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 People 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: 18 million (2000 census).
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 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 am to
14:00 pm. -Stores: 9:00 am to 20:00 pm (winter) to 22:00 pm (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, and Palmyra. In addition to: Damascus International
Fair, Damascus International Flower Fair, and Cinema & Theatre Festivals.
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 Syrian 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.