OFFICIAL NAME: Syrian Arab Republic.

CAPITAL: Damascus

AREA: 185.180 km2 (71.500sq. miles)

POPULATION: 18.866 millions ( 2002 census )

CLIMATE: A pleasant and varied Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:
32° C. (90° F) in Summer,
10° C. (50° F) in Winter and
22° C. (72° F) in Spring and Autumn.

TIME ZONE: November through February: GMT + 2 Hours (Winter).
March through October: GMT + 3 hours. (Summer).

ELECTRICAL CURRENT: 220 Volts, 50 A.C.

WEEKEND: Friday and Saturday are the official weekend.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Metric system.

TRAVEL INFORMATION ENTRY FORMALITIES:
A valid passport with 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:
By land: Syria is connected by highways with Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey.
By Sea: Through the two seaports of Latakia and Tartus on the Mediterranean.
By Air: Damascus, the main gateway to Syria, Aleppo and Latakia are connected with all continents by the national carrier (Syrianair) and major international airlines.

Main cities and number of inhabitants in each governorate:
Damascus 2.8 million inh, Aleppo 3 million inh, Homs 1.5 million inh, Latakia 990 thousands inh, Hama 1.5 million inh, Tartus 773 thousands, Deir-ez-zor 1 million inh.

Communications:
International telephone code for Syria: 00963.
Telephone code:
Damascus 011, Nabk 012, Deir Ateya 012, Zabadani 013, Bloudan 013, Al-Qunaytra 014, Dar'a 015, Sweida 016, Aleppo 021, Raqqa 022, Jisr Shogour 023, Idleb 023, Homs 031, Palmyra 031, Hama 033, Latakia 041, Kurdahah 041, Jableh 041, Slenfeh 041, Kasab 041, Tartus 043, Banyas 043, Safita 043, Draykish 043, Mashta Helu 043, Deir-ez-zor 051, Hasakeh 052, Raselein 052, Malkieh 052, Kamishli 053.

Airport:
at a distance of 32 kms from the center of the capital, Damascus - Taxi service - Bus services - Free zone - Airport tax on leaving 200 S.P. - International airport in Aleppo.
In Latakia: Martyr Bassel Al-Asad Airport.

Ports:
Latakia 348 kms from the capital, Tartus 258 kms from the capital, banyas 55 kms south of Latakia.

Customs Regulations: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 gr. Pipe tobacco.

Currency:
Currency Unit: Syrian Pound = 100 piasters
1 U.S. Dollar = 46 S.P.
Notes: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 S.P.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 S.P.

Currency Regulations:
Each traveler may carry with him on entering the country not more than 5000 S.P. in cash and may take the same on leaving amount