “infitah” or "open door." This relaxed government controls over the economy and encouraged private, including foreign, investment. Sadat dismantled much of the existing political machine and brought to trial a number of former government officials accused of criminal excesses during the Nasser era.

Liberalization also included the reinstitution of due process and the legal banning of torture. Sadat tried to expand participation in the political process in the mid-1970s but later abandoned this effort. In the last years of his life, Egypt was racked by violence arising from discontent with Sadat's rule and sectarian tensions, and it experienced a renewed measure of repression.

From Sadat to Mubarak
On October 6, 1981, Islamic extremists assassinated President Sadat. Hosni Mubarak, Vice President since 1975 and air force commander during the October 1973 war, was elected President later that month. He was subsequently confirmed by popular referendum for four more 6-year terms, most recently in September 2005. Mubarak has maintained Egypt's commitment to the Camp David peace process, while at the same time re-establishing Egypt's position as an Arab leader. Egypt was readmitted to the Arab League in 1989. Egypt also has played a moderating role in such international fora as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Since 1991, Mubarak has overseen a domestic economic reform program to reduce the size of the public sector and expand the role of the private sector. There has been less progress in political reform. The November 2000 People's Assembly elections saw 34 members of the opposition win seats in the 454-seat assembly, facing a clear majority of 388 ultimately affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP). Opposition parties continue to face various difficulties in mounting credible electoral challenges to the NDP. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, remains an illegal organization and is not recognized as a political party (current Egyptian law prohibits the formation of political parties based on religion). Members are known publicly and openly speak their views, although they do not explicitly identify themselves as members of the organization. Members of the Brotherhood have been elected to the People's Assembly and local councils as independents, and most recently scored a major victory in 2005 parliamentary elections, winning 88 seats, thus forming the largest opposition group.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The Egyptian Constitution provides for a strong executive. Authority is vested in an elected president who can appoint one or more vice presidents, a prime minister, and a cabinet. The president's term runs for 6 years. Egypt's legislative body, the People's Assembly, has 454 members--444 popularly elected and 10 appointed by the president. Legislation passed in 2009 calls for the addition of 64 new seats set aside for women. Those seats will be contested for the first time in the 2010 parliamentary elections. The constitution reserves 50% of the assembly seats for "workers and peasants." The assembly sits for a 5-year term but can be dissolved earlier by the president. There also is a 264-member Shura (consultative) Council, in which 88 members are appointed and 176 elected for 6-year terms. Elections for half of the elected members are conducted every 3 years. Below the national level, authority is exercised by and through governors and mayors appointed by the central government and by popularly elected local councils. Local council elections were conducted in 2008.

Opposition party organizations make their views public and represent their followers at various levels in the political system, but power is concentrated in the hands of the President and the National Democratic Party majority in the People's Assembly and those institutions dominate the political system. In addition to the ruling National Democratic Party, there are 21 other active legally recognized parties.

The November 2000 elections were generally considered to have been more transparent and better executed than past elections, because of universal judicial monitoring of polling stations. On the other hand, opposition parties continue to lodge credible complaints about electoral manipulation by the government. There are significant restrictions on the political process and freedom of expression for non-governmental organizations, including professional syndicates and organizations promoting respect for human rights.

Progress was seen in the September 2005 presidential elections when parties were allowed to field candidates against President Mubarak and his National Democratic Party. In early 2005, President Mubarak proposed amending the constitution to allow, for the first time in Egypt's history, competitive, multi-candidate elections. An amendment was drafted by parliament and approved by public referendum in late May 2005. In September 2005, President Mubarak was reelected, according to official results, with 88% of the vote. His two principal challengers, Ayman Nour and No'man Gom'a, took 7% and 3% of the vote respectively.

In March 2007, Mubarak introduced several constitutional amendments that would increase presidential powers and, more significantly, ban any political parties based on religion, race, or ethnicity. The amendments were put to a popular referendum and, despite low voter turnout and boycotts by opposition groups, passed with 75.9% approval.

Egypt's judicial system is based on European (primarily French) legal concepts and methods. Under the Mubarak government, the courts have demonstrated increasing independence, and the principles of due process and judicial review have gained greater respect. The legal code is derived largely from the Napoleonic Code. Marriage and personal status (family law) are primarily based on the religious law of the individual concerned, which for most Egyptians is Islamic Law (Sharia).

Principal Government Officials
President--Mohamed Hosni Mubarak
Prime Minister--Ahmed Nazif
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Ahmed Aboul Gheit
Ambassador to the United States--Sameh Shoukry
Permanent Representative to the United Nations--Maged Abdel Fattah Abdelaziz

Egypt maintains an embassy in the United States at 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC, 20008 (tel. 202-895-5400). The Washington consulate has the same address (tel. 202-966-6342). The Egyptian Mission to the United Nations is located at 304 East 44th Street, New York, NY (tel. 212-305-0300). Egyptian consulates general are located at: 1110 Second Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 (tel. 212-759-7120); 1990 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 2180, Houston, TX, 77056 (tel. 713-961-4915); 500 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL, 60611 (tel. 312-828-9162); and 3001 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94115 (tel. 415-346-9700).

NATIONAL SECURITY
Egypt's armed forces, among the largest in the region, include the army, air defense, air force, and navy. The armed forces inventory includes equipment from the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the former Soviet Union, and China. Equipment from the former Soviet Union is being progressively replaced by more modern American, French, and British equipment, a significant portion of which is built under license in Egypt. To bolster stability and moderation in the region, Egypt has provided military assistance and training to a number of African and Arab states. Egypt remains a strong military and strategic partner of the United States.

ECONOMY
With the installation of the 2004 Egyptian cabinet and the 2005 presidential election, the Government of Egypt began a new reform movement, following a stalled economic reform program begun in 1991, but moribund since the mid-1990s. Since 2004, the cabinet economic team has simplified and reduced tariffs and taxes, improved the transparency of the national budget, revived stalled privatizations of public enterprises and implemented economic legislation designed to foster private sector-driven economic growth and improve Egypt's competitiveness. The Egyptian economy experienced steady GDP growth rates around 7% between 2005 and 2008, before dropping below 5% amidst the global economic crisis. Despite Egypt’s growth, the economy is still hampered by government intervention, substantial subsidies for food, housing, and energy, and bloated public sector payrolls. Limited energy subsidy reform began in 2007 but has stalled since the 2008 global economic crisis. In sectoral terms, agriculture is mainly in private hands, and has been largely deregulated, with the exception of cotton, sugar, and rice production. Construction, non-financial services, and domestic marketing are also largely private. The Egyptian economy, however, relies heavily on tourism, oil and gas exports, and Suez Canal revenues, much of which is controlled by the public sector and is also vulnerable to outside factors. The tourism sector suffered tremendously following a terrorist attack in Luxor in October 1997. The tourism sector feared a repeat of the downturn in tourist numbers when terrorists attacked resorts in the Sinai Peninsula in 2004 and 2005. So far, however, the sector has not suffered as greatly as expected. As a result of the global economic crisis, annual revenues for the Suez Canal fell sharply in 2008 and began only a partial recovery in 2009. The drop in Canal traffic and revenues has been partially offset by high international oil prices, as the shorter Suez route cuts costs for some shippers.

The U.S. has a large assistance program in Egypt and provides funding for a variety of programs. Through its Human and Economic Sector Development cash transfer program, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting benchmarks that aim to stimulate the small and microenterprise sectors, improve budget transparency to increase macroeconomic stability, and improve the trade regime and business climate. To support the Middle East peace process through regional economic integration, the United States permits products to be imported from Egypt without tariffs if they have been produced by factories registered in Qualified Industrial Zones and 10.5% of the inputs of these products originate from Israel.

Agriculture
Approximately one-third of Egyptian labor is engaged directly in farming, and many others work in the processing or trading of agricultural products. Nearly all of Egypt's agricultural production takes place in some 2.5 million hectares (6 million acres) of fertile soil in the Nile Valley and Delta. Some desert lands are being developed for agriculture, including the ambitious Toshka project in Upper Egypt, but some other fertile lands in the Nile Valley and Delta are being lost to urbanization and erosion.

Warm weather and plentiful water permit several crops a year. Further improvement is possible, but land is worked intensively and yields are high. Cotton, rice, wheat, corn, sugarcane, sugar beets, onions, and beans are the principal crops. Increasingly, a few modern operations are producing fruits, vegetables and flowers, in addition to cotton, for export. While the desert hosts some large, modern farms, more common traditional farms occupy one acre each, typically in a canal-irrigated area along the banks of the Nile. Many small farmers also have cows, water buffaloes, and chickens, although larger modern farms are becoming more important.

The United States is a major supplier of wheat, corn, and soybean products to Egypt, almost all through commercial sales. Egypt is one of the U.S.'s largest markets for wheat sales. U.S. agricultural sales to Egypt average $2 billion annually. U.S. food assistance programs to Egypt ended in 1992 as Egypt became more prosperous. Egypt continues to receive modest food assistance through the World Food Program and from France.

"Egypt," wrote the Greek historian Herodotus 25 centuries ago, "is the gift of the Nile." The land's seemingly inexhaustible resources of water and soil carried by this mighty river created in the Nile Valley and Delta the world's most extensive oasis. Without the Nile, Egypt would be little more than a desert wasteland.

The river carves a narrow, cultivated floodplain, never more than 20 kilometers wide, as it travels northward toward Cairo from Lake Nasser on the Sudanese border, behind the Aswan High Dam. Just north of Cairo, the Nile spreads out over what was once a broad estuary that has been filled by river deposits to form a fertile delta about 250 kilometers wide (150 mi.) at the seaward base and about 160 kilometers (96 mi.) from south to north.

Before the construction of dams on the Nile, particularly the Aswan High Dam (started in 1952, completed in 1970), the fertility of the Nile Valley was sustained by the water flow and the silt deposited by the annual flood. Sediment is now obstructed by the Aswan High Dam and retained in Lake Nasser. The interruption of yearly, natural fertilization and the increasing salinity of the soil has been a manageable problem resulting from the dam. The benefits remain impressive: more intensive farming on millions of acres of land made possible by improved irrigation, prevention of flood damage, and the generation of billions of low-cost kilowatt hours of electricity.

The Western Desert accounts for about two-thirds of the country's land area. For the most part, it is a massive sandy plateau marked by seven major depressions. One of these, Fayoum, was connected about 3,600 years ago to the Nile by canals. Today, it is an important irrigated agricultural area.

Natural Resources
In addition to the agricultural capacity of the Nile Valley and Delta, Egypt's natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, and iron ore. Crude oil is found primarily in the Gulf of Suez and in the Western Desert. Natural gas is found mainly in the Nile Delta, off the Mediterranean seashore, and in the Western Desert. Oil and gas accounts for approximately 12% of GDP. Export of petroleum and related products (including bunker and aviation sales) amounted to approximately $11.4 billion in fiscal year 2008-2009.

Crude oil production has been in decline for over a decade, from a high of more than 920,000 barrels per day (BPD) in 1995 to less than 550,000 BPD as of October 2009. To minimize the growing domestic demand for oil-based products, estimated in July 2009 at more than 31 million metric tons per year, Egypt is encouraging the production of natural gas. Production of natural gas doubled from 21 million metric tons in mid-2003 to 43 million metric tons in July 2008. In FY 2008-2009, natural gas production amounted to 6.4 billion cubic feet (BCF) per day. In March 2009 the Egyptian Gas Holding Company announced plans for 23 new exploration wells with total investments of $1.1 billion during fiscal year 2009-2010.

As of July 2009, crude oil and condensates reserves were estimated at 4.4 billion barrels, and proven natural gas reserves were estimated at 77 trillion cubic feet (TCF) with possible additional reserves totaling another 40-50 TCF. However, independent oil and gas experts indicated that Egypt’s proven natural gas reserves may be as high as 70 TCF, of which more than 80% (i.e., 57 TCF) is from the cone of the Nile Delta. Texas-based Apache Oil Company is the largest American investor in Egypt, with a total investment of more than $7 billion since 1995.

The Ministry of Petroleum regards expansion of the Egyptian petrochemical industry and increased exports of natural gas as significant strategic objectives. Three liquefied natural gas (LNG) trains are operating in Egypt. The first is in Damietta on the eastern side of the Nile Delta and is operated by the Spanish electric utility Union Fenosa; the second is a project located at Idku in the western Delta, with British Gas (BG) Group and the Malaysian state oil company Petronas as the major investors; and the third, the Mediterranean Gas Complex in Port Said, utilizes gas for export and domestic consumption, with the Italian company AGIP and BP as the main shareholders.

Egypt and Jordan established the Eastern Gas Company to export natural gas to Jordan, and then later to Syria and Lebanon. In summer 2003 Egypt completed the first phase of the project by exporting gas to Jordan via a new pipeline from El Arish on Egypt's north Sinai cost to Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba, and then underwater to the Jordanian city of Aqaba. The second phase was completed in 2005, connecting the pipeline to the Jordanian town of Rihab, north of the capital Amman. In 2008, a new pipeline to export gas to Syria began operations and provides about 212 million cubic feet per day. Egyptian natural gas shipments in late 2009 reached Lebanon via an extension of the Arab pipeline from Syria. Lebanon reportedly will receive about 30 million cubic feet per day. While by 2008 gas exports grew to 12.6 million metric tons of oil equivalent, the Government of Egypt may have to import natural gas within 3 to 4 years in order to meet domestic demand, particularly for producing electricity. In the wake of higher world market gas prices, the Government of Egypt in 2009 succeeded in renegotiating upward the price received under existing long-term gas export contracts with purchasers in Europe, Jordan, and Israel.

Transport and Communication
Transportation facilities in Egypt are centered in Cairo and largely follow the pattern of settlement along the Nile. The main line of the nation's 5,500-kilometer (3,400-mi.) railway network runs from Alexandria to Aswan and the Suez Canal. The well-maintained road network has expanded rapidly to over 47,500 kilometers (29,515 mi.), covering the Nile Valley and Delta, Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts, the Sinai, and the Western oases.

Egypt Air provides reliable domestic air service to major tourist destinations from its Cairo hub, in addition to overseas routes. As a recently-joined member of the Star Alliance, government-owned Egypt Air is expanding its air fleet and its international routes, in keeping with the Government of Egypt’s overall vision of Egypt as a growing and increasingly key regional transportation hub. The Nile River system (about 1,000 km. or 620 mi.) and the principal canals (1,600 km. almost 1,000 mi.) are important locally for transportation. The Suez Canal is a major waterway for global and regional commerce and navigation, linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Major ports are Alexandria, Port Said, the East Port Said container terminal and Damietta on the Mediterranean, and Ain El Sukhna, Suez and Safraga on the Red Sea, with major infrastructure and capacity modernizations and upgrades ongoing since 2008 in most of these ports.

Egypt has long been the cultural and informational center of the Arab world, and Cairo is the region's largest publishing and broadcasting center. There are 10 daily newspapers with a total circulation of more than 4 million, and a number of monthly newspapers, magazines, and journals. Daily and weekly newspapers are a mix of independent, political party, and pro-government publications, and these papers conduct a lively, often highly partisan, debate on public issues.

Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) is the state-run entity that controls Egyptian TV (ETV), Nile TV, and Nile News, as well as the specialized channels (7 channels, including sports, culture, comedy, and children’s programming) and most radio frequencies in Egypt. ETV controls terrestrial (free-to-air) broadcasts throughout Egypt, broadcasting Channel 1 and Channel 2 nationwide, as well as six regional channels and depends heavily on commercial revenue. ETV sells its specially produced programs and soap operas to the entire Arab world. In addition to Egyptian programming, Al Arabia, Al Jazeera, the Middle East Broadcast Company, a Saudi television station transmitting from London (MBC), Lebanese networks (Future and LBC), Arab Radio and Television (ART), and other Gulf stations as well as Western networks such as CNN, BBC, Fox News, and Al Hurra provide access to more international programs to Egyptians who own satellite receivers. NileSat, one of the three main providers of satellite TV to the region, is effectively controlled by ERTU and hosts a wide variety of channels.

Beginning in 2001, private satellite TV and radio has entered the Egyptian media marketplace. Three new private satellite-based TV stations were launched in November 2001, marking a significant change in Egyptian government policy. Dream TV 1 and 2 produce talk shows, cultural programming, broadcast contemporary video clips and films featuring Arab and international actors, as well as soap operas; another private station, Mehwar, focuses on business and general news. Other new independent TV stations include Al Hayat TV, O TV and ONTV (owned by the Orascom conglomerate), El Saa and Modern TV. These private channels also transmit on NileSat.

Radio in Egypt is almost all government-controlled and uses 44 short-wave frequencies, 18 medium-wave stations, and four FM stations. There are seven regional radio stations covering the country. Egyptian Radio transmits 60 hours daily overseas in 33 languages and three hundred hours daily within Egypt. In 2000, Radio Cairo introduced new specialized (thematic) channels on its FM station. These stations, known as Radio El Nile, include news and music.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Geography, population, history, military strength, and diplomatic expertise give Egypt extensive political influence in the Middle East and within the Non-Aligned Movement as a whole. Cairo has been a crossroads of Arab commerce and culture for millennia, and its intellectual and Islamic institutions are at the center of the region's social and cultural development.

The Arab League headquarters is in Cairo, and the Secretary General of the League is traditionally an Egyptian. Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is the present Secretary General of the Arab League. President Mubarak has often chaired the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). Former Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Boutros Boutros-Ghali served as Secretary General of the United Nations from 1991 to 1996.

Egypt is a key partner in the search for peace in the Middle East and resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sadat's groundbreaking trip to Israel in 1977, the 1978 Camp David Accords, and the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty represented a fundamental shift in the politics of the region--from a strategy of confrontation to one of peace as a strategic choice. Egypt was subsequently ostracized by other Arab states and ejected from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989. Egypt played an important role in the negotiations leading to the Madrid Peace Conference in 1991, which, under U.S. and Russian sponsorship, brought together all parties in the region to discuss Middle East peace. This support has continued to the present, with President Mubarak often intervening personally to promote peace negotiations. In 1996, he hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh "Summit of the Peacemakers" attended by President Bill Clinton and other world leaders. In 2000, he hosted two summits at Sharm El-Sheikh and one at Taba in an effort to resume the Camp David negotiations suspended in July of 2000, and in June 2003, Mubarak hosted President George W. Bush for another summit on the Middle East peace process. Throughout mid-2004, Egypt worked closely with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate stability following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, which occurred in August and September of 2005. Prior to this Egypt and Israel reached an agreement that allowed Egypt to deploy additional forces along the Philadelphi Corridor in an attempt to control the border and prevent the smuggling of weapons.

Egypt played a key role during the 1990-91 Gulf crisis. President Mubarak helped assemble the international coalition and deployed 35,000 Egyptian troops against Iraq to liberate Kuwait. The Egyptian contingent was the third-largest in the coalition forces, after the U.S. and U.K. In the aftermath of the Gulf war, Egypt signed the Damascus declaration with Syria and the Gulf states to strengthen Gulf security. Egypt continues to contribute regularly to UN peacekeeping missions, most recently in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. In August 2004, Egypt was actively engaged in seeking a solution to the crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan, including the dispatch of military monitors. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Egypt, which has itself been the target of terrorist attacks, has been a key supporter of U.S. efforts against terrorists and terrorist organizations such as Osama bin Ladin and al-Qaeda, and actively supported the Iraqi Governing Council, as well as the subsequent government of Prime Minister Allawi. In July 2005, terrorists attacked the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh. In the same month, Egypt's envoy to Iraq was assassinated.

U.S.-EGYPTIAN RELATIONS
The United States and Egypt enjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on shared mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability, revitalizing the Egyptian economy and strengthening trade relations, and promoting regional security. Over the years, Egypt and the United States have worked together assiduously to expand Middle East peace negotiations, hosting talks, negotiations, and the Middle East and North Africa Economic (MENA) Conference. Multinational exercises, U.S. assistance to Egypt's military modernization program, and Egypt's role as a contributor to various UN peacekeeping operations continually reinforce the U.S.-Egyptian military relationship.

An important pillar of the bilateral relationship remains U.S. security and economic assistance to Egypt, which expanded significantly in the wake of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979. U.S. military aid to Egypt totals over $1.3 billion annually. In addition, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided over $28 billion in economic and development assistance to Egypt since 1975. Early assistance focused on infrastructure, health, food supply, and agriculture. The Commodity Import Program, through which USAID provided hundreds of millions of dollars in financing to enable the Egyptian private sector to import U.S. goods, was one of the largest and most popular USAID programs. Current programs focus on trade and investment; utilities; education; healthier, planned families; natural resources; democracy and governance; and other programs supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

U.S. military cooperation has helped Egypt modernize its armed forces and strengthen regional security and stability. Under Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs, the U.S. has provided F-4 jet aircraft, F-16 jet fighters, M-60A3 and M1A1 tanks, armored personnel carriers, Apache helicopters, antiaircraft missile batteries, aerial surveillance aircraft, and other equipment. The U.S. and Egypt also participate in combined military exercises, including deployments of U.S. troops to Egypt. Every other year, Egypt hosts Operation Bright Star, a multilateral military exercise with the U.S., and the largest military exercise in the region. Units of the U.S. 6th Fleet are regular visitors to Egyptian ports.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Margaret Scobey
Deputy Chief of Mission--Matthew Tueller
Economic/Political Affairs--Donald Blome
Consular Affairs--Roberto Powers
Management Affairs--Dolores Brown
Public Affairs--Haynes Mahoney
USAID--Hilda Arellano
Defense Attache--Maj. Gen. F.C. Williams
Office of Military Cooperation--Maj. Gen. F.C. Williams
Foreign Commercial Service--Margaret Keshishian
Foreign Agricultural Service--Jonathan Gressel

The U.S. Embassy is located at 8 Kamal ElDin Salah St., Garden City, Cairo, Egypt, tel: [20] [2] 797-3300, fax [20] [2] 797-3200.

TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program advises Americans traveling and residing abroad through Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings. Country Specific Information exists for all countries and includes information on entry and exit requirements, currency regulations, health conditions, safety and security, crime, political disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions overseas that pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to a certain country because the situation is dangerous or unstable.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Consular Affairs Publications, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad, are also available at http://www.travel.state.gov. For additional information on international travel, see http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Travel/International.shtml.

The Department of State encourages all U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to register via the State Department's travel registration website or at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency and will enable you to receive up-to-date information on security conditions.

Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or the regular toll line 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada.

The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) is the U.S. Department of State's single, centralized public contact center for U.S. passport information. Telephone: 1-877-4-USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778); TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. Passport information is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. You may speak with a representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) and a web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. The CDC publication "Health Information for International Travel" can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowBook.aspx.

Further Electronic Information
Department of State Web Site. Available on the Internet at http://www.state.gov, the Department of State web site provides timely, global access to official U.S. foreign policy information, including Background Notes and daily press briefings along with the directory of key officers of Foreign Service posts and more. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides security information and regional news that impact U.S. companies working abroad through its website http://www.osac.gov

Export.gov provides a portal to all export-related assistance and market information offered by the federal government and provides trade leads, free export counseling, help with the export process, and more.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm

High tourist season in Egypt runs from mid October to May

2011-06-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

High tourist season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and thisis the best time to visit. How can
view, the tourist season is in winter and spring, but this is too high season, and prices go up at this time of years. Some hotels may actually be expensive, and for that, I would prevention advice for all bookings accommodation before you come, and the budget hotels.

CAIRO

From May to October, temperatures are quite high, especially Luxor and the southern part of country, but the summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quiet. This is a huge advantage of being able to see the tourist sites without problems by school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs without obscuring the view of strangers.

Hurghada consists of three districts, El Dahhar, Al- Sakkala and Al-Ahiaa

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The El Dahhar

district: This is the old city centre, where the typical Egyptian life pulsates. Local markets (Souks), local stores and the fish market invite you for strolls and shopping. Particularly in the evening hours, there are more Egyptians than tourists.

The Al - Sakkala

district: is also known as the tourist district, which has developed its walking passages around the old port. It is a dynamic area with many hotels, stores, shopping centers, cinema, clubs, and restaurants, which are all open well into the night and who are visited predominantly by holiday-makers.

The Al - Ahiaa

district: starts approx. 22 km north of Hurghada between EL Gouna and EL Dahhar and is located along the coastal road. Characteristically it consits of a small number of native residents and a multiplicity of finished or still under construction hotels. One cannot enjoy the eastern flair yet, but this will be done in the next few years.

Due to the impressive underwater life of its reefs and islands, as well as the outstanding weather conditions Hurghada represents the most important destination for divers, water sports of all kinds and sunbathers in Egypt.

Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea

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Hurghada is the capital of the Red Sea Governorate and welcomes holiday-goers from all over the world to stay in one of its 250 hotels, from comfortable 3 * to luxurious 5 * hotels; the offers are endless and constantly expanding. Whether you are interested in windsurfing, sailing, high sea-fishing, diving, snorkeling, or simply want to relax on the beach. Hurghada offers are very multifaceted.

Nevertheless, if you still are not exhausted after a very active day, you can go for a typically Egyptian Schai (tea) and Schicha (water pipe) in one of the many cafes or you can go to the market and try your luck in bargaining with the local people. Still not tired? Then visit one of the several clubs which are open well into the morning hours.

Hurghada more than 20 km of hotels along the beach

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Hurghada, known in Egypt come Ghardaga, un solo was time UN Simple Fishing Village. But NOW, with its crystal clear water, pristine reefs and wrecks of Grand NUMERO UNO, has become one of the best destinations Egyptian Tourist. The center of the city with its bazaars, mosques and lively atmosphere reflects typical Egyptian life. Inland are the mountains of the wilderness ideal for desert excursions. Most of "all" Hurghada offers sun and relaxation - all you could want for your holiday.
Also known for its nightlife, Giants clubland Egypt Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi Beach Bar both particles operate hugely successful seven nights a week, is open from mid June 2008, The New Hurghada Marina Boulevard is home to over 80 shops, 15 restaurants and 7 bar, not to mention the country in solo Feet Bungee Rocket proud at the entrance of Marina ...With over 20 km of hotels along the beach, Hurghada to meet the needs of guests of all, from diving to windsurfing to desert safaris.You can choose from the finest 5 star hotels a simple Guest House, and everything in between. Hurghada is world famous being the center of some of the best diving in the world. Within two hours of UN From your hotel you can be among a group of islands that are home to Diving Also Guaranteed to impress the most experienced divers.

The islands off groped the Underwater Discovery. Of course many other recreational activities are available. Temperature throughout the year Hurghada hot, dry climate of the United Nations has desert, with a constant breeze. Summers are very hot - be sure to protect yourself against the sun in winter temperature between 20 ° - 25 ° C water temperature reaches 20 ° - 22 ° Celsius. Enjoy pleasant UN NEARBY Submarine Tour, to view the underwater life in a unique way the United Nations.
For the Healthcare Hurghada You can find a United Nations lot of Hospitals and Medical Centers. well you come and General Public Hospital.
Other nearby islands and destinations include Shadwan Island (Diving, snorkeling, fishing but not swimming), Shaab Abu Shiban (diving, snorkeling and swimming), Shaab el-Erg (Diving, fishing and snorkeling), Umm Island Range ( Diving and snorkeling), Umm Gammae Shasb Saghir (Diving), Careless Reef (Diving), Abu Ramada Island (Diving), Shaab Abu Ramada (Fishing) Dishet el-Dhaba (Beaches and swimming), Shaab Abu Hashish (Beaches, diving , snorkeling, swimming and fishing), Sharm el-Arab (Diving, swimming and fishing and Abu Minqar Island (Beaches and swimming).

Aswan is the major travel hub of the south of Egypt.

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Aswan is the most important travel hub of southern Egypt. The area has many things to discover - Elephant island, the Temple of Philae, the Aswan Dam and Abu Simbel farther, which can be seen as a day trip from here.Aswan and its surroundings were known as Nubia in ancient times.You will find that today's demonstration, Aswan had more of an 'African feel' to it than any other city in Egypt. Although you might want to implement the 'Nubian dancers' in the expensive hotels a miss, getting a real taste of this ancient culture would be a great opportunity and an experience you'll never forget - the Nubian Cultural center is a good option here .
The city itself is located on the east bank of the Nile. Relax, visit a few mosques, but then get ready for adventure. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues to the cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.

The West Bank is really worth a visit. Take a walk (or a bike trip) in the Nubian villages and green agricultural area near the Nile River and visit the many sites in the West Bank:
Tombs of the Nobles & Kubbet HawaThe hills of northern West Bank (al-Hawa Kubbet meaning windy dome) are filled with rock-cut tombs of the principles of the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The 6th Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes, contain important biographical texts. Inside, the tombs are decorated with colorful murals depicting scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of trips made by nobles in Africa.
Monastery of St. SimeonThe history of the monastery of San Simeon, dating from the 7th century, and survived long been a Christian stronghold in the south of Egypt until destroyed by Saladin in 1173. While still in use housed 300 monks, and may also receive up to 100 pilgrims at a time. The monastery was surrounded by a wall 10 meters high, and doubled as a fortress. Apparently, the monastery did not return to its original use after the destruction of Saladin.
Elephantine IslandElephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands, and is one of the most ancient sites in Egypt, with artifacts dating to predynastic periods. This is probably due to its location near the first cataract of the Nile, which provided a natural border between Egypt and Nubia. As an island, was also easily defensible. In fact, the ancient city located in the south was also a fortress through much of its history. At one time, there was a bridge from the mainland to the island. One of its main attractions is its nilometer.Another major attraction is the ruins of the Temple of Khnum. Do not miss Animalia. It 's the small museum guide Mohamed, who collected all kinds of products and Nubian objects from nature around Aswan and Lake Nasser. You'll find lots of information about daily life in Nubia, and also the connections with the history of the pharaohs.
The botanical gardens on Kitchener IslandKitchner's Island is a botanical garden, full of exotic plants and trees imported from around the world. It 's a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon in the shade. The island must be reached by boat, and is located on the opposite side of Elephantine Island from Aswan. The Island was given to Lord Kitchner for his campaigns in Sudan, and moved their and created his garden, importing plants and trees from around the world

The Pyramids of Egypt are thousands of years

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The Pyramids of Egypt are thousands of years old and yet they still continue to fascinate in our modern times. These structures are often surrounded with tales and mysteries to how they were built. The pyramids of Giza remain the most famous; however, there are hundreds documented throughout Egypt. These large tombs were massive and it was believed they took roughly 20 years to construct—all with precise planning, labor, and power. The pyramids of Giza are popular and it is estimated they bring 9 million tourists yearly.

Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and excitement.

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Islands near Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and excitement. Take a day trip to Giftun for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! When you're at sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyrites (mountain of porphyry) remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan (Father of Smoke). Day trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea Mountains by camel or jeep are also available. Other nearby islands and destinations include Shadwan Island (diving, snorkeling, fishing but not swimming), Shaab Abu Shiban (diving, snorkeling and swimming), Shaab el-Erg (Diving, fishing and snorkeling), Umm Island Range ( Diving and snorkeling), Umm Gammae Shasb Saghir (Diving), Careless Reef (Diving), Abu Ramada Island (Diving), Shaab Abu Ramada (Fishing) Dishet el-Dhaba (Beaches and swimming), Shaab Abu Hashish (Beaches, diving , snorkeling, swimming and fishing), Sharm el-Arab (Diving, swimming and fishing and Abu Minqar Island (Beaches and swimming).

Hurghada is also a city under development

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It 's also a seaside resort, where thousands of older Europeans and others come with their families to enjoy the sun and fun of private resort beaches, some all inclusive. Many of these hotels offer so many activities and facilities that you should never need to leave the resort. Often, the larger resorts have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a series of pools and even small theaters.

Hurghada is also a city under development. Many new hotels and construction are underway, and we can expect to see some great new hotels, restaurants and other facilities in the near future. In reality this is a busy section of the Red Sea in general. Safaga is just south of Hurghada, Soma Bay with its beautiful Sheraton is even closer to the south. To the North is El Gouna, a highly organized resort community. Together, these communities and resort areas offer just about everything a visitor could want, from raucous to isolated scuba diving, with golf, bowling and fishing in between.

Hurghada, City of in Egypt

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Hurghada was founded in the 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. But today, he went on to become the main tourist resort on the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. When it occurs within or on the water you can do here: windsurfing, sailing, fishing, swimming, and, above all, snorkeling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the most beautiful in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which can also be observed through glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations, usually offering friendly service and efficient.Restaurants are mostly along the main road. While in Hurghada, do not miss the museum and the aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea.

Today, Hurghada is known as a city of celebration, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will say that life begins at night in Hurghada, with many, many clubs. They are particularly frequented by other young people, but certainly many of all ages.You can often find a party overwhelming focus on visitors from a tour group taking over the action of a particular bar. They are easy to find along the main road, along with a lot of cheap hotels and expensive.

Aswan, Egypt

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Aswan, Egypt's sunniest city in the south and ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a typical African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to go around and graced with the most beautiful setting of the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.
In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of fragrance and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. View the spectacular sunsets, while tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (named for the first position of the cataract of the Nile is here). Aswan is a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and still is a perfect place to escape from it all.
Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche.
Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick combat dances.
Aswan is a strategic location which currently houses a garrison of the Egyptian army, but has also seen ancient Egyptian garrisons, as well as that of General Kitchener, Turkish troops of the Ottoman Empire and the Romans.
The city itself is located on the east bank of the Nile. Relax, visit a few mosques, but then get ready for adventure. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum, and continues to the cemetery, with its forest of cupolas surmounted tombs from the Fatimid period. Just east of the cemetery in the famous area quarries is the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. Just south of this, two Graeco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand.
The most obvious is Elephantine, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-dynastic forward. It is the largest island in the area.Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener's Island (Geziret el-Nabatat).E 'was nominated for the British general Harat Kitchener (185 - 1916) and was sent to Egypt in 1883 to reorganize the Egyptian army, which then led against the Sudanese Mahdi. But the island is known for its garden and exotic plants the Kitchener planted there, and who today continue to thrive.
On the other side (West Bank), the cliffs are surmounted by the tomb of a marabout, Qubbet el-Hawwa, who was a local saint.Below are tombs of the local (pharaonic) nobles and dignitaries.
Upstream a bit 'is the tomb of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan, who died in 1957. Known as the Tomb of the Aga Khan, is beautiful in its simplicity. One way to bring them back to the Coptic Monastery of St Simeon, which was built in the sixth century in honor of Amba Hadra, a local saint.
Just the river a bit ', there is also the old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation.

KARNAK IN THEBES (MODERN LUXOR) 3

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The outer walls of the Hall Hypostyle are covered with scenes of battle. Again, Seti I and Ramesses II in the north and south. The scenes have long since lost their color that was painted and the outlines of scenes have been blurred by centuries of wind and sun.E 'uncertain if the battle scenes are based on historical facts or ritual significance. It is believed that when the battle details are very precise, actual events are probably involved. Seti's battles take place in Lebanon, southern Palestine and Syria. The southern walls of Ramesses II have hieroglyphic texts which actually record the details of the Hittite king and Ramesses II signing a peace treaty in the twenty-first year of the reign of Ramses. This is the first trial found a formal agreement is indeed historic and diplomatic.
The Hall cross is beyond the back wall of the room hypostyle. The wall is mostly ruined. With the cross hall is a partially reconstructed Third Pylon of Amenhotep (Amenophis) III. The Hall is across the remains of the first sections of the complex of Karnak which are still alive.

Leaving the room hypostyle through the third pylon you come to a narrow court which stood several obelisks. One of the obelisks erected by Tuthmosis I (1504 - 1492 BC) who was the father of Hatshepsut. This obelisk is 70 feet (21.3m) tall and weighs about 143 tons. Over the centuries between Tuthmosis I and Ramesses VI, King of time has done more than their share of destruction and dismantling. This obelisk was never touched. The original inscription was left in place. However, two kings did add their inscription on either side of the original. Beyond this obelisk is the only remaining Obelisk of Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC). It is 97 feet (29.6m) and weighs about 320 tons. Besides the Lateran obelisk in Rome, this is the tallest standing obelisk. The one in Rome is 101 feet (30.7m) high. Hatshepsut was a woman who dared to challenge the tradition of the male realm. She died of undisclosed causes after imposing his will for a time. After his death, his name and memory suffered attempted systematic obliteration. The inscription on the obelisk says: "O you people see this monument in the years to come and talk about what they've done, be on guard for fear of saying 'I do not know why it was done'. I did because I wanted to make a gift for my father Amun, and to gild with electrum. "
Tuthmosis III (1479-1425 BC) was the successor to Hatshepsut.When he came to power, he built a high wall around her obelisk.This wall hid the lower two thirds, but left the more dominating. It was thought that this was an easier and cheaper to destroy his memory actually breaking down and removing it. If Tuthmosis III had really wanted to destroy the obelisk, he would certainly demolished and removed. Maybe it was another reason for its construction of the wall. The top of the obelisk was visible for 50 miles (80 km). The pink granite for the obelisk was removed in Aswan, which several hundred miles south of Karnak. The stone was moved several miles across the river and dispatched to Thebes. The setting of the stone reliefs as the pharaoh is shown with a single lift rope tied to its upper end. This is probably symbolic, but may have been done in this way, with several hundred people to pull together. To the south of the obelisk standing is its companion which has fallen. It also consists of a single block of granite, but is now broken.

The sixth pillar, which was built by Tuthmosis III, leads into a recording studio in which King recorded his tributes. Very little remains of this archive beyond two granite pillars. Just beyond these pillars is the Holy of Holies or sanctuary. Originally it was the oldest part of the temple. The present sanctuary was built by the brother of Alexander the Great, Philip Arrhidaeus (323-316 BC) who was the king of Macedonia. The present sanctuary was built on the site of the sanctuary built by Tuthmosis III above. The present sanctuary contains blocks from Tuthmosis sanctuary and still contain Tuthmosis' inscriptions. The shrine is built in two sections.
The temples of Karnak are open from 6:30 to 17:30 06:00 to 6:00 in winter and summer. Admission is LE 65 for foreigners, LE 35 for students. Visiting the museum open to the left of the second pillar, has an extra cost LE 10. The museum contains a collection of statues found around the temple complex. The ticket must be purchased at the main ticket booth Karnak. Karnak takes at least half a day just walking around its perimeter, and many years to come to know it well. There is also a Sound and Light Show at Karnak. The show begins with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and the construction of the temple of Karnak. The exhibition also tells the glorious achievements of some great Pharaohs. Spectators listen to a magnificent and poetic description of the artistic treasures and great legacy which the temple of Karnak racchiude.stic treasures and great legacy Which the Karnak temple encloses.

KARNAK IN THEBES (MODERN LUXOR)2

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Pillared hall located after passing through the second pylon. The hall is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the world. Construction began during the reign of Ramses I's. He was the king who founded the dynasty of the nineteenth century and was king for just one year. The work continued under Seti I (1306 - 1290 BC). Seti I built the temple of Abydos and many other temples. The hall has been completed by the son of Seti I, Ramesses II. The effects occurring inside the room are very different from what they were originally. The huge architraves are not above the capitals that surround it. Towards the middle of the room several architraves and windows that are grateful stone still in place.

This small area can give a sense of purpose of manufacturers' for lighting effects. Po 'fancy is required here to appreciate what must have seemed. The walls, ceilings and columns are painted with natural earth tones. The light is detected at the originally kept most of the room in shadow. The hall ceiling was 82 feet high and was supported by 12 papyrus columns. The columns are made of sandstone and set in two rows of six. Each row is flanked on either side by 7 rows of columns that are 42 feet (12.8m) high. Each row has 9 columns, however, the internal lines are 7 columns. The reliefs throughout the hall contain symbolism of Creation. The findings in the northern half date from the time of Seti I and are obviously done better than those made by his son Ramses II, which are in the southern half. Ramses II reliefs are cut much deeper than those of Seti. This gives a much more dramatic light and shadow effect.