Egypt’s population consists of three racial groups—the Hamito-Semitic race that has settled in the Nile area and large parts of Africa since time immemorial; the Bedouin Arab nomads who are originally from Arabia; and the Nubian, or Cushitic peoples, original inhabitants of the region between Aswan in the south and Khartoum in Sudan. The Nubian way of life came under direct attack when the High Dam was built on the Nile in Aswan. Apart from the displacement of over 60,000 Nubians, which included the resettlement of many in Kom Ombo and the repatriation of some to Sudan, the entire ecological equation in the area was severely damaged. Egypt has witnessed a population explosion in recent years, which is creating a severe strain on the land and its resources.

Religion

The main religion in Egypt is Islam, although there is a significant Coptic Christian minority in Cairo and a few other cities. Egypt has historically been the site of numerous religious practices—a fact that has led to an inbuilt tendency towards religious tolerance. Islam is constitutionally the source of all jurisprudence but that has not meant the suppression of religious minorities. Indeed, the influence of Sufism, a mystic and tolerant Muslim order is still felt in many areas of Islamic practice in Egypt today. Recently, there has been a disturbing trend towards Islamic fundamentalism among certain extremist groups.

Language

Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely understood. It would be useful to acquaint yourself with some basic Arabic phrases.