Egypt, at the northeast corner of Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, is bordered on the west by Libya, on the south by the Sudan, and on the east by the Red Sea and Israel. Egypt is divided into two unequal, extremely arid regions by the landscape's dominant feature, the northward-flowing Nile River. The Nile starts 100 mi (161 km) south of the Mediterranean and fans out to a sea front of 155 mi between the cities of Alexandria and Port Said.
Egyptian history dates back to about 4000 B.C., when the kingdoms of upper and lower Egypt, already highly sophisticated, were united. Egypt's golden age coincided with the 18th and 19th dynasties (16th to 13th century B.C.), during which the empire was established
Land area:995,451 sq km;
Capital City;Cairo, 11,146,000 (metro. area)
Religions;Islam (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, Christian 1%, other 6%
Economic summary: GDP/PPP $431.9 billion (2007 est.); per capita $5,400. Real growth rate: 7.2%. Inflation: 8.8%. Unemployment: 10.1%. Arable land: 3%.
In Egypt history is everywhere: down the mighty Nile, Luxor is home to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Take a classic Nile cruise further and you might see Aswan's dams, and the country's greatest treasure, the temples of Abu Simbel.
For adventurers, there's camel-trekking, quad-biking and desert safaris to the oases of the Western Desert, and into the Sinai Desert to see St Catherine's Monastery, site of Moses' burning bush.
For sun, sea and sand fans, the many resorts of the Red Sea Riviera are easily available thanks to a huge increase in flights to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada from UK regional airports.
Egypt is a Muslim and conservative country ,so while Cairo is cosmopolitan, and used to Western ways, in Upper Egypt, locals live traditionally. Do not wear skimpy clothes outside your hotel, show respect around mosques and remember that public shows of affection are frowned upon.
There is a fantastic climate with all year round sunshine with average temperatures of 14°C in winter to 30°C in summer creating a year-round tourist season.
Beautiful coastline with miles of sandy beaches including unspoilt coral reefs which make for some the best diving spots.
Egypt has always been a favorite holiday & tourist destination and now it is quickly emerging as one of the hottest overseas property investment markets in the world.Moreover,the Government have identified overseas property investors as one of the keys to the successful growth of the tourism industry and economic growth so no only have they introduced favourable tax incentives (no Capital gains and inheritance Tax) but they have also made the purchasing process more favourable and easier.
Positive economic growth with increased investment in tourism, infrastructure and real estate developments.
What are the financial benefits of buying in Egypt:
- Positive increase in property value over the last few years with steady capital growth of 20%; 30% year on year anticipated;
-No Capital gains or inheritance tax
- Egypt as a popular holiday destination has got potentially very positive rental income.
- Positive economic growth with increased investment in tourism, infrastructure and real estate developments.
- Tourism is growing and demand is greater than the amount of quality accommodation available.
- Less property taxes than the UK- Low cost of living
- Regular flights from most European countries.
The Domestic market is growing in Egypt, the middle-class population is increasing all the time meaning that these wore wealthy Egyptian have increasing consumer purchasing power and will therefore be looking for quality accommodation to rent or purchase. This trend will push the prices of real estate in Egypt up and should have a positive impact on the overseas investment market…
