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Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization, having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago. Egypt is probably one of the oldest vacation spots. Early Greeks, Romans and others came here just for fun, and to see the wonders of mankind's earliest triumphs. Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea Scuba Diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels, and five star restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera, and it is a cultural experience like none you have ever experienced. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement. More than anything else, Egypt is fun. For thousands of years, it has been the playground of emperors and kings, and we hope you will take the time to find out why.
 Overview
People and Language
Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes.
Major Religions
Muslim, (mostly Sunni), 90% (official estimate), Coptic Christian, 9% and other, 1% (official estimate).
Ethnic Groups
Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, and other European 1%.
| - Growth Rate |
1.92% (2012 est.) |
| - Birth Rate |
24.22 births/1,000 (2012 est.) |
| - Death Rate |
4.8 deaths/1,000 (2012 est.) |
| - Fertility Rate |
2.94 children born/woman (2012 est.) |
| - Male Life Expectancy |
70.33 years (2012 est.) |
| - Female Life Expectancy |
75.66 years (2012 est.) |
| - Infant Mortality Rate |
24.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.) |
Economy
| - Labor Force |
26.5 million (2011 est.) |
| - Unemployment Rate |
12% (2011 est.) |
| - Inflation Rate |
10.2% (2011 est.) |
| - Gross Domestic Product |
$519 billion (2011 est.), total value of goods & services produced annually. |
| - Budget |
$44.69 billion |
| - Debt |
83.6% of GDP (2011 est.) |
| - Exports |
$27.91 billion (2011 est.), primarily crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals, and processed food. |
| - Imports |
$55.07 billion (2011 est.), primarily machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, and fuels. |
| - Defense Spending |
3.4% of GDP (2005 est.) (No updates aviailable since 2005.) |
| - Highways |
85,050 km (2011) |
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