Official Name: Syrian Arab Republic.

Capital: Damascus.

The Governmental System: Syria is a republic where people elect their president each seven years, and members of Peoples Assembly each four years. The Syrian President nominates the Prime Minister. The President of  Syria  is  Dr. Bashar Al-Assad.

Area: 185.180 km2.

Population: 17 million (1999).

Climate: A pleasant and varied Mediterranean seasons.

Average Temperature: 32 degree C. in summer, 10 degree C. in Winter, and 22 degree in Autumn.

Time Zone: November through February:  GMT+2 hours (Winter), and March through October: GMT+ 3 hours (Summer).

Currency: The Syrian pound (Lira) is divided into 100 Piastres. The bank notes are 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Liras. The coins are 1,2,5,10, and 25 Liras.

Electrical Current: 220 Volts, 50 A.C.

Weekend: Friday is the official weekend.

Weights & Measures: Metric System.

Language: The official language is Arabic. Most Syrians speak also another language such as English or French.

Business Hours: -Government: 8:00 to 14:00. -Stores: 9:00 to 13:30, and 16:00 to 20:00 (winter), and 17:00 to 21:00 (summer).

Travel Information & Entry Formalities: A valid passport with an entry visa. Any amount of foreign currency could be brought into Syria. However, the sum of foreign currency allowed out should not exceed the amount brought in.

How to get there: The main gateway to Syria is Damascus. Damascus, Aleppo & Latakia are connected with all continents by the national carrier (Syrianair) and major international airlines. By land, Syria is connected by highways with Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. There are seaport facilities at Latakia and Tartous.

The Cultural Movement: Cultural and artistic life is active all year round. Art exhibitions are held almost weekly. Annual international festivals for dance and music take place in the midst of splendid historical sites such as: Bosra (on Sept.), and Palmyra (on May). In addition to: Damascus International Fair (on Sept.), Damascus International Flower Fair (on May), and Cinema & Theatre Festivals alternate on Nov.  

Cuisine: There is a great diversity in Syria cuisine, which is reputed throughout the world. The best-known dishes are: Kibbeh, Meshwi, Hoummos, Tabbouleh, and Kounafa. As for the western cuisine is available too in all major restaurants and hotels.

Accommodation: There are in Syria (1,2,3,4 & 5) star hotels throughout the country. Chalets and Camps are also available along the coastline during summer.

Communications: Telephone, fax, internet & e-mail services are available too.

Transportation:  Cars, buses, and trains serve all major cities, and tourist buses and cars are available too. Syrianair has domestic flights connecting Damascus with the main cities. Also City transport includes taxis and minibuses.