Chris and Kevin Phillis presented an overview of their trip to Egypt at a recent meeting of Charlton branch of Women in Agriculture and Business.
Chris outlined the geography, history, people, agriculture and historic sites of the country, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The area is between the Mediterranean Sea, with Israel and the Gaza Strip on the north east, Sudan to the south, Libya to the west, and Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba to the east.
It is predominantly a very dry climate and very dependent on the Nile.
This is probably the longest river in the world, at 6650 kilometres.
Most people live along the length of the river and its delta around the capital Cairo. The rest of the country is mostly desert.
Their impressions were of a large and complex country, with a population of more than 100 million – mostly Muslims (90 per cent) and 10 per cent Copts (one of the oldest branches of Christianity).
The official language is Arabic, with many regional dialects, while English is now taught in schools from grade one.
Chris also spoke about their foods, bazaars and clothing, with examples being worn by Chris and Kevin.
Agricultural products, mainly irrigated, include barley, wheat, rice, corn, fruits and vegetables and high-quality cotton.
Petroleum and petroleum products are also important exports.
Tourism is also very important with many local artisans peddling their wares at all the tourist attractions, and were found to be very loud, pushy and persistent.
Chris’ talk was beautifully enhanced with photographs and information about many attractions including the pyramids, sphinx, ruins of Memphis, the Valley of the Kings, various temples and the Aswan Dam, giving a brief history about many.
She had also prepared a typical example of Egyptian food for the group’s supper.
Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of various attendance records to six Charlton branch members.
