Every fact you wanted to know about Egypt!
Ready for an Egypt fact bomb? If you are planning on visiting Egypt, here is your one stop shop for Egypt Facts. A great resource for any of you Worlschooling kids out there too.
Egypt Facts
Where is Egypt?
Egypt is a country located in the northeastern corner of Africa, with a small portion of its territory also located in Asia. It is the third most populous country in Africa, with a population of over 100 million people. The official language is Arabic, and the majority of the population is Muslim.
Facts About Egypt
What is the population of Egypt?
The population of Egypt (as of 2021) is 109 million, with 99% ethnic Egyptians. The remaining 1% is made up of various ethnic groups, including Bedouins, Nubians, and various Arab and African communities.
What is the Capital of Egypt?
Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, located on the banks of the Nile River in the north of the country. With a population of over 20 million people, it is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East.
Cairo is a city with a rich history, dating back to ancient times. The city is home to numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, which contains a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. You can read about our top family friendly activities in Cairo here.
Cairo is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls standing alongside ancient monuments and traditional bazaars. The city can be chaotic and overwhelming at times, but it is also full of energy and excitement, with something to offer every visitor.
What Language is Spoken in Egypt?
Arabic is the official language of Egypt. Egypt has a diverse linguistic landscape, with Arabic being the official language and the most widely spoken. However, there are also a number of regional dialects and minority languages spoken in the country, including Berber, Nubian, and Domari. English and French are also commonly spoken among educated and urban populations.
What is the Currency in Egypt?
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and its symbol is £. Each pound is made up of 100 piastres. Convert your currency to Egyptian Pounds here.
What is the Religion in Egypt?
Religiously, the majority of the population in Egypt is Muslim, with estimates ranging from around 85% to 90%. The remaining population is predominantly Christian, with Coptic Orthodox Christianity being the largest Christian denomination in the country. There are also small numbers of people who follow other religions, including Judaism and Bahá’í Faith
What is the Most Important River in Egypt?
The Nile is so much more than the longest river in the world. Egypt arose because of the River Nile, which flows from the south of Egypt to the north, where the waters spill into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt in ancient times.
The striking think about Egypt is the lush green banks that follow the river. The Nile was a critical lifeline that literally brought life to the desert. Every aspect of life in Egypt depended on the river – the Nile provided food and resources, land for agriculture, a means of travel, and was critical in the transportation of materials for building projects and other large-scale endeavors. Every part of life was determined by the flow of the Nile.
The Nile is and was incredibly important to Egypt and today the Aswan Dam controls its floods and irrigation.
Where is Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt?
Cairo is located in Lower Egypt. Lower Egypt refers to the northern part of Egypt where the Nile Delta meets the Mediterranean Sea, while Upper Egypt refers to the southern part of the country, stretching from the Nile Valley to the southern border with Sudan.
What Are Egypt’s Most Famous Landmarks?
It has to be the pyramids right? Or the Nile? Or the tombs? Egypt is bursting at the seams with incredibly landmarks to visit.
There are at least 118 pyramids in Egypt! The three main pyramids at Giza are the 3 most commonly visited and the ones we most easily recognise, but there are many more illustrating various stages of pyramid building know-how through history. Check out the step pyramid at Saqqara or the wonky pyramid that just got the angles all wrong. As impressive as the outside is, head inside for some amazingly preserved hieroglyphics.
Getting out of Cairo and heading down to Luxor to visit The Valley of The Kings. This Egyptian landmark is on the west bank of The Nile at Luxor. It is home to possibly the most famous tomb of them all, that of King Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh, discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Almost next door in the Valley of the Nobles, which offers a huge amount of tombs with a fraction of the tourists.
Further south, at Aswan, you will find the Unfinished Obylisk, the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Nile, and the Aswan Dam itself, along with Nubian villages and architecture.
The controversial Aswan Dam has been built with the aim of increasing the amount of hydroelectric power, regulate the flooding of the Nile and increase agricultural production.
should you hire a guide in cairo?
What Food Do They Eat in Egypt?
Egyptian food is quite diverse and has many influences. As a result of it’s geographical straddling of countries of you’ll find food that is broadly Arabic or Mediterranean, but with influences from as far afield as India. Here are a few of our favourites.
- Koshari: This popular street food is a delicious blend of lentils, rice, macaroni, and chickpeas, topped with spicy tomato sauce and crispy onions. It’s a hearty and filling meal that your kids will enjoy.
- Ful Medames: A staple breakfast dish in Egypt, Ful Medames is made of fava beans cooked in a savory sauce with spices like cumin, garlic, and lemon. Served with pita bread and a side of vegetables, it’s a nutritious and tasty meal.
- Hawawshi: This Egyptian sandwich is filled with spiced minced meat, onions, and herbs, baked in a pita bread. It’s a perfect meal for on-the-go or a quick snack.
- Kahwa: A popular drink in Egypt, Kahwa is a sweet and aromatic coffee infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Your kids will love the unique flavor and sweet aroma.
- Falafels are a popular street food in Egypt that’s made of deep-fried chickpea or fava bean balls. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and perfect for dipping in tahini sauce or hummus. Falafels are a great vegetarian option and a favorite among kids for their fun shape and delicious taste. Be sure to add falafels to your list of must-try Egyptian food when exploring the country with your family!
- Sugar cane juice is a refreshing and sweet drink that’s popular in Egypt, especially during the summer months.
Egyptian Animals- What Animals are Found in Egypt?
Camels can be found In Egypt, in Cairo, especially around Giza and the pyramids you may think you stumbled into a farm with the amount of camels and horses around.
Top 10 Egypt facts
- Egypt is home to the only remaining ancient Wonder in the World.
- The pyramids were not built by slaves. Most likely they were paid contractors.
- Ancient Egyptians invented the 12 month calendar
- There more than 2000 Gods/Deities in Ancient Egypt.
- Egypt is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cats were considered sacred animals.
- Ancient Egyptians Loved Board Games.
- In the mummification process, the brain was mushed up and removed as it was considered of little value.
- Pharaoh Pepi II reigned for 94 years!
- But he also smeared slaves in honey to attract the flies away from him.
Want To Learn More About Egypt?
We spent two months in Egypt and it was one of the highlights of our travels. This is a country so rich in history, you almost trip over it (I think we may have actually in Luxor!). Egyptian mythology is a fantastic way to introduce the kids to Egypt and prepare them for a trip. We have more posts of Egypt so if you are looking for more information of visiting the temples in Luxor, or surviving Cairo with kids, check out our other posts here.
- The Valley of the Kings- Plan your Visit 2024
- 6 Best Alternative Things to do in Luxor with kids
- A kids guide to the pyramids of Egypt
- Why you should go to Luxor with kids 2024
- The 8 Best Family Friendly Activities in Cairo with Kids
- The Ultimate Guide to Food in Egypt
Meet the author
Lisa is the founder of Boston Tribe Travels. She has lived and travelled abroad for the last 15 years, visited more than 30 countries and has done most of that with her husband and two children. As a full time travel family, they like to travel slow, worldschool and seek new adventures. From living in Borneo for 5 years to backpacking South America, Lisa shares a wealth of travel experience to empower more families to travel and learn together.
