Cairo - The City of Thousand Minarets
  
Cairo - General Information |
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Currency: |
Egyptian Pound (EGP),
|
 |
Language: |
Arabic |
 |
Area: |
210 km² |
 |
Climate: |
Arid Desert |
|
 |
 |
| Summer: |
Max
- 95° F (35°C) | Min - 64°F (18°C) |
| Winter: |
Max
- 86° F (30°C) | Min - 50°F (10°C) |
|
| Also known as: |
Mother of the World, Al-Qahirah &
Paris on the Nile |
| Famous for: |
Pyramids, Mosques & Museums |
| Geographical Location: |
Northeast corner of Africa, Egypt |
| Latitude, Longitude & Altitude: |
30°2'N, 31°13'E & 243 ft (above
sea level) |
| Best time to visit: |
October to February (with hot & humid
summers) |
| Neighbouring Cities: |
Al Jizah, Al Khaymah & Helwan |
| Means of Local Transport: |
Metro, Bus, Taxis & River Bus |
| Cairo is the 13th
largest city in the world with 21st most populous metropolitan area in
the world. |
Overview
Officially known as Al-Qahirah, Cairo means ‘The Triumphant’. The
Capital City of Egypt, Cairo is the most populous metropolitan area and the
most populous city in Africa situated on the River Nile. In Egyptian Arabic
it is simply called by the name of the country i.e. Misr (Egypt). This one
of the largest cities in Middle East today is the major commercial,
residential, cultural and educational center of the country.
One will be left speechless to see the contrast of the city’s
settings, which have vast arid desert on one side, and a busy city, which
looks like a modern day oasis on the other. The city leaves travelers from
all over the world marveling at its wondrous antiquities beautifully knitted
with modern day amenities. Preserving fabulous medieval Islamic culture in
its lap, Cairo is also a vibrant modern society at the same time.
Whether it’s dusty streets in chaotic markets, sleek skyscrapers by
shiny roads or calm mosques, Cairo has everything a traveler can fantasize
for. While with the legacy of Byzantium, wonder of pyramids and mystery of
Nile, the city has much to live up to. Besides being a chaotic mixture of
sights, sounds and smells, Cairo is also the Egyptian center for expos,
trade shows and conventions.
