Ancient Egypt

Egypt was created by the Nile, determined by the desert and shaped by its people. To think of Egypt is to summon up images of pyramids, temples and tombs. The inner eye feasts on images of unparalleled artistry: the timeless diorite statue of Khafre, elegant wall paintings in the tomb of Nefertari, the funerary mask of Tutankhamen.

Perhaps the palm-fringed Nile springs to mind, or the exquisite Islamic monuments of medieval Cairo, or even the overgrown mega city of today's Cairo. Ancient Egyptians referred to Egypt as Kmt, which means the black land or the fertile cultivated land. This name was later modified by the Copts of Egypt to Kymy.

In 1800, Egypt had 2.5 million inhabitants; in 1986, 48.3 million and in 2003 almost 70 million. Ninety-seven percent of Egyptians live on 4 percent of the country's area. The population density in Egypt is 59 citizens per square kilometer. Like the Nile, Egypt is an endless and contrasting stream of life; and Cairo the metropolis at the junction between Upper and Lower Egypt, has become at once the focus, mirror and kaleidoscope of Egyptian life, incomparable in its diversity.

Egyptian hospitality is legendary. First-time visitors to Egypt enjoy the genuine warmth, personal attention and absolute courtesy of the Egyptian people. It is a society strongly rooted in the family and a commitment to openly welcome guests.

The 5 million visitors who come to Egypt every year discover kindness and delight in the Egyptian friendly and warm attitude. They discover smiles, caring, and people who will go out of their way to help. They discover that no one stays a stranger in Egypt for long.