Everything you need to know about Egypt: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Egypt: World's Oldest Civilisation and Land of the Pyramids
Egypt is located in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Egypt is the world's oldest civilization and the foundation stone of this mighty civilization was laid around 3200 BC. Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines replaced the last native dynasty of Egypt in 341BC. The Mamluks, local military caste ruled Egypt till it was taken over by Ottoman Empire in 1517. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 changed the whole fate and made the Egypt an important world transportation hub. Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882 that lasted till 1952. Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world. To meet the demand of current situation the Egyptian government initiated economic reforms and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.
Egypt Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures:
Geographical Information on Egypt :
Egypt is located in northeastern Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, is bordered on the west by Libya, on the south by Sudan, and on the east by the Red Sea and Israel.
Apart from the Nile Valley the majority of Egypt's landscape is a desert. The winds blowing can create sand dunes more than 100 feet (30 m) high. Egyptian desert includes parts of the Sahara Desert and of the Libyan Desert.
Climate of Egypt is desert having hot, dry summers with moderate winters. Egypt does not receive much rainfall except in the winter month. The Khamaseen is a wind that blows from the south in Egypt in spring, brings sand and dust that raises the temperature in the desert to more than 100 °F.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Egypt:
The Culture of Egypt is fine blend of the old and the new. In Egypt one can witness the charm and splendor of ancient culture imbibed with the modern culture and life style of people. Ancient Egyptians constructed Pyramids for the final resting ground of their Pharaohs or kings. The pyramid of Giza is an example of exemplary architecture and craftsmanship.
Egyptian cuisine is a fine blend of cooking from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Syrian food cultures. These amalgamations provide uniqueness to Egyptian food. Rice along with bread is the food of Egyptian main courses. The other most important item of Egyptian cuisine is fava beans. Egyptians are very fond of strong flavor of garlic and onions. Kebabs in different flavor holds important place in Egyptian menu and recipes. Hamaam (small pigeons) and fish are the other flavored non-vegetarian dishes of Egypt.
Tourist Attractions of Egypt:
There are many tourist attractions in Egypt that spellbound visitors. Among the prominent Egyptian pyramids is Giza. Apart from the pyramids there is the Sphinx and Sharm al Sheikh to be visited.
Egypt is the womb of the world civilization and its capital Cairo is the most visited city. The beauty and significance of Cairo can be judged from the fact that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charisma of pyramids and Nile cruises will leave an everlasting impact on the senses. Another tourist attraction in Egypt is Alexandria, a historic site reminding one of the great warriors Alexander and beautiful Cleopatra.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Egypt include:
• Giza pyramid
• Great Sphinx
• Sharm El Sheikh
• Marsa Alam
• Alexandria
• Nile cruises
• Lake Nasser
London, May 3 (ANI): After an epic debate over a pair of studies that reveal how the avian H5N1 influenza virus could become transmissible in mammals, and an unprecedented recommendation by a government review panel to block publication, one of the studies was finally and fully published on Thursday.
Riyadh, May 2 (ANI): Security forces in Egypt foiled an Iranian plot to kill the Saudi ambassador in Cairo, the legal advisor of the kingdom's embassy, Sami Jamal, said. gypt 'arrested three Iranians planning to assassinate the ambassador, Ahmed Qattan,' Jamal said.
Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) Actress Celina Jaitly, who gave birth to twins - Winston and Viraaj - in March, has returned to work to fullfil her commitments as the brand ambassador of Egypt tourism.
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New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) Passenger car market leader Maruti Suzuki Monday dispatched its one millionth vehicle, a red coloured hatchback A-star, for delivery in Denmark.
Moscow, April 29 (IANS) About 25,000 metric tonnes - or 62 percent - of Russia's chemical weapons haf been destroyed till April 29, RIA Novosti reported Sunday.
Beirut, Apr 29 (ANI): Lebanese authorities have reportedly detained a Sierra Leone-registered ship that was allegedly carrying weapons for Syrian rebels.
Cairo, Apr 29 (ANI): Saudi Arabia has closed its embassy in the Egyptian capital and recalled its ambassador in the wake of protests over the arrest of a human rights lawyer.
Riyadh, April 28 (IANS) Saudi Arabia Saturday recalled its ambassador in Egypt and shut down its embassy in Cairo and consulates in Alexandria and Suez over security concerns, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Cairo, Apr 25 (ANI): Egypt's ruling military has disqualified a former-premier from running in the upcoming presidential elections after approving a law that bans senior officials from the deposed dictator Hosni Mubarak's regime from running for office.
London, April 25 (IANS) The British men's football team has been handed out a tough draw in the 2012 London Games.
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Tunisia wants to learn from India's experience of pluralistic democracy and looks at the Indian constitution as one of the models to be inspired by in writing its new constitution, the country's foreign minister says.
Cairo, Apr 24 (ANI): Egypt has reportedly rejected a request from eight US-based civil society groups for licenses to operate in the country amid a crackdown on foreign NGOs a month before the presidential polls.
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) As a country where the Arab Spring began, Tunisia is not keen to "export" it to the region but cannot help if neighbours take it as an example, says the country's foreign minister.
Abu Dhabi, April 23 (IANS) Kerala-born M. A. Yusuffali is today dubbed as one of the most influential Indians in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Cairo, April 23 (IANS) Egypt said Sunday that it has annulled a gas export deal with Israel due to violations of contractual obligations, according to Egypt's Nile TV.
Cairo, April 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egypt has terminated a long-term gas deal with Israel because of violations of contractual obligations, Egypt's daily al-Ahram reported.
Cairo, Apr 21 (Xinhua-ANI): The Egyptian Higher Presidential Elections Commission (HPEC) on Saturday set rules for the presidential election propaganda, which will kick off on April 30, state media reported.
London, April 22 (IANS) Researchers have found vast groundwater reserves in the Sahara, one of the driest places on earth, that could help buffer climate change effects for years.
Cairo, April 22 (Xinhua-ANI): The Egyptian Higher Presidential Elections Commission (HPEC) has set rules for the presidential election propaganda, which will kick off on April 30, state media has reported.
Washington, April 21 (ANI): An Italian Egyptologist has rediscovered a sculpture of Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, the offspring of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII, at the Egyptian museum in Cairo.
Cairo, Apr 19 (ANI): Former Egyptian foreign minister Amr Moussa has warned that if the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate wins the upcoming presidential elections, and if the political wing dominates the parliament, it may yield a one-party system that would brook 'no serious debate' in public.
Cairo, Apr 18 (ANI): Ten Egyptian presidential candidates, who were barred from taking part in the upcoming elections, have lost their appeals against disqualification.
Cairo, Apr 16 (ANI): Around 380 people in Egypt will face trial over deadly anti-military clashes in Cairo in November 2011, according to a report.
Cairo, April 14 (ANI): The controversial presidential contender of Egypt Omar Sulaiman, who was Hosni Mubarak's deputy for few days, has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of being involved in subversive acts during a popular revolt that topped the former president.
London, Apr 13 (ANI): Britain will have tough visa tests for Pakistani students wanting to come to the country after a pilot scheme found that as many as four in ten applicants may be bogus.
Cairo, Apr 12 (ANI): An Egyptian court has ruled that an ultra-conservative preacher is eligible to contest in the upcoming Presidential election, saying there are no documents to prove his mother is a US citizen.
Cairo, Apr 11 (ANI): An Egyptian court has suspended an Islamist-dominated panel, which was set up for drafting a new constitution by the parliament, claiming the formation was "marred by misuse of power".
Cairo, April 10 (ANI): Egyptian presidential contender Hazem Abu Ismail may be barred from contesting the upcoming elections, as one of his parents possesses a dual nationality.
Cairo, Apr 9 (ANI): Egypt's former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman will have the backing of the country's ruling military generals and the state media's powerful propaganda machine, in his bid to become the President of the nation, officials with firsthand knowledge have claimed.
Cairo, Mar 31 (ANI): An Egyptian court has ordered the government to ban pornographic websites to protect society and its values.
Cairo, April 6 (ANI): Former spy chief and vice president of Egypt Omar Suleiman has quit the race for presidential elections, ending weeks of speculation.
Cairo, Apr.6 (ANI): Popular Islamist presidential hopeful Hazem Abu Ismail may opt out of the race in Egypt after the country's election commission said that he could be disqualified because his mother was an American citizen.
Addis Ababa, April 6 (IANS) Ethiopia has signed double taxation avoidance pacts with four countries, including its growing trading partners India and China.
Moscow, April 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) More than two-thirds of the Russian population -- 70 percent -- has never been to countries outside the former Soviet Union, independent pollster Levada has found.
Washington, Apr 5 (ANI): Madonna is reportedly keen on travelling across the world to play her music, even in areas that are on shaky ground.
Manama, Apr 5 (ANI): Most Arabs say Islamic women in post-revolutionary countries would be better off in the future, a poll said.
Manama, Apr 5 (ANI): Most Arabs say Islamic women in post-revolutionary countries would be better off in the future, a poll said.
Dubai, April 3 (IANS/WAM) The UAE has temporarily banned import of animals with cloven hooves from Egypt, following reports of foot and mouth disease there.
Cairo, Apr 2 (ANI): Egypt's powerful political wing the Muslim Brotherhood, is facing a wave of criticism from people within and outside its group over its decision to name a candidate for the country's presidential race.
Ramallah, March 25 (IANS) Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Sunday accused Hamas of foiling an attempt to resume fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip.
Cairo, Mar.22 (ANI): Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has said it is considering reversing a year-old pledge not to put forward a presidential candidate from its ranks.
Dimapur, Mar 23 (ANI): The return of normalcy to Nagaland has benefited traders and businessmen of the state. The state, recently, hosted the first international spring expo in Dimapur where both domestic and overseas entrepreneurs exhibited their products.
Dimapur, Mar 23 (ANI): The return of normalcy to Nagaland has benefited traders and businessmen of the state. The state, recently, hosted the first international spring expo in Dimapur where both domestic and overseas entrepreneurs exhibited their products.
Islamabad, Mar 17 (ANI): Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has urged Pakistanis to revolt against their government and military in a video posted on the Internet on Friday, US monitors have said.
Islamabad, Mar 17 (ANI): Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri has urged Pakistanis to revolt against their government and military in a video posted on the Internet on Friday, US monitors have said.
Beijing, Mar 13 (ANI): A global media watchdog group has released its "Enemies of the Internet" list for 2012, citing countries like India and China that put a restriction on the freedom of expression on the Internet.
Cairo, Mar.12 (ANI): Egyptian lawmakers have voted to begin steps to withdraw confidence from the military-backed government, reflecting a growing anger about the handling of a spat with the U.S. over foreign funding to civil-society groups.
Cairo, Mar 12(ANI): An Egyptian military tribunal has acquitted an army doctor of public obscenity charge filed by a protester, who claimed she was forced to undergo a virginity test, while in detention.
Abu Dhabi, Mar 12(ANI): The United Arab Emirates has officially demanded an explanation from Egypt for Muslim Brotherhood spokesperson Mahmoud Gozlan's statements against the country.
Cairo, Mar 12(ANI): An Egyptian military tribunal has acquitted an army doctor of public obscenity charge filed by a protester, who claimed she was forced to undergo a virginity test, while in detention.
Jerusalem, Mar 10(ANI): At least 10 Palestinians, including a senior Palestinian militant leader, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Jerusalem, Mar 10(ANI): At least 10 Palestinians, including a senior Palestinian militant leader, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Tripoli, Mar 7(ANI): The eastern city of Benghazi in Libya has been declared a semi-autonomous region by tribal leaders backed by armed militia, in a move that could break up the country.
Cairo, Mar 7(ANI): Egyptian demonstrators wanted to swap one of the most notorious terrorists in U.S. custody in exchange for lifting the travel ban imposed on Americans, an NGO worker has revealed.
Cairo, Mar 7(ANI): Egyptian demonstrators wanted to swap one of the most notorious terrorists in U.S. custody in exchange for lifting the travel ban imposed on Americans, an NGO worker has revealed.
Tripoli, Mar 7(ANI): The eastern city of Benghazi in Libya has been declared a semi-autonomous region by tribal leaders backed by armed militia, in a move that could break up the country.
Jerusalem, Mar 4(ANI): Israel is likely deliver a strong ultimatum to the United States on Monday, demanding that President Barack Obama vow to use military force to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.
Cairo, Mar 4(ANI): An Egyptian court has rejected the second of two lawsuits filed by ultra-conservative Islamists that had accused a Christian media mogul of insulting Islam when he relayed a cartoon of Mickey Mouse with a beard and Minnie in a face veil.
Cairo, Mar 4(ANI): An Egyptian court has rejected the second of two lawsuits filed by ultra-conservative Islamists that had accused a Christian media mogul of insulting Islam when he relayed a cartoon of Mickey Mouse with a beard and Minnie in a face veil.
New Delhi, Mar 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will undertake a three-day official visit to Egypt from today, during which he will co-chair a meeting of the Joint Commission with his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Kamel Amr.
New Delhi, Mar 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will undertake a three-day official visit to Egypt from today, during which he will co-chair a meeting of the Joint Commission with his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Kamel Amr.
Cairo, Mar 1 (ANI): Egypt has reportedly lifted a travel ban imposed on seven American NGO workers accused of using illegal foreign funds to foment unrest in the country.
Cairo, Mar.1 (ANI): Egypt's first presidential election since last year's ouster of Hosni Mubarak's regime will be held on May 23 and 24.
London, Mar 1 (ANI): An Egyptian man whose name was on an FBI 'most wanted' list as an alias for a senior Al-Qaeda figure has handed himself in to the police in a bid to clear his reputation.
London, Mar 1 (ANI): An Egyptian man whose name was on an FBI 'most wanted' list as an alias for a senior Al-Qaeda figure has handed himself in to the police in a bid to clear his reputation.
Cairo, Mar 1 (ANI): Egypt has reportedly lifted a travel ban imposed on seven American NGO workers accused of using illegal foreign funds to foment unrest in the country.
Cairo, Mar.1 (ANI): Egypt's first presidential election since last year's ouster of Hosni Mubarak's regime will be held on May 23 and 24.
New Delhi, Feb 29 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will be on an official visit to Egypt from March 2-4 to co-chair the sixth Meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Commission with the Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr on March 4.
New Delhi, Feb 29 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will be on an official visit to Egypt from March 2-4 to co-chair the sixth Meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Commission with the Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr on March 4.
London, Feb 27 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, who was on a trip to Egypt with her two sons, jetted back to the UK on Sunday for a showdown with her estranged husband Rhodri over her "fun" with fellow 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Kirk Norcross.
London, Feb 27 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, who was on a trip to Egypt with her two sons, jetted back to the UK on Sunday for a showdown with her estranged husband Rhodri over her "fun" with fellow 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Kirk Norcross.
London, Feb 26 (ANI): Natasha Giggs and Kirk Norcross' blossoming relationship seems to have halted any chance of a reconciliation with her husband Rhodri.
Washington, Feb 25(ANI): U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has slammed Russia and China as "despicable" for opposing the United Nations Security Council action on Syria.
London, Feb 25 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, who recently flew to Egypt to mend her broken marriage with Rhodri but finally had to go alone, has revealed that she had fun during the wild night outs with her 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemate Kirk Norcross.
London, Feb 25 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, who recently flew to Egypt to mend her broken marriage with Rhodri but finally had to go alone, has revealed that she had fun during the wild night outs with her 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemate Kirk Norcross.
Washington, Feb 25(ANI): U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has slammed Russia and China as "despicable" for opposing the United Nations Security Council action on Syria.
London, Feb 23 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, whose eight-year fling with her footballer ace brother-in-law Ryan killed her marriage, has revealed that her decision to ditch blokes is "a permanent thing".
Cairo, Feb 23 (ANI): An Egyptian judge has announced June 2 as the date to deliver the verdict on the country's former President Hosni Mubarak, former interior minister Habib el-Adli and his six aides.
Cairo, Feb 23 (ANI): An Egyptian judge has announced June 2 as the date to deliver the verdict on the country's former President Hosni Mubarak, former interior minister Habib el-Adli and his six aides.
London, Feb 23 (ANI): Natasha Giggs, whose eight-year fling with her footballer ace brother-in-law Ryan killed her marriage, has revealed that her decision to ditch blokes is "a permanent thing".
Mariah Carey has paid a moving tribute to her late friend Whitney Houston by placing a compilation of their performances together on her official YouTube page.
London, Feb 22 (ANI): Mariah Carey has paid a poignant tribute to her late friend Whitney Houston by putting together a compilation of their performances together on her official YouTube page.
London, Feb 21 (ANI): Natasha Giggs' estranged husband Rhodri has snubbed a break with her in Egypt, which she hoped would save her crumbling marriage.
Cairo, Feb 21(ANI): Egypt is working to resolve the issue of the crackdown on American civil society groups, US senator John McCain has said, signaling easing of relations between both countries.
Cairo, Feb 21(ANI): Egypt is working to resolve the issue of the crackdown on American civil society groups, US senator John McCain has said, signaling easing of relations between both countries.
London, Feb 21 (ANI): Natasha Giggs' estranged husband Rhodri has snubbed a break with her in Egypt, which she hoped would save her crumbling marriage.
Cairo, Feb 19 (ANI): Egypt has announced that the criminal trial for 44 civil society workers, including nearly 19 Americans, will start on February 26 over charges of illegal foreign funding for non-governmental organisations.
Cairo, Feb 19 (ANI): Egypt has announced that the criminal trial for 44 civil society workers, including nearly 19 Americans, will start on February 26 over charges of illegal foreign funding for non-governmental organisations.
London, Feb 17 (ANI): Nazi forgers successfully swarmed fake British bank notes in Europe, thus 'destroying' confidence in the UK currency, according to secret MI5 files.
Cairo, Feb 17(ANI): A Muslim Brotherhood party leader has rejected the US' warning to cut aid to Egypt in the wake of the latter's crackdown on non-profit groups operating in the country, saying it could imperil the peace deal with Israel.
Cairo, Feb.16 (ANI): Ultra-conservative Islamist presidential candidate Hazem Salah abu Ismail has called on Egyptians to raise money on their own so their country will not be dependent on the 1.3 billion dollars in annual U.S. military aid.
Cairo, Feb 13(ANI): A crackdown on U.S.-funded pro-democracy groups and a proposed bill that would further restrict nongovernmental organizations has impeded development work in Egypt, analysts have said.
Cairo, Feb 9(ANI): Egypt has refused to backtrack in a row with the United States over its' onslaught on non-profit groups despite Washington's threat to cut aid.
Cairo, Feb 9 (ANI): Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri has said that the country's ruling military authorities would stay in power until June 30, despite the recent calls for an earlier transfer of power to a civilian administration.
Cairo, Feb 9 (ANI): Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri has said that the country's ruling military authorities would stay in power until June 30, despite the recent calls for an earlier transfer of power to a civilian administration.
Cairo, Feb 7 (ANI): Egyptian activists and civil society groups have expressed outrage over the announcement that 44 NGO workers, including 19 Americans, will face a criminal trial for illegal acts, calling it a 'politically motivated investigation into the foreign funding of pro-democracy groups.'
Cairo, Feb 7 (ANI): Egyptian activists and civil society groups have expressed outrage over the announcement that 44 NGO workers, including 19 Americans, will face a criminal trial for illegal acts, calling it a 'politically motivated investigation into the foreign funding of pro-democracy groups.'
London, Feb 6 (ANI): A quarter of Britons have claimed that they have been to ancient Wonders of the World, wiped off the Earth hundreds of years ago.
Cairo, Feb 6 (ANI): Egypt will prosecute 44 non-governmental organization workers, including 19 American nationals, on charges of allegedly receiving foreign funds illegally and being involved in banned activities in the Islamic country.
Washington, Feb.6 (ANI): American aid to Egypt, which is estimated at an average of two billion dollars a year, is reportedly in peril with U.S. lawmakers threatening to block assistance in response to Egypt's crackdown on pro-democracy groups.
