Complete Travel Guide to Cairo, Egypt

The topographic characteristics of Cairo result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Cairo region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Cairo area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Cairo has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Cairo demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Cairo create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Cairo weather observations by French savants In Cairo, and along the Nile River Valley, the climate is a hot desert climate (_BWh_ according to the Köppen climate classification system). Wind storms can be frequent, bringing Saharan dust into the city, from March to May and the air often becomes uncomfortably dry. Winters are mild to warm, while summers are long and hot. High temperatures in winter range from 14 to 22 °C (57 to 72 °F), while night-time lows drop to below 11 °C (52 °F), often to 5 °C (41 °F). Temperature patterns in Cairo influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. In summer, the highs often exceed 31 °C (88 °F) but rarely surpass 40 °C (104 °F), and lows drop to about 20 °C (68 °F). Rainfall is sparse and only happens in the colder months, but sudden showers can cause severe flooding. The summer months have high humidity due to its proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Snowfall is extremely rare; a small amount of graupel, widely believed to be snow, fell on Cairo's easternmost suburbs on 13 December 2013, the first time Cairo's area received this kind of precipitation in many decades. Rainfall patterns in Cairo determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. Dew points in the hottest months range from 13. 9 °C (57 °F) in June to 18. 3 °C (65 °F) in August. Climate data for Cairo (Cairo International Airport) 1991–2020 Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 31. 0) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 18. 6) Daily mean °C (°F) 14. 5) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 10. 5) Record low °C (°F) 1. 2) Average precipitation mm (inches) 4. Rainfall patterns in Cairo determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 01) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0. 98) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Cairo determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 0 Average relative humidity (%) 59 54 53 47 46 49 58 61 60 60 61 61 56 Average dew point °C (°F) 5.

The climatic regime of Cairo reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Cairo create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Cairo determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Cairo create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Cairo demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Cairo include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Cairo reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1884352,416— 1907654,476+2. 73% 19502,493,514+3. 16% 19603,680,160+3. 97% 19705,584,507+4. 26% 19807,348,778+2. 78% 19909,892,143+3. 02% 200013,625,565+3. 25% 201016,899,015+2. 18% 201920,484,965+2. 16% Source: Decennial census. For Cairo agglomeration: According to the 2017 census, Cairo had a population of 9,539,673 people, distributed across 46 qisms (police wards): Qism Code 2017 Total Population Male Female El Tibbin 010100 72,040 36,349 35,691 Helwan 010200 521,239 265,347 255,892 Al Maasara 010300 270,032 137,501 132,531 15 May City 010400 93,574 49,437 44,137 Tura 010500 230,438 168,152 62,286 Maadi 010600 88,575 43,972 44,603 El Basatin 010700 495,443 260,756 234,687 Dar El Salam 010800 525,638 273,603 252,035 Masr El Qedima 010900 250,313 129,582 120,731 El Sayeda Zeinab 011000 136,278 68,571 67,707 El Khalifa 011100 105,235 54,150 51,085 Mokattam 011200 224,138 116,011 108,127 Manshiyat Naser 011300 258,372 133,864 124,508 Al Darb Al Ahmar 011400 58,489 30,307 28,182 El Muski 011500 16,662 8,216 8,446 Abdeen 011600 40,321 19,352 20,969 Garden City 011700 10,563 4,951 5,612 Zamalek 011800 14,946 7,396 7,550 Bulaq 011900 48,147 24,105 24,042 Azbakeya 012000 19,763 9,766 9,997 Bab El Shariya 012100 46,673 24,261 22,412 El Gamaliya 012200 36,368 18,487 17,881 Al Daher 012300 71,870 35,956 35,914 Al Wayli 012400 79,292 39,407 39,885 Hadayek El Qobbah 012500 316,072 161,269 154,803 El Sharabiya 012600 187,201 94,942 92,259 Shubra 012700 76,695 38,347 38,348 Rod El Farag 012800 145,632 72,859 72,773 El Sahel 012900 316,421 162,063 154,358 El Zawya El Hamra 013000 318,170 162,304 155,866 Amairiya 013100 152,554 77,355 75,199 Zeitoun 013200 174,176 87,235 86,941 El Matareya 013300 602,485 312,407 290,078 Ain Shams 013400 614,391 315,394 298,997 El Marg 013500 798,646 412,476 386,170 El Salam 1 013600 480,721 249,639 231,082 El Salam 2 013700 153,772 80,492 73,280 El Nozha 013800 231,241 117,910 113,331 Heliopolis 013900 134,116 68,327 65,789 Nasr City 1 014000 634,818 332,117 302,701 Nasr City 2 014100 72,182 38,374 33,808 New Cairo 1 014200 135,834 70,765 65,069 New Cairo 2 014300 90,668 46,102 44,566 New Cairo 3 014400 70,885 37,340 33,545 El Shorouk 014500 87,285 45,960 41,325 Badr City 014600 31,299 17,449 13,850 #Religion See also: Religion in Egypt The majority of Egypt and Cairo's population is Sunni Muslim. The demographic composition of Cairo reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. A significant Christian minority exists, among whom Coptic Orthodox are the majority. Precise numbers for each religious community in Egypt are not available and estimates vary. Other churches that have, or had, a presence in modern Cairo include the Catholic Church (including Armenian Catholic, Coptic.

Culture This article **needs additional citations forverification**. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. _Find sources:_ "Cairo" – news **·** newspapers **·** books **·** scholar **·** JSTOR _( August 2022)__(Learn how and when to remove this message)_ Cairo Opera House, at the National Cultural Center, Zamalek district Khedivial Opera House, 1869 #Cultural tourism in Egypt Main article: Cultural tourism in Egypt #Cairo Opera House Main article: Cairo Opera House President Mubarak inaugurated the new Cairo Opera House of the Egyptian National Cultural Centres on 10 October 1988, 17 years after the Royal Opera House had been destroyed by fire. The National Cultural Centre was built with the help of JICA, the Japan International Co-operation Agency and stands as a prominent feature for the Japanese-Egyptian co-operation and the friendship between the two nations. #Khedivial Opera House Main article: Khedivial Opera House The Khedivial Opera House, or Royal Opera House, was the original opera house in Cairo. It was dedicated on 1 November 1869 and burned down on 28 October 1971. After the original opera house was destroyed, Cairo was without an opera house for nearly two decades until the opening of the new Cairo Opera House in 1988. #Cairo International Film Festival Main article: Cairo International Film Festival Cairo held its first international film festival 16 August 1976, when the first Cairo International Film Festival was launched by the Egyptian Association of Film Writers and Critics, headed by Kamal El-Mallakh. The Association ran the festival for seven years until 1983. This achievement lead to the President of the Festival again contacting the FIAPF with the request that a competition should be included at the 1991 Festival. The request was granted. In 1998, the Festival took place under the presidency of one of Egypt's leading actors, Hussein Fahmy, who was appointed by the Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosni, after the death of Saad El-Din Wahba. Four years later, the journalist and writer Cherif El-Shoubashy became president. #Cairo Geniza Main article: Cairo Geniza Solomon Schechter at work in Cambridge University Library, studying the fragments of the Cairo Geniza, c. 1898 The Cairo Geniza is an accumulation of almost 200,000 Jewish manuscripts that were found in the _genizah_ of the Ben Ezra Synagogue (built 882) of Fustat, Egypt (now Old Cairo), the Basatin cemetery east of Old Cairo, and a number of old documents that were bought in Cairo in the later 19th century. These documents were written from about 870 to 1880 AD and have been archived in various American and European libraries. The Taylor-Schechter collection in the University of Cambridge runs to 140,000 manuscripts; a further 40,000 manuscripts are housed at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

The cultural landscape of Cairo represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Cairo reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Cairo continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Cairo provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Cairo demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Cairo provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Statue of Talaat Pasha Harb, the father of the modern Egyptian economy, in Downtown Cairo The NBE towers as viewed from the Nile Informal economy in Cairo Cairo’s economy has traditionally been based on governmental institutions and services, with the modern productive sector expanding in the 20th century to include developments in textiles and food processing – specifically the production of sugar cane. As of 2005, Egypt has the largest non-oil based GDP in the Arab world. Cairo accounts for 11% of Egypt’s population and 22% of its economy (PPP). The majority of the nation’s commerce is generated there, or passes through the city. The great majority of publishing houses and media outlets and nearly all film studios are there, as are half of the nation’s hospital beds and universities. This has fuelled rapid construction in the city, with one building in five being less than 15 years old. This growth until recently surged well ahead of city services. Homes, roads, electricity, telephone and sewer services were all in short supply. Analysts trying to grasp the magnitude of the change coined terms like “hyper- urbanization”. #Automobile manufacturers from Cairo * Arab American Vehicles Company (vehicles by Stellantis alliance) * Egyptian Light Transport Manufacturing Company (Egyptian NSU pedant) * Ghabbour Group (Fuso, Hyundai and Volvo) * MCV Corporate Group (a part of the Daimler AG) * Mod Car * Seoudi Group (Modern Motors: Nissan, BMW (formerly); El-Mashreq: Alfa Romeo and Fiat) * Speranza (former Daewoo Motors Egypt; Chery, Daewoo) * General Motors Egypt 1. ^ a b c UN-Habitat 2011, p. “Arab American Vehicles Co”. Archived from the original on 12 November 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010. Archived from the original on 3 December 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2011. “Welcome to MCV Web Site”. Archived from the original on 16 May 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010. “Panda, Buy from Mod Car. Egypt – Ash Sharqiyah – Middle East Business B2B Directory – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain Companies, Middle East Businesses, Products & Trade Leads, Arab Business”. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2010. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) 6. “Seoudi Group 1001 opportunities for investment in Egypt and Arab World”. Archived from the original on 1 February 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2010. “اسبرانزا ايجيبت”. Archived from the original on 30 August 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2010. “Welcome to Daewoo Motor Website”. Archived from the original on 31 January 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010.

The economic structure of Cairo reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Cairo often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Cairo serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Cairo demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Cairo has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Cairo focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Main article: Transport in Cairo Façade of Terminal 3 at Cairo International Airport Departures area of Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 1 Cairo has an extensive road network, rail system, subway system and maritime services. Road transport is facilitated by personal vehicles, taxi cabs, privately owned public buses and microbuses. Cairo International Airport is the country’s largest airport and one of the busiest airports in Africa. #Public transportation The interior of Ramses Station Cairo, specifically Ramses Station, is the centre of almost the entire Egyptian transportation network. The Cairo Transportation Authority (CTA) manages Cairo’s public transit. The subway system, the Cairo Metro, is a fast and efficient way of getting around Cairo. The metro network covers Helwan and other suburbs. It can get very crowded during rush hour. Two train cars (the fourth and fifth ones) are reserved for women only, although women may ride in any car they want. Trams in Greater Cairo and Cairo trolleybus were used as modes of transportation, but were closed in the 1970s everywhere except Heliopolis and Helwan. These were shut down in 2014, after the Egyptian Revolution. In 2017, plans to construct two monorail systems were announced, one linking 6th of October to suburban Giza, a distance of 35 km (22 mi), and the other linking Nasr City to New Cairo, a distance of 52 km (32 mi). Cairo Metro, LRT, BRT and monorail expansion plans #Roads 6th October Bridge in Cairo Two trans-African automobile routes originate in Cairo: the Cairo-Cape Town Highway and the Cairo-Dakar Highway. An extensive road network connects Cairo with other Egyptian cities and villages. There is a new Ring Road that surrounds the outskirts of the city, with exits that reach outer Cairo districts. There are flyovers and bridges, such as the 6th October Bridge that, when the traffic is not heavy, allow fast means of transportation from one side of the city to the other. Cairo traffic is known to be overwhelming and overcrowded. Traffic moves at a relatively fluid pace. Drivers tend to be aggressive, but are more courteous at junctions, taking turns going, with police aiding in traffic control of some congested areas. #Other forms of transport * Bolt * Cairo Nile Ferry * Cairo Taxi/Yellow Cab * Careem * DiDi * Uber 1. The Report: Egypt 2013. Oxford Business Group. ISBN 978-1-907065-91-0. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023. ^ a b c Travel Cairo. ISBN 978-1-60501-055-7. [permanent dead link] 3. “On Cairo’s dying trams”. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2021. Tawfeek, Fahrah (21 December 2017). “Egypt to build country’s first ever monorail in Cairo”. egyptindependent. Archived from the original on 29 May 2019.

Transportation infrastructure serving Cairo reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Egypt. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Cairo.

Regional connectivity from Cairo provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

#Education Greater Cairo has long been the hub of education and educational services for Egypt and the region. Today, Greater Cairo is the centre for many government offices governing the Egyptian educational system, has the largest number of educational schools, and higher education institutes among other cities and governorates of Egypt. **Some of the International Schools found in Cairo:** Further information: List of schools in Egypt Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University Cairo University is the largest university in Egypt, and is located in Giza. Library building at the new campus of the American University of Cairo in New Cairo **Universities in Greater Cairo:** University Date of Foundation Al Azhar University 970–972 Cairo University 1908 American University in Cairo 1919 Ain Shams University 1950 Arab Academy for Science & Technology and Maritime Transport 1972 Helwan University 1975 Sadat Academy for Management Sciences 1981 Higher Technological Institute 1989 Modern Academy In Maadi 1993 Misr International University 1996 Misr University for Science and Technology 1996 Modern Sciences and Arts University 1996 Université Française d'Égypte 2002 German University in Cairo 2003 Arab Open University 2003 Canadian International College 2004 British University in Egypt 2005 Ahram Canadian University 2005 Nile University 2006 Future University in Egypt 2006 Egyptian Russian University 2006 Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development 2009 New Giza University 2016

Educational institutions in Cairo serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

#Cultural tourism in Egypt Main article: Cultural tourism in Egypt

Tourism opportunities in Cairo emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Cairo

Successful visits to Cairo require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Cairo often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Cairo include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Cairo extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.