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), 94% (official estimate) and Coptic Christian and other, 6% (official estimate).
Ethnic Groups
Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, and other European 1%.
| - Growth rate |
1.78% |
| - Birth rate |
23.32 births/1,000 |
| - Death rate |
5.26 deaths/1,000 |
| - Fertility rate |
2.88 children/woman |
| - Male life expectancy |
68.5 |
| - Female life expectancy |
73.6 |
| - Infant mortality rate |
32.59 deaths/1,000 live births |
Economy
| - Labor force |
20.71 million (1996) |
| - Unemployment rate |
10.9% (1997) |
| - Inflation Rate |
9.5% (1997) |
| - Gross domestic product |
(total value of goods and services produced annually) $316.3 billion (2004 est.) |
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| - Budget |
$15.42 billion |
| - Debt |
$20.76 billion (2004) |
| - Exports |
$11 billion, primarily crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals. |
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| - Imports |
$19.21 billion, primarily machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer goods, capital goods. |
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| - Defense spending |
3.4% of GDP (2004 est.) |
| - Highways |
64,000 km (1999) |
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