Egypt


Egyptian ProverbLearn about Egypt

Egypt – land of an ancient culture known for its pharaohs and pyramids and presently home to over 74 million people. Officially known today as the Arab Republic of Egypt, the nation is located in Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Egypt is a modern nation with an incredibly rich history. Join Earthy Family as we explore the wonders of the country of the River Nile with fun family activities, authentic recipes, some Arabic phrases and cultural festivals.

Facts & Figures of Egypt

Total area: 1,001,450 sq km (this makes the 37th largest country in world)

Border countries: Egypt shares its boarder with the Gaza Strip, Israel, Libya and Sudan.

Population: 74,718,797 (July 2003 est.) This ranks Egypt as the 16rth most populous country in the world

Religion: By far the most popular religion in Egypt is Muslim (mostly Sunni) with about 94% of the population practicing this religion. The rest of the population practices Coptic Christian and other religions.

Language: The official language is Arabic, however, English and French are widely understood by educated classes

Capital: CairoFlag of Egypt

Independence: 28 February 1922 (from UK)

Flag: Three equal horizontal bands (starting from the top) of red, white, and black with the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band.

Industry & Agriculture: The economic structure in Egypt was changed with the completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 that subsequently altered the place the Nile River played in the ecology of Egypt. Recently Egypt has strengthened its economy during the last decade by following fiscal and monetary reforms. Currently regional tensions are affecting tourism and creating a strain on the economy. The development of a gas export market is a major bright spot.

The major industries of Ireland include: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals.

The major agricultural products include: cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

What can you find in your house or local store that was made or grown in Egypt?

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)

One Canadian dollar is worth about 6 Egyptian pounds. One American dollar is worth about 6 Egyptian pounds.

If you were to convert the money in your piggy bank or savings account into egyptian poinds, how much would you have? How much would it cost to buy your favourite treat? How about your favourite toy or a new CD?

Temples of Philae Aswan in Egypt            Obelisk in LuxorMun Temple in Luxor Egypt      Vaults in EgyptSphinx           Mortuary Temple in Egypt