Egypt is the oldest country in the world, with almost 5,000 years of documented history. As of April 2009 its population is 83 million people, making it the largest Arab nation and the third largest country in Africa. Located in the northeast corner of the continent, Egypt encompasses the Nile River delta and is bordered by two bodies of water - the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east - while neighbouring  Libya, Sudan, Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Egypt's capital is Cairo, one of the world's largest cities and home to over 16 million people.  This lively metropolis merges the richness of an ancient civilization with the amenities of modern society and culture. On the city's outskirts remains the sole surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Great Pyramid of Giza.  This area is also home to the Sphinx, the oldest and largest monolith structure in the world, believed to have been constructed around 3,000 BC. 

Aside from the pyramids, Sphinx, and mirages, Egypt is known for three things – the sun, the sun and the sun. The country averages 363 days without rain per year, giving this historic location the perfect climate for tourists. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy diving and hiking, history buffs can experience the marvels of Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and El Alamein, and between adventures, visitors can relax at coastal resorts along the Red Sea.

With so many unique experiences to offer travelers, the strong tourist industry is a government priority as one of the country's major sources of income.  As a result the infrastructure is improving steadily, giving rise to a developing property market. Investing in Egyptian property guarantees steady rental income and appreciating property value. Buying an apartment in Egypt will bring 6-8% in annual rental profit and stable 15% growth in value annually (20-30% before the market slowdown in 2008).

Officially, Egypt is known as "The Arab Republic of Egypt." Egyptian is the official language but English is used widely, particularly in Cairo and the tourist resorts.

Egypt's official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Nevertheless, use of US dollars, euros and BPS is widespread, and these currencies can be exchanged easily in hotels and exchange offices. The property prices in Egypt are frequently listed in these global currencies, especially in GBP.

Egypt's economy depends mainly on agriculture, media, petroleum exports, and tourism. The latter is of particular importance to the real estate investor, and with the constant inflow of tourists, property markets reflect stable growth and strong demand on both primary and secondary real estate markets.

When planning a trip to Egypt, be sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
The most popular Egyptian resorts:

Sharm El Sheikh
Called "The Pearl of Egypt" and located at the southern tip of the Synai Peninsula, this relatively new resort is already a tourist favorite. Scuba divers love the fantastic coral reefs, and millions of visitors flock every year to see the exquisite Underwater Nature Park, and experience the vibrant nightlife of entertainment center Naama Bay. Unfortunately, Sharm El Sheikh is of limited interest to international property investors, as the real estate is only sold with a leasehold title.

Hurghada
Located 600 km south of Cairo, Hurghada has been one of the world's premier tourist destinations for the past 20 years. Like Sharm El Sheikh, tropical marine life make it one of the best scuba diving locations on the planet. Nearby, the Sahl Hasheesh resort features luxury villas, pristine golf courses, attractive apartments, a private airport, an underwater town, and exquisite 5 stars hotels, which together create one of the most majestic resorts on the planet. Full ownership with a freehold title is a fantastic investment opportunity, and luxury apartments are still available for very reasonable prices per square meter.

Property prices are often denominated in British Pound Sterling. Foreigners can buy property in Egypt under Law No. 230 of 1996, but some restrictions apply. No more than two units of real-estate can be acquired, with a limit of 4000 sq.m in size. The owner or a member of the owner's family must live there, and the purchase must be approved by the Council of Ministers, a process which takes about two months.

Registering property in Egypt
If fully registered (so called "green contract"), the property cannot be sold or rented for five years. The purchase sum must be brought into Egypt by foreign exchange through one of the public commercial banks (however, this provision of the law is not enforced). If rented after the five year period the property must be furnished, which has tax disadvantages.

Property purchases in Egypt are subject to a 3% registration fee, which was recently capped at EGP 2,000 (about $350), regardless of the price. Consequently, registration is less expensive than it used to be, but it remains a lengthy process. However, the buyer may still use the property immediately after the contract has been signed even if the registration process has not been completed.

There is an alternative way of the purchase registration - it is a court registration of the contract. The total cost of it is not more than $1000, it is pretty quick and in fact, it is used in 95% of cases. What is critical here is to make sure the money is transfered to the owner of the property (not the third party) and that both the seller and the lawyer are trustworthy.

The Nile river is longer than many rivers in the world.

The distance from Cairo to the Moon is 384,400 kilometres.

In July and August the temperatures in Egypt are the highest (average 27.9°C / 82°F) and lowest in January (14°C / 57°F).

The majority of Egypt's population is Egyptian.

Contrary to popular myth, pyramids are not the only luxurious properties in Egypt.

No doubt about it today: Cheops' effort, who - with a little help of thousands of workers - built something that his contemporary could call a funeral architecture show-off, was not to no avail.

One question in particular has plagued the Sphynx for many years now: "Where the hell is my nose?"

Were it not for this national oasis, one could call Sahara a "cultural desert."