Port Said

Port Said (31.25° N 32.29° E) is a northeastern Egyptian city near the Suez Canal, with 650,000 inhabitants (2005 estimate).

The city is the fourth largest city in Egypt with total area 134496 Km² and is the second most important port after Alexandria where its location is unique, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Northern entrance of Suez Canal attracting both business men and travelers.

Port Said is in many ways a beautiful city. There are numerous old houses with grand balconies on all floors, giving the city a distinctive look. Port Said's twin city is Port Fouad, which lies on the eastern side of the canal. The two cities coexist, to the extent that there hardly is any town centre in Port Fouad. The cities are connected by free ferries running all through the day.

Port Said is a city of long roots in history. The origin of Port Said is that of a working camp founded in 1859 by Said Pasha to house men working on the Suez Canal.

Port Said was designated to receive the gift of what is now known as the Statue of Liberty, and then called "The Light of Asia" When the current government decided that it was too costly of a project, "The Light of Asia" was shipped to New York City where it became an American landmark.

The economic base of Port Said is fishing and industries, like chemicals, processed-food, and cigarettes. Port Said is also an important harbour both for exports of Egyptian products like cotton and rice, but also a fuelling station for ships that pass through the Suez Canal. Port Said also thrives on being a duty-free port, as well as a summer resort for Egyptians.

Port Said has many places to visit. Its pretty beaches attract both Egyptians and tourists who come to enjoy the sea and the views, especially the ships passing by.

Interesting ways to enjoy Port Said are either to take a cruise on the canal or to take a tour around the city on a "Hantour" (a horse-drawn carriage). Meanwhile, shopping is another option in this tax free city