Egypt has developed from the earliest of times as a multi-cultural community, a blending of the traditions of Africa and the Middle East, with the influences of Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. Egyptian society is tolerant and welcoming with a democratically elected government.

Profile

• Head of state : President Mohamed Hosny Moubarak
• Area : 1. 002. 000 million Km2
• Population 71. 2 million (2004)
• Capital: Cairo
• Other major cities: Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Port Said, Suez
• Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood.
• Religion: Muslim (94%), Coptic Christian and other (6%)
• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Climate: Temperate: mild winter, hot and dry in summer
• Time: GMT + two hours ahead
• Business hours: Banks are generally open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
  • Government offices are usually open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
  • Shops are usually open form 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Egypt's 72 million population, growing at the rate of 2% per annum, represents a large domestic market for any investor.

A large, young and educated workforce:

• A large, young, trainable workforce, available at a competitive cost; close to 21 million, out of which females represent around 4.5 million.
• 58% of the total population is under the age of 25, while 41% of the population is between the ages of 15 to 39.
• The presence of 16 universities, both local and foreign, coupled with a large number of specialized technical institutions offers a large base of graduates, post-graduates, and technicians that form a rich workforce for investors.

Quality of Life:

• A hospitable, safe living environment with good quality housing at competitive costs providing expatriates and their families with a comfortable living environment.
• Developed health care institutions and quality educational institutions including British, American, German and French schools and universities.
• A pleasant, warm climate all year round, allowing for outdoor recreational and leisure activities along with magnificent beaches, both on the Mediterranean and the Rea Sea.  In addition, Egypt possesses an incomparable historical and cultural heritage, with one third of the world's monuments offering residents a source of rich, cultural experiences.