TEFL Egypt
Capital – Cairo
Population – 82, 999, 000 (2009)
Language – Arabic
Main religions – Muslim and Christian
Currency – Egyptian Pound
History
The Archaic Period of Egypt was when Egyptian civilization began. There were three kingdoms – old, middle and new. During this time Egypt was generally unified, strong and had much wealth. Every kingdom was governed by a Pharaoh. After each kingdom, a period of economic depression, political disunity and vulnerability followed in which Egypt was under threat to foreign invaders.
Modern Egypt begins with the rule of Mohamed Ali; the father of Modern Egypt. Modernization followed after this, creating a boom in industry. Britain took over Egypt in the late 19th century until 1922 when Egypt was declared an independent country.
Geography
Borders – Libya, Sudan, Gaza Strip and Israel
Land features – apart from the Nile Valley and coastal areas, the majority of Egypt is desert.
Climate – a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Culture
The Egyptian culture has been recorded for over 5,000 years and to this day is very vibrant and mixed. In all major cities, many traditions remain from the times of Ancient Egypt. In other parts there are tribal customs which were brought in by invaders.
Although much of Egyptian culture is based on Ancient Egypt through art, architecture and religion, the country is also rich in cinema, cuisine, sports, music and dance.
Top things to do
Visit the famous Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, take a relaxing cruise down the Nile, see the tomb of Tutankamun in the Valley of the kings and queens, hike up Mt. Sinai and watch the sun rise, go shopping in the interesting markets of Aswan, go diving in the Red Sea, explore the ruins and oases in the barren Western deserts.
