99% of the population of Egypt are Arabian descendants of the ancient Egyptians, the ethnic minorities were Nubian, as well as Bedouin and other nomadic tribes. 80% of the population are farmers (Fellah). According to official data, 90% of Egyptians are Muslims, and less than 10% are the Copts, the followers of Christianity. The Muslim faith determines the life rhythm of Egyptian: five times a day muezzin calls over the loudspeaker faithful to prayer and in the month of Ramadan the night becomes a day (Muslims fast all day and dropping off the fast just after sunset, at this time social life fades, public institutions works only from 10:00 to 14:00).

Egypt is a very welcoming country. Visitors are always greeted with open hearts(remember that to enter the country needed a egypt visa). You will be with interest questioned about family, work, the impressions of Egypt. Also you will be invited for to visit, even if only for a cup of tea.

As to cloth, in the hotel you can dress what ever you want, but going into the city, we should not forget that the exposed shoulders and mini-skirts are not appropriate for street walking. Try to avoid doubtful establishments. Women are not encouraged to visit the outlying urban areas without a male escort.

Typically, the Egyptians greets by the hand, but it is not recommended to allow them to touch you on the back or arms - it is regarded as an excuse to prolong the relationship. In the local tradition of constant touching each other hugs and kisses is in the order of things, but many tourists become simply confused. And if you still standing and talking to the Egyptian, and also smiling it will be seen as a direct encouragement to the further continuation of the relationship, often to those that do not always coincide with European notions of the norms of decency.

Is considered impolite to refuse the traditional cup of tea. Also considered impolite to openly refuse in a sentence. In such a situation is easier to find a polite reason for refusal, then it will not be taken wrong. It is considered impolite to show the soles of shoes, as well as discussing local customs and way of life. Many of the usual gestures of us in the local understanding can be obscene.

An integral part of life in Egypt is a tip (baksheesh) for minor services. To the maid in the hotel agreed to provide up to 10 pounds a week, porters and receptionists 1-2 pounds, cleaners in toilets 50 piastre. The restaurant agreed to leave 10% of the account. Do not give gratuity to those who by their profession, to his social status is with you on an equal level. Better not to “occur” on the continuous begging, and confine to 30 piastre or 1 pound in the event of a service that truly deserves. Widely encountered beggars often are “the professionals in his case■ and defend against them is quite difficult. The local customs do not condemn such way ⌠earning■, so no restrictions on their activities there. The easiest way to get rid of bothersome beggars, referring to the guide or to the tourist police.

Holidays:

* New Year - January 1
* The release of the Sinai Peninsula in the October War of 1973 - February 22, April 25
* Labor Day - May 1
* The anniversary of the withdrawal of Egypt from British occupation troops - June 18
* Anniversary of the Revolution of 1952 - July 23
* Day of a victory over Israel in 1956 - 23 September
* Anniversary of the Suez Canal Transition - October 6
* Capture of the Egyptian army in the Suez in 1973 - 24 October
* Capture of the Egyptian army of Port Said in 1956 - 23 December

Religious holidays have also played a huge role in the lives of the Egyptians and celebrated by the entire population of the country. One of the most fundamental is Ramadan - month of fasting and prayer. For special events include the fast during Ramadan, which must abide by every true believer (with the exception of the sick, elderly and women in certain periods).