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The image showcases the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt, with large statues carved into the sandstone cliffs. The word "Egypt" is displayed over a brushstroke design resembling the Egyptian flag, inviting travelers to explore its wonders through travel guides that bring cultures closer to our lives.

Egypt: Discover the Land of Pharaohs and Timeless Wonders

Your Guide to the Land of Ra

With our passion for exploration and the desire to discover new places, we decided to embark on a journey to Egypt and share our experiences with you right here on the Jenn & Leon Travel Blog at Closer Lives. We are two globetrotters who never say no to a good adventure! This trip was special to us as it was our first visit to the continent of Africa. We explored some of our top bucket list destinations at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and spent a week in the luxury gated city of El Gouna. It was an incredible experience that we are excited to share with you right here. We want to give you an insight into the unique culture, people, and food of this amazing country. We also share our tips on how to make the most of your journey, no matter what your budget is. Join us on this journey of a lifetime!

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Interesting Facts

Here Are 14 Interesting Facts about Egypt. Some May Just Surprise You!​

1. Egypt is one of the oldest advanced human civilizations and is home to the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. Constructed in the 4th century, this magnificent structure still baffles even the greatest of minds to this day in terms of just how it was constructed. It is also one of the most visited places on Earth, and for good reason too!  ​2. There are at least 118 pyramids in Egypt. Pyramids were built primarily to house the rulers of ancient Egypt to see them off into the afterlife. They are synonymous with Egypt, although many people do not know that at least 80 of the pyramids still standing today were built by the Kingdom of Kush, now located in the country of Sudan. ​3. Egypt is home to no less than seven of the UNESCO World Heritage sites; Abu Mena, Historic Cairo, Abu Simbel, Saint Catherine, Wadi Al-Hitan, Memphis and its Necropolis, and Ancient Thebes. ​4. Sandwiched between Cairo and Israel on the Red Sea, the Sinai Peninsula is home to Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have climbed and received the Ten Commandments. ​5. Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt with the other 90% of its citizens identifying as Muslims. The other 10% are primarily Christian. The main language is Egyptian Arabic, which differs from Arabic spoken in its neighboring countries. ​6. Despite being born in Alexandria (named after Greek conqueror Alexander the Great), Cleopatra is actually Greek. One of Egypt's most famous figures, she descended from the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Greek Macedonians. This dynasty ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years. Her name translates to 'Her Father's Name' in Greek. ​7. Egypt has been conquered several times over the centuries, falling to the Roman Empire, the Greek Ptolemaic Kingdom, and the British Empire. 8. Egypt's capital city, Cairo, is the largest in the Middle East with a population of just under 10 million. ​9. Many people assume that ancient Egypt was one of the first advanced civilizations. While it was indeed one of them, it was established in 3000 BC, almost 5,000 years after evidence of the first humans in the area. With the incredible discovery of the highly advanced Göbekli Tepe in Turkiye dating back to 10,000 BC, our history and understanding of our origins are being rewritten by the day. 10. Make-up was widely popular amongst men and women alike in Ancient Egypt. It was believed to have healing powers, with the bonus of protection against the Sun. ​11. If you go by the ancient Egyptian calendar, it is the year 6263! The 12-month calendar we use today was invented in Egypt. However, the original calendar set the days of the month to a fixed 30 days, which caused the seasons to fall out of synchronization. To counter this, a 5 non-day festival was held at the end of every year to literally 'correct' time. 12. The Nile River is the longest in the world and cuts right through Egypt. 95% of its population lives along the river. With 90% of the country classified as a desert, this certainly makes sense! ​13. Egypt is a land of significant strategic importance as it borders both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Ships can sail easily between the two via the man-made Suez Canal, a vital trade route between the continents of Asia and Europe. ​14. 'Upper Egypt' is located in the South of the country, with 'Lower Egypt' in the North. This is because of the flow of the River Nile, which goes North to the Mediterranean Sea.

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Travel Essentials

Travel Information for Egypt: Practical Tips & Essentials

General Information About Egypt

POPULATION

111 million (2024 estimate)

CURRENCY

Egyptian Pound (EGP) – £ or E£

CAPITAL

Cairo (10 million). 22 million people in the Greater Cairo metropolitan area, making it one of the largest urban areas in Africa and the Middle East.

TIME ZONE

UTC +2 (no Daylight Saving Time)

SPEED / DISTANCES

Kilometers per hour (km/h) and kilometers

DRIVING

Right-hand side of the road; an international driving permit is recommended

ALCOHOL AGE

21 (though alcohol availability is limited and culturally sensitive)

SMOKING AGE

18 (includes tobacco and e-cigarettes)

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Discover more from Egypt and join 15k+ on our YouTube channel at Jenn and Leon Travel

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EGYPTIAN DREAM COME TRUE in LUXOR! From El Gouna to Luxor in One Epic Day! Egypt Travel Vlog

EGYPTIAN DREAM COME TRUE in LUXOR! From El Gouna to Luxor in One Epic Day! Egypt Travel Vlog

16:39
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PARADISE on the Red Sea in EL GOUNA, Egypt!? A MUST VISIT DESTINATION in 2023 Egypt Travel Vlog

PARADISE on the Red Sea in EL GOUNA, Egypt!? A MUST VISIT DESTINATION in 2023 Egypt Travel Vlog

09:32
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EL GOUNA, EGYPT 2023; Red Sea LUXURY in this PRIVATE CITY!!

EL GOUNA, EGYPT 2023; Red Sea LUXURY in this PRIVATE CITY!!

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Did you know this is Egypt too?! #elgouna  #Egypt #luxurytravel

Did you know this is Egypt too?! #elgouna #Egypt #luxurytravel

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As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can!

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Jenn & Leon at Closer Lives

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