Your guide to being an expatriate in Egypt

Demographics of Egypt:

Religion Overview

Egypt is predominantly a Muslim-majority country, with more than 90% of the population following Islam. The country is home to different Islamic sects, namely Sunni, Shi'a, and Wahhabi.

Major Religions

Climate

Egypt's climate is mainly characterized by desert and semi-arid conditions. The country is typically hot and dry, with slightly cooler conditions in coastal areas near the Mediterranean. The winter season is mild, while summers can be extremely hot.

Economy Overview

Egypt is a developing country with a diverse and rapidly expanding economy. The primary sectors that drive the economy include agriculture, industry, services, and tourism.

Key Industries

• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Finance
• Trade
• Tourism

Major Companies

• Cairo for Engineering Consultants (CEC)
• Orascom Construction Industries (OCI)
• Dice
• Heliopolis Company for Housing and Development (HCH&D)
• Sixth of October Development and Investment Company
• Alexandria Container and Cargo Handling (ACCH)

Culture and Language Overview

Egypt's culture is a unique blend of African and Middle Eastern heritage, dating back to ancient times. The country has a diverse array of cultural highlights, including music, dance, art, and literature.

Cultural Highlights

• Festivals: Egypt has various festivals that celebrate different cultural aspects such as Sharm El Sheikh International Music Festival, El Gouna Film Festival,
• Museums: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum anticipated to open in 2021, the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, and the Museum of Antique Carriages.
• Art and architecture: The Egyptian Pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx of Giza and Ramessu II, Abu Mena, Old Cairo, Abo Shoqa Gallery, El Tahrir Square,
• Literature: The works of Naguib Mahfouz, Yusuf Idris, Ahmed Fouad Negm, and Edwar Al-Kharrat.
• Music: Popular genres such as Shaabi, Hassabyya, Rattta el Sharkia, Tu Animal, Ras el Sana', Muwashshah,
• Dance: Folkdances such as Bent el Siam, Shoura, Tanoura, Khaleegy, and Sayha,

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Egypt is home to several notable landmarks, thanks to its rich culture and history.

Notable Landmarks

• The Pyramids of Giza
• The Great Sphinx of Giza
• Karnak Temple
• Luxor Temple
• Abu Simbel
• Temples of Philae
• Valley of the Kings
• Library of Alexandria
• Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Barquq
• Citadel of Saladin
• Babylon Fortress
• Muqattam Hill
• Coptic Museum

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Egyptian Revolution Day (July 23)
• Armed Forces Day (October 6)
• Christmas Day (January 7)
• New Year's Day (September 11)
• Revolution Day (July 25)
• Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)
• National Day (May 1)
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
• Orthodox Christmas

Political Stability

Egypt's political stability has been unsteady in recent years, with periods of unrest and social unrest driven by civil protest and political instability following a series of revolutions.