Official Name:
Syrian Arab Republic
El-Gamhouria Al-Arabia Al-Souria
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.
