EGYPT

PEOPLE 79 million people with 90% of population in urban areas such as Cairo, Alexandria and the Delta Nile

Main language is Egyptian Arabic

90% Population is Islamic – majority Suni

10% population is Christian – majority Coptic Orthodox

More than 40% males are illiterate (more for women)

Large mal-distribution of wealth with no class system or titles, acquiring more wealth is the only way to climb the social ladder

Predominately an overpopulated and poor society

Egyptians are friendly, hospitable, modest and conservative, having a sense of balance and moderation

Egyptians are proud of their history but sensitive of their present

Males are often chauvinistic in a society that rewards male domination

Females are expected to dress and behave modestly and not make a show of themselves and dishonor the family.

Egyptians support and protect their family and elders – family is first.

Egyptians are very religious, superstitious, and have a sarcastic sense of humor.

MONEY

In ancient Egyptian times, prior to the Greeks, Egypt had no money, only a barter system. Today, things are different and the Egyptian monetary system is now based on the Egyptian Pound (LE), with smaller bills denoted as so many piasters (100 piasters making up one Egyptian pound).

The most interesting aspect of the various Egyptian notes is the design, which usually depicts famous monuments and sometimes famous pharaohs. Most Egyptian money will have various Islamic designs on both the front and back that are secondary to the dominant art. Of course, there is also various scrip, sometimes in Arabic, sometimes in English. Specifically, note that the front usually has Arabic script and print, while the rear is printed in English for the most part. The English includes the denomination of the note spelled out and then as a numeral, and "Central Bank of Egypt".

Egyptian money comes in coins and banknotes. Currently there are coins for 5,10,20,25,50 piastres and for the 1 pound. Banknotes come in denominations of 5,10,25,50 Piastres and 1.5.10,20,50,100 and 200 Pounds. The larger the denomination of the bill, the larger its actual size.

MONEY

Date of issuing: The twenty pound note was first issued in 22/July/1980, Modified and issued again : 23/May/2001Face Design: The main feature on the front is the Mohamed Ali Mosque in gray. Again, Islamic designs in  green and gray be found to the left and right of the Mosque.Back Design: The main element is a reproduction of wall reliefs in gray from the pillars of the Temple of Seti I, Above this is an Egyptian war chariot, probably depicting Ramesses II. 

Date of issuing: The modern one hundred pound note  was first issued on 15/November/1994Modified and issued again: 13/November/2000Face Design: The main feature is the Sultan Hassan Mosque which was built in 1256 AD. Back Design: The main feature is the head of the Great Sphinx. This is beside the colorful drawings at the top that looks as a curtain as well but with different decoration and style.

SCHOOL SYSTEMEducation in Egypt was controlled by the Ulama and the Clergy before the nineteenth century. Most of the institutes were teaching theology. However, there were Churches and mosques in the villages that were teaching basic education to young boys.

They learned Arabic, memorized teachings of Quran and Bible and learned to do simple arithmetic. The first girls’ school was established around 1873. During the British rule, Egypt set up the first secular university along with a number of private schools.

Today, Egypt’s school system has made many changes to keep up with the international education scene. All areas of interest can be found in the Universities, but Egypt still emphasizes on Agriculture and Commerce studies for economic growth.

FOODPita Bread can

be found in almost every

meal.

Those with less money usually dine on Falafel and Foul ( fava

beans).

Main dishes usually consist of vegetables,

rice some form of meat

(chicken, beef or fish).

For entertainment, Egyptians love

to eat grape leaves and baklava.

ENTERTAINMENT

Men smoke different flavors of tobacco in shisha and enjoy coffee and tea in local cafes .

Belly dancing has been a long time traditional form of entertainment. Soccer is the main sport in Egypt and the World Cup is bigger than the Super Bowl.

PLACES TO VISIT

MAA EL-SALAMAA