What You Need to Know About Egypt’s Culture
Egypt is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse people, deep-rooted traditions, and a vibrant modern culture. From its ancient wonders to its bustling cities, Egypt is a unique blend of the old and new.
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People & Demographics
Egypt has an estimated population of over 100 million people, with rapid growth. About half of the population lives in urban areas, particularly in major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor.
Egypt has been continuously inhabited since the 10th millennium BCE, making it one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Due to centuries of trade, migration, and political changes, Egypt has a diverse mix of genetic and cultural influences.
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Religion in Egypt
Egypt is predominantly Sunni Muslim (~90%), and Islam plays a significant role in daily life, influencing traditions, customs, and laws.
However, Christianity has deep historical roots in Egypt, with Coptic Christians making up about 9% of the population. Other religious groups make up the remaining 1%.
Visitors should be respectful of religious customs, especially during Ramadan, when many Egyptians fast from sunrise to sunset.
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Language
The official language of Egypt is Arabic. However, different dialects exist:
•Egyptian Arabic is the most widely spoken.
•Siwi (Amazigh language) is spoken by the people of Siwa Oasis.
•Nubian languages are spoken in southern Egypt.
English and French are commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and businesses, but learning a few basic Arabic phrases can enhance your travel experience.
Useful Arabic Phrases:
•Hello: As-salamu alaykum
•Thank you: Shukran
•Yes / No: Na’am / La
•How much is this? Bikam hada?
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Egypt as a Cultural Leader
Egypt is a major cultural powerhouse in the Arabic-speaking world, influencing literature, music, film, and television. Cairo, in particular, is often referred to as the “Hollywood of the Arab world.”
From traditional belly dancing to modern Arabic pop music, Egyptian culture has shaped the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
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Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptian food is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African flavors. With influences from trade and history, Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of traditional and modern dishes.
Popular Egyptian Dishes to Try:
✔ Koshari – A hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils, fried onions, and tomato sauce.
✔ Ful Medames – Mashed fava beans, often eaten for breakfast.
✔ Taa’meya (Falafel) – Egyptian-style falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas.
✔ Molokhia – A thick green soup made from jute leaves, often served with meat.
✔ Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi) – Stuffed with rice or wheat and grilled.
✔ Karkadeh – A refreshing hibiscus tea, served hot or cold.
Egyptian food is available everywhere, from luxury restaurants to street food stalls. However, tourist restaurants tend to be more expensive, while local eateries offer great food at affordable prices.
Cafés & Social Life
Egyptians love their coffee shops (ahwas), where men gather to drink tea or coffee, smoke shisha, play board games, and watch TV.
•Women do visit cafés, but it’s more common to go with friends rather than alone.
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Hygiene & Food Safety Tips
✔ Drink only bottled water (local brands like Baraka, Siwa, Hayat, Dasani, or international brands like Nestlé and Evian).
✔ Avoid raw vegetables unless washed with bottled water.
✔ Peel fruits before eating.
✔ Ensure fresh juices are made with bottled water.
✔ Be cautious with street food—choose stalls that look clean and busy.
Tourists sometimes experience minor stomach issues due to different food preparation methods, so it’s wise to carry medications for digestion or foodborne illnesses.
For updated health and travel safety information, visit:
https://redplanet.travel/mdtravelhealth/destinations/egypt
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Alcohol in Egypt
Since Egypt is a majority Muslim country, alcohol is not widely available, but it can be found in:
•Hotels, bars, nightclubs, and pubs.
•Nile cruises.
•Some restaurants in tourist areas.
Drinking Etiquette:
•Drinking alcohol in public places or streets is not allowed.
•Drink only in designated areas.
Egypt does produce local beer and wine, such as Stella (beer) and Omar Khayyam (wine). Imported alcohol is available but more expensive.
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Final Thoughts
Egypt is a culturally rich and welcoming country where tradition and modernity exist side by side. Understanding local customs, language, food, and social norms will enhance your experience and allow you to connect more deeply with the people and the country.
By respecting Egypt’s culture, religion, and traditions, you’ll make your journey even more rewarding! Happy travels!
