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Overview
For centuries, Egypt has captured the
imagination of travelers from all corners of the world. Many people way
that a trip to Egypt is probably the
most fascinating history lesson you will ever get. From pharaos to pyramids and
of course not to forget the mighty River Nile are just some of the
highlights that make
the North African country so famous. Egypt is believed to be the birthplace of the world's first civilization
and is therefore a fascinating place for visitors of all ages. From the vast desert
with its cute camels and bustling oases to
the lush banks of the River Nile to the sandy beaches and great dive
sites of the Red Sea,
Egypt has something for everyone all year round.
A bit of History
The predictable regularity and richness
of the annual Nile River flood coupled with its semi-isolation provided by
the Sahara desert to the east and west, allowed for the formation and
subsequent rise of one of the
world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom came to be in 3200 B.C.
and a nearly endless series of dynasties ruled the country for the next three millennia.
Following the completion of the Suez Canal, an engineering marvel, Egypt became an
important transportation hub for North Africa and the Middle East.
However, the country also fell heavily into debt.
Keen to protect its investments, England seized control of Egypt's
government in 1882. Partially independent from the United Kingdom in 1922, Egypt
acquired full sovereignty following the end of World War II. A rapidly growing
economy, limited arable land, and a direct dependence on the River Nile all continue
to overtax natural resources and stress the country's society. Recent governments
also struggled to
ready the old-fashioned economy for the 21st millennium through
thoughtful reforms and
much needed investments in communications and physical infrastructure in
all parts of the country.
The Highlights
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Admire the great
pyramids of Giza |
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Explore the
beginnings of civilization in one Cairo's many museums |
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Take a cruise on
the River Nile (e.g. from Cairo to Luxor) |
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Ride a camel into
the desert and visit a local oasis |
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Enjoy the beaches
and go snorkeling/diving in the Red Sea |
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Country Profile
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Country Name |
Egypt |
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Capital City |
Cairo |
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Major Gateways |
Cairo (CAI) |
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Population |
82 million |
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Languages |
Arabic |
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Main Religions |
Muslim |
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Currency
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Egyptian Pound (EGP) |
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Time Difference with Thailand |
-5h (summer), -6h
(winter) |
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Calling Code |
+20 |
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Best Time to Visit |
September - May |
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Visa Requirement for Thai Citizens |
Visa required |
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Travel Time from
Bangkok |
9h (nonstop) |
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More info |
www.visitegypt.gov.eg
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Map |
Click here
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National Flag |
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