Just the word 'Egypt' brings to mind visions of pyramids, grand temples, gigantic monuments mummies and king-gods, all relics of one of the oldest civilization in the world. To Many, it will forever be the 'land of the Pharoahs', a place where agriculture and advanced mathematics developed. But the long reign of the Pharoahs and grand monuments passed away years ago and life in Egypt had changed, and changed a lot. Today, Egypt is a developing North African country of over 80 million people facing new challenges as it moves through the 21st century. Egypt is a land of proud, honourable families, each trying to do the same things families do everywhere in the world within the confines of their government, religion, culture and values. Like people everywhere, they concern themselves with love, work, family, doing the right things and having their children grow up to be good people.
Egypt is an incongruous mixture of old and new. Considering that Egypt has one of the oldest civilizations known to the world and that it is home to the last standing seven wonders of the ancient world, it is not surprising that the word 'Egypt' fascinates and intrigues people. Looking around Egypt, one minute you think you have walked through a time warp straight into Biblical times; ten minutes later, you may find yourself negotiating a high stakes deal in an ultra-modern meeting room, teeming with skilled people dressed in the latest European fashion.
Egypt is a nation seeking its place in a modern world of computers, telecommunication and banking. Lifestyles are so intermixed that it is difficult to define where one lifestyle ends and another begins.
The modern Arab Republic of Egypt identifies itself as an Arab nation, though its people are 'Arabised' rather than true Arabs. The distinction between Arab and Egyptian is well recognised among Egyptians and Arabs alike. Egypt perceives its role in the development of the Middle East as one of leadership, peacemaker and negotiator. Egypt rich educational heritage gives it a valuable export-skilled labour. Many Egyptian professionals work in other Arab countries. They make significant contributions to development throughout the Arab world and bolster Egypt's economy by sending wages back home.
