FACTS

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

Area (only Total) total: 1,001,450 sq km

Climate: desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain: vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Population: 81,713,517

Main Language (only first): Arabic

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Cairo

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+2

Independence: 28 February 1922

National holiday: Revolution Day, 23 July (1952)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

March 23 Easter Sunday

May 1 Labour Day

June 30 Bank holiday (Balance day)

August 5 - 6 San Salvador Festival

September 15 Independence Day

November 2 All Souls Day or Memorial Day

November 5 Cry of Independence Day

December 25 Christmas Day

December 31 Bank Holiday

Other Observances

June 22 Schoolteachers' Day

December 12 Virgen de Guadalupe

You should know:
The first week in August is generally a holiday. Many businesses may be either closed or working with minimal staff.

The week before San Salvador del Mundo is taken up with a fair and a parade in San Salvador.

There are also celebrations throughout holy week (the week before Easter Sunday). Each city also has a fiesta in honour of its patron saint.

Weekend: Sunday