The Egyptian capital stretches out along both banks of the Nile. The governorship of Giza on the west bank and that of Cairo proper on the east bank merge to form the same vast conurbation. With an insatiable appetite for space, the largest city on the African continent makes daily inroads into desert sands and farmlands. This is happening at such a rate that no one knows for certain whether Cairo?s population has reached ten, fifteen or perhaps even twenty million.

Cairo:
Cairo was a source of amazement to travelers even at the time of the Mameluks. But the indomitable city of Cairo is still in the eyes of the Egyptians ?The Victorious?, ?Mother of the world? or simply ?Misr?, the name for Egypt as a whole. As long as the visitor is willing to lose his way then he too can discover the sweetness of Cairo nights lit by green neon illuminated mosques, the warmth of small, everyday cafes, the pleasure of strolling along narrow streets and the smiling good humor of the city?s people.

Language:
Arabic is the official language spoken by all Egyptians. When Arabic is spoken in the streets, it's like a dialect and differs a great deal from classical Arabic.
Although English is very widespread, people will appreciate you taking time to learn a few words and phrases. In holiday resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, many other European languages are spoken such as French, German, Italian and Russian.

Population:
With 72,000,000 inhabitants, Egypt represents one quarter of the population of the Arab world. The city of Cairo itself counts about 16,000,000 people.

The Egyptian population is composed of people from various origins. Most Egyptians originate from Ancient Egypt and the Nile Valley. Others come from the Arabic and Levantine descents and the Nubians of Upper Egypt.

Geography & Climate:
Located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe, Egypt is built around the Nile Valley, a very fertile land bordering the river and bounded by 2 seas : the Mediterranean Sea (to the north) and the Red Sea (to the east). The thin area on either side of the Nile was historically where 90% of the population settled.

To the east of the valley is the Arabian Desert, bounded by a high ridge of mountains. To the west is the Libyan Desert which stretches across the top of North Africa.

The demarcation line in Cairo, the capital city, separates Lower Egypt (everything north of Cairo) from Upper Egypt (everything to the south). To the east, across the Suez Canal is the triangular wedge of Sinai with Mt Sinai and Mt Catherine, the highest mountain in Egypt (2642m).

During the summer, from March to November, the climate is hot and dry in most of the country. December to February can be quite cold in the north. The sky is usually blue and cloudless. The temperature varies considerably in Egypt. It can be extremely hot during the day and very cold at night, especially in the desert.

It rains more often in Alexandria than in Aswan and Cairo. During the early days of the spring season, a hot wind called "Khamasin" blows in from the western desert at up to 150 km/h.

When to come to Egypt:
Generally, most people flock to Egypt in December, January, February, March and April. Cruises on the Nile are very frequent during this period. If you want to find the best deals or avoid the crowds, you must take this into consideration. If you want to visit during the peak season, make sure you book early. The best compromise for an all-Egypt trip is to go in spring (March to May) or in autumn (September to November). In Cairo, skies are overcast and evenings can be chilly in December, January and February. Safaris are often at their busiest in September and November. Make sure you book early if that's when you want to go.
Working hours are modified and shops close during the holy month of Ramadan. At night, streets decorated with colorful lights spring into life.

Visa & Insurance:
If you're visiting Egypt, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. You can get tourist visas from the Egyptian consulate that's nearest to your home. The cost of a visa depends on the type of passport that you hold. It often takes a couple of days to get a visa.
You can also get visa stamps from banking kiosks in the airports at Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada. In fact, it's often a less expensive option. A lot of package tour operators or international hotels will take care of your visa but it's always better to be prepared, you don't need to risk being caught without one. Before travelling, find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later. Make sure that you are covered in case of emergency aeromedical evacuation to your home or to a hospital in a major city.

Transportation in Egypt:
Car Rental
You'll find most of the big international car rental companies in Cairo, Alexandria and in local car rental companies, so take time to shop around.
Taxis
All of the major cities have plenty of taxis to drive you around town. There are a few simple rules you should follow, to ensure that your journey runs smoothly :
Make sure you know where you're going.
Don't accept a stop if your driver proposes one.
Negotiate the price of the journey from A to Z before you set off.
Before you leave your hotel, ask the receptionist how much the journey should cost.
The taxis that wait outside hotels charge almost double, so it often pays to walk to the next block.
Trains
The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities. There are three types of trains available: the ordinary, the express and the turbo. The express and the turbo are more expensive but they will get you to your destination rapidly. It's also worth investing in a 1st class ticket to travel in air-conditioned carriages. The turbo train takes under two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.
The Underground
Cairo's brand-new Metro system runs over several kilometres. It has two lines, a new line currently under construction and three more in the pipeline. Clean and comfortable, it's the best way to mingle in Cairo's hustle and bustle. The front carriage is always strictly for 'women only' so pay attention.
Buses
Most of Egypt's major cities have their own bus system and there's an extensive network of buses running between each city too. In general, buses stop more frequently. So, for a long journey we advise you to go by rail.

Do...
... stock up on sun cream to avoid sunburn, especially between 11am and 2pm.
... wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and head.
... make sure you have a rough idea of where you're going and always have a map or guide book close at hand.
... learn a few common phrases so that you can ask for help when needed. People will appreciate you making the effort.
... respect customs. There are dress rules when visiting mosques, holy places, and some other public places too, so be aware.
... keep a currency converter close at hand. Remember that haggling is to be expected.
... keep your valuables and all your important documents in a safe place.
... take your camera with you. That way you won't be disappointed.
Don't ...
... forget to take enough money with you on your daily outings. Never carry all your money and credit cards around with you.
... take anything from the natural habitats that you visit and don't feed the animals.
... get into a taxi without negotiating the price with the driver beforehand.
... go on holiday without telling your friends or family how to reach you.
... leave your hotel or any other accommodation without some form of identification.
... forget to put life jackets on children if you plan on taking them on a felucca or any other boat.
... and don't forget to bring a suitable hat if you want to go horse-riding.

improtant phone numbers:
122 Police
126 Tourist information
180 Fire department
140, 141, 142 Phone directory assistance
120 International operator
188 Telephone reparation centre
10 National operator
145 Rail
123 Ambulance
129 City gas
144 International phone directory assistance
177 Telephone bill inquiry
16 Telephone complaints service
121 Electricity information

Quelle: Egyptian Tourist Authority