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Egypt

24 08 '00 "N 35 29' 00" E / 24.1333, 35.4833

(ar)
Gumhuriyya Misr al- t Arabiyya h (ar)
Arab Republic of Egypt (en)
Flag of Egypt Coat of arms of Egypt
( Flag of Egypt ) ( Coat of arms of Egypt )
Motto : Silence and patience, freedom, socialism, unity
map
Official language Arab
Capital Cairo
30 3'0 "N 31 15'0" E
Largest city Cairo
Form of State Republic
- Chairman of
Supreme Military Council
- Egyptian Prime Minister 		Mohamed Hussein Tantawi

Essam Sharaf
Area
- Total
- Water (%) 		Ranked 30 th
1,001,449 km 2
0.6%
Population
- Total ( April 2011 )
- Density 		Ranked 15 th
80081093 , , and , is a country of Africa north-east on the coast eastern Mediterranean : the Levantine Basin. The north-east of the peninsula formed by the Sinai lies however in Asia.

Its capital is Cairo (al-Qahira, ), its official language is the Arabic , the language spoken is the Egyptian ( Arabic dialect ), the Siwi , Tamazight ( Berber ) in western countries spoke at Siwa. The Coptic survives as the liturgical language of Egyptian Christians. Its currency is the Egyptian pound.

Summary

History

For almost three millennia, the valley of the Nile lives prosper one of the most brilliant civilizations in history. The invention of writing original form of ideograms, hieroglyphics , shortly after the appearance of cuneiform in Mesopotamia to -3300, brought out the kind of human prehistory. Egypt of the Pharaohs could well flourish largely reached its peak in the thirteenth century BC, leaving a monumental World Heritage.

After many invasions and occupations of various (mainly Persians , Greeks , Romans and Byzantines ), the first century Christian community was formed, converted by St. Mark , the Copts (deformation Arabic word of Greek Aiguptios: Egyptian). They are now several million. The country passed under domination Arabic in the seventh century , and Ottoman.

The kingdom of Egypt became independent in 1922. Despite a long tutelage Ottoman and British , its culture is still strongly marked by Arab identity, including President Gamal Abdel Nasser was one of the most famous pioneers.

Today, Egypt is part of a policy in the Middle East impregnated by his many conflicts with Israel. Besides his monumental works such as the Suez Canal and the Aswan High Dam , it remains famous for its rich archaeological present in prestigious international museums. The disappearance of many archives is, however, that its history is fragmentary, although changing technologies enable better and understand the magnitude and scope.

In January and February 2011, a series of events of unprecedented magnitude taking place across the country and lead to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February. New elections Presidential elections are due and after the constitutional referendum of March 19.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Egypt and Law in Egypt.

Executive power is held by the president. Since 1981, Mohammed Hosni Mubarak held the position of president, reelected in referendums every six years. In 2005, the election for the presidency was first opened to other candidates. Legislative power belongs to the People's Assembly (elected for a term of five years by universal suffrage ). Finally, a consultative body called the Shura Council shall be consulted by the President of the Republic and the People's Assembly on policy decisions. This assembly is composed of 264 members, including two-thirds elected and one third appointed by the President of the Republic. President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak has resigned February 11, 2011 following the protests of the Egyptian people. According to the military junta, Farouk Sultan should occupy a role in the interim government.

Human rights

Organizations denounce violations of human rights .

While the circumcision has been banned since 1997, 96% of married women are circumcised .

83% and 98% of citizens of foreign claim to have sexually harassed at some point in their lives in Egypt . Respectively 46% and 52% say they suffer on a daily basis . 62% of Egyptians say they do it with women wearing the veil .

The Islam is the state religion , but freedom of thought and religion are officially insured.

Leaders

Presidents of the Republic of Egypt:

Governorates

Main article: Subdivisions of Egypt.

Egypt is divided into twenty-nine governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah):

Diplomacy

Flag: France France

France is represented since 24 August 2008 by Jean-Felix Paganon.

The Consul General of France in Cairo is Marie Masdupuy. The Consul General of France in Alexandria Hedi Picquart. The Egyptian Ambassador in France Nasser Kamel.

Army

Main article: Egyptian Armed Forces.

The Egyptian armed forces are the largest number in Africa. They consist of the Egyptian army , the Egyptian Navy , the Air Force Egypt and the Egyptian Air Defense Command.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Egypt.

Regions

There are four regions: Lower Egypt , the Middle Egypt , the Upper Egypt and Nubia.

Unequal distribution of the Egyptian population.

Egypt multiplies the extremes: the most populous Arab country, 90% of its population lives in a fertile strip of land along the Nile (24 km at its widest point near the Fayum, an average of 10 miles, but could n ' have a hundred meters). The rest of the territory is desert.

  • To the south, the Nile runs into a mountain barrier, and as he moves north, the landscape becomes increasingly flat and arid.
  • North of Cairo, the valley is transformed into a vast delta of 200 km wide, similar to a wide range dip in the fertile Mediterranean Sea.
  • To the east of the valley is the Arabian desert to the west the Libyan desert , arid plateau punctuated by bizarre geological formations and lush oasis.
  • To the east, beyond the Suez Canal is the peninsula of Sinai , the extension of the Arabian desert, where the Mount Catherine rises to 2642 meters.

Cities

Besides the capital, Cairo , which also includes Giza , Egypt major cities are: Alexandria , Aswan , Asyut , Banha, Dahab , El Arish, El-Mahalla El-Kubra , Hurghada , Mansoura , Marsa Matrouh, Luxor , Karnak , Kom Ombo , Port Safaga , Port Said , Sharm el Sheikh , Suez , Tanta, Zagazig , etc..

Climate

The air is particularly dry and safe, and only the Nile because they do not find totally Saharan climate. In winter, temperatures are mild and frosts are rare. Apart from the months of January, February and March, sometimes rather cold in the north, average temperatures around 20 degrees on the Mediterranean coast (maximum 31 ) and 28 to Aswan (maximum 50 !). In the desert, are the extremes of hardship - incandescent the day, cold night.

Become significantly wetter since the construction of the High Dam , the Upper Egypt knew little rain in antiquity, to the point that it seemed like an omen, usually fatal, in the eyes of its inhabitants.

The Nile Delta and especially the coastal belt are experiencing less severe drought. During winter, heavy showers transform the region into marshes, but these are still relatively rare rainfall (the average in Cairo is six days of rain per year). Alexandria is the Egyptian city that receives the most rainfall, about 19 cm / year, while qu'Assouan receives only about 10 mm every five years.

Prevalent in the spring often the Khamsin , a dry wind, hot and dusty, blowing burning deserts of south-east. At the speed of 150 km / h, he tears the leaves and gives the sky a deep orange hue, and the air takes care of dust which makes breathing oppressive. During these fifty days (hence the name of this season), Egypt knows a few thunderstorms, once symbolized by the god Seth.

In summer the temperature is high, but a steady breeze at night cools the atmosphere of the north, and this dry heat is actually more bearable than humid heat.

This great sun, the dry heat was not without influence on the manners of the ancient Egyptians: the need clothes do not smell was, but the wig was useful to protect themselves from sunlight, bathing and care toilet refreshes the skin, while the makeup, cosmetics, perfumes protecting the skin and eyes from the sun reflection, and masked the smell of perspiration.

C'est aussi pour recueillir quelque fraicheur que l'on construisait en briques paisses, que l'on travaillait sous les vrandas et que les gens aiss cachaient leurs demeures dans la verdure des jardins.

Flora and fauna

Flora on an island in the Nile

If Egypt is 94% desert, she now had no less diverse ecosystems that have adapted to conditions particularly hostile lotus , papyrus , palm trees , tamarisk , acacia , jacaranda , poinciana , mangroves ...

A camel on a beach on the Red Sea

Wildlife side, there are about four hundred and thirty species of birds and hundreds of mammals , among which the camels , the donkeys and gazelles ... There were formerly an extraordinary variety of large mammals ( leopard , oryx , hyenas , desert lynx ...), now devastated by hunting. Very at ease, however, thirty-four species of snakes , and scorpions and a few crocodiles live side Aswan.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Egypt.
Felucca on the Nile

The country is experiencing serious economic difficulties. Poverty is growing. Once primarily agricultural , the Egyptian economy is now trying to diversify into areas such as tourism or industry. The main economic partners of Egypt (in 2004) are the United States , the European Union and Japan. The main economic resources of Egypt are oil , revenues from the Suez Canal, tourism, metals and agriculture (especially cotton ). The country also depends largely on international aid.

In 2009 , the World Bank gives the following ranking for the first African countries:

State GDP
Flag: South Africa South Africa U.S. 285.983 billion
Flag: Egypt Egypt U.S. 188.334 billion
Flag of Nigeria Nigeria U.S. 168.994 billion
Flag: Algeria Algeria U.S. 140.577 billion
Source: World Bank ranking of countries by GDP (2009) , World Development Indicators database (World Bank), July 1, 2009.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Egypt.
Demographic changes between 1961 and 2003 (figures FAO , 2005). Population in thousands.
This section is empty, insufficiently detailed or incomplete. Your help is welcome!

Culture

Egyptian family, the distance the pyramids of Egypt

Religious holidays vary according to the lunar calendar (Bairam, Eid el-Kebir, Mouled el-Nabi). The Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, religious festivals fell by approximately eleven days each year. The Ramadan is also an important time for the Egyptians Muslims to meet people and participate in the many festivities that begin at the end of fasting.

Major parties

  • Eid el-Fitr (Lesser Bairam), three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan;
  • Eid el-Adha (Grand Bairam), which marks the period of hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca ;
  • January 1 : New Year's Eve (banks only);
  • Jan. 7 : Christmas Coptic ;
  • January: Marathon of Luxor and Giza; Spring Festival;
  • February 22 : Unity Day;
  • in the Sham-Nessim ("smell the breeze"), celebrates the original Egyptian pharaohs, the first Monday following the Coptic Easter, celebrated by all Egyptians (Muslims and Copts);
  • April 25 : Anniversary of Sinai (return by Israel);
  • 1 May : Labour Day;
  • June 18 : Republic Day;
  • July 23 : National Day , the feast of four days, the anniversary of the Revolution;
  • October 6 : Armed Forces Day, National Day public holiday marking the victory over Israel in 1973;
  • October 24 : Feast of Suez;
  • October: Rally of the Pharaohs ;
  • October and February: Cultural Festival at Abu Simbel;
  • November: Commemoration of the discovery of Pharaonic tombs;
  • December 23 : Victory Day.

The Moulid / Sup>, a mixture of fair and religious festival celebrating the birthday of a local saint, and gives rise to a riot of colors, food, entertainment, blessings, public circumcision.

Cultural Events Cairenes

  • Arab Music Festival (early January)
  • Book Fair (December)
  • International Film Festival (early September)
  • Experimental Theatre Festival (September).

Francophonie

History

Since the Napoleonic campaigns that led beside expeditionary forces, many engineers, historians, Egyptologists, linguists, lawyers and doctors, Egypt hosted a large French community. Other foreign communities existed at the same time, Italian, Greek, Jewish, etc.. All shared a "lingua franca" which was French. The Egyptian elite and middle class, sent his children to learn French. The Napoleonic code was the basis for modern Egyptian institutions. Until 1956 , the year of the crisis of Suez , the French language played an important role in Egypt, including under the British protectorate.

With the departure of foreign communities in Egypt, the French did not disappear, however. Internationally, Egypt was an active member of the Francophone community. This is Egypt, which imposed the French language in all international treaties concerning the crisis in the Middle East, by the action of high-Egyptian diplomat Boutros Boutros-Ghali , former UN secretary general , who was even Secretary General of the International Organization of la Francophonie , .

Teaching French

The essential feature of the Egyptian-French bilingual landscape is its diversity. The types of institutions are of different status (experimental schools, colleges Al Horreya, schools investment denominational schools).

Sixty-two schools "bilingual" teaching French strengthened (LV1) to 45 000 students. Prices are provided by approximately 2,000 teachers, including some fifty French.

Key element of another pan of bilingualism in Egypt, the French School of Cairo educates, meanwhile, more than 1 600 pupils, among whom 47% are French nationals and 32.5% Egyptians. Added to the 10,000 additional students in the five other schools of Cairo, and Alexandria in high school, high school in Port Said, small French schools in Sharm el-Sheikh, Ourghada and many institutes and schools French curriculum pursuing the same goal.

Finally, as a significant component of the French Egyptian educational landscape, it is estimated that some 1.7 million students, supervised by about 10 000 teachers, who study French as a second foreign language (L2) .

With regard to private Christian schools, they now house a majority of young Muslims. A contract with the Egyptian state ensures, theoretically, control teaching content .

List of Francophone educational institutions (called "French schools")
  • Cairo and its suburbs (Bab El Louk, Choubrah, Giza , Heliopolis , Maadi, Nasr City)
    • Good Shepherd
    • De la Salle
    • Experimental School Caliphate El Mokattam
    • School GAIA
    • Modern School of Egypt (HES)
    • School Nefertari
    • Egypt 2000
    • Franciscan
    • Ball Brothers El Louk
    • Girard
    • Le Palmier
    • Leaders
    • Lyce Al Haram
    • Lyce Al Bab el Louk Horreya
    • Lyce Al Horreya Heliopolis
    • Lyce Al Zamalek Horreya
    • Lyce Al Maadi Horreya
    • French International School and French Lay Mission of Misr Language Schools
    • Lyce Balzac International
    • Mother of God
    • ND of Deliverance
    • ND of Deliverance Helio
    • Our Lady of Apostles Zeitoun
    • Oasis Maadi
    • Patriarchal
    • Pre-Green
    • Rajac
    • Sacred Heart Ghamra
    • Sacred Heart Helio
    • St. Vincent de Paul
    • Sainte-Anne
    • Holy Family
    • St. Joseph of the Apparition
    • St. Vincent de Paul
  • Alexandria and its suburbs (Bulkley Chatby, glyme, Ibrahimieh, Moharam Bey, Sidi Bishr)
    • Franciscan ICD
    • Mother of God
    • Our Lady of Apostles
    • Notre Dame de Sion
    • St. Joseph
    • Saint-Marc
    • St. Vincent de Paul
    • St. Vincent Miami
    • Sainte Jeanne Antide
  • Aswan
    • Experimental School of Naguib Mahfouz
  • Ismailia
    • School of Organization Canal
    • Saint Joseph School
  • Luxor
    • Experimental School in Luxor
  • Mahalla
    • Our Lady of Apostles School
  • Mansura
    • Holy Family School
    • Experimental School of Mansura
  • Port Said
    • Lyce Al Horreya
    • Experimental School in Port Fouad
  • Suez
    • Experimental School of Suez
    • Good Shepherd School Suez
  • Tanta
    • Our Lady of Apostles School
  • Zagazig
    • Our Lady of Apostles School

Religions

The majority of Egyptians (~ 90% ) claim of Islam Sunni , introduced in Egypt in 642. The authority is the supreme Sunni sheikh of Al-Azhar.

The Christians , mostly Copts , are the largest minority (~ 9% ) religious, with strong representation in the regions of Upper Egypt ( Beni Suef , El Minya, Assiut , Sohag , Qena , Luxor ). Before the arrival of Islam, Christianity was the predominant religion in the country, one of the first to have embraced this new faith. The Copts are the result of a split in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Long dedicated to monastic life, they are now a cultural elite (whose most famous member is former UN Secretary General , Boutros Boutros-Ghali ) and an economically powerful minority . Indeed, the Copts are being persecuted and are often subject to harassment from Muslims. They are considered second class citizens, can not build churches without endless harassment from the authorities. We can also add that the garbage collectors of Cairo, mostly Christians, live in unacceptable conditions of poverty, in fact, since the massacre of their pigs that helped them get rid of trash, they live somehow emptying the bins Cairo. The slaughter of pigs was decided during the flu pandemic in 2009, referred incorrectly to his debut, swine flu. The authorities are suspected of having yielded to the demands of Islamists to get rid of this animal considered unclean in Islam.

The Baha'i faith emerged in the mid-nineteenth century and is derived from Babism founded in 1844 in Persia by Mirza Ali Mohammed Al-Al-Shirazi , Ali Hussein Fed , born in Iran in 1817 , is the real founder of the Baha'i faith with nearly six million followers worldwide. Egyptian Baha'is, estimated at about 10,000 people, have finally obtained 19 March 2009, after a lengthy court proceedings, the right to leave open the box that says religion on their identity cards and birth certificates .

The various Jewish communities in this country at all times have been persecuted more or less important over time (under Trajan in the Roman era) and preferred to leave Egypt between 1956 and 1967 (at the height of tensions between Israelis -Arab). The community has increased from 80 000 persons in 1940 to a few dozen in 2010 .

Codes

Egypt has the code:

Notes

  1. Arab Republic of Egypt, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics
  2. cf. Misram
  3. Amnesty International Report on "Systematic abuses of human rights in the name of security" in Egypt
  4. Stephanie Floray, " Egypt: Women's words against excision , Rue89, September 19, 2007. Accessed February 26, 2010
  5. a , b and c (in) AlArabiya.net, " Half of Egypt's Women harassed daily: poll ", July 17, 2008. Accessed May 7, 2010
  6. The dromedary has one hump camel that unlike the two, although the dromedary camel is called in Africa.
  7. Moulid, which means birth in Arabic, is a celebration of a holy person. It is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians in Egypt, to honor their saints. Although the majority of Egyptians are Muslims, some Coptic saints are also honored in celebrations.
  8. Message from Boutros Boutros-Ghali
  9. The National Library of France offers 500,000 books in the library of Alexandria
  10. An exceptional gift of the BNF at the Library of Alexandria, Culture No. 111, page 15
  11. Letter No. 37 - Ticket of bilingual
  12. French schools of Egypt
  13. a and b Presentation of Egypt , Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
  14. (en) and Martyn Thomas Adly Youssef, Copts in Egypt: a Christian Minority Under Siege, Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2006, 192 p. ( ISBN 3857100400 ) See also

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