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Syria
Syria is regarded by many as the cradle of civilization. Its ancient land
witnessed the first probings for human progress and advancement In history more than 8000 years
ago.
Even at that early date, the plough tilled Its soil; oars smote sea waves
along Its coast; its earth and rocks were used to build villages and settlements, and metal entered Its every day
life in Tell Half, Ugarit, Mart, Ebla and other centers. Its central position between east &
west, served as the great world center of cultural activity, Interaction & radiation.
Spots of attraction:
In Syria they are countless. It Is enough to know that there are about
3000 historical sites
therefore we will only Identify the main spots of attraction:
Damascus: An Immortal city vies for the title (the Oldest continously
Inhabited city on Earth).
Its old monuments & lanes narrate the history of dozens of conquer-ors.
The Omayyad mosque Is a bright example of Its timelessness.
Aleppo: New studies proved that Aleppo is the same: based on this city
three thousand
years ago. The mythology has it that Abraham camped here. The French poet
Lamartine found in It a good refugee for Inspiration. The eastern part of the city Is full
of mystery.
The giant castle, souqs caravanserais are only a few of its attractions.
Palmyra: An outstanding site of beauty worth total admiration. The caravan
city of Palmyra is
mentioned on tablets dating back to 1900 years BC. An oasis flowes on
an ocean of steppe.
General Information :
Geography:
Syria lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean sea. It covers an area
of 185.000 sq.km. 71.498 sq.miles. which Is approximately half the area of England, five times
that of Switzerland or Denmark. It Is bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan
& Palestine to
the south, and Lebanon & the Mediterranean sea to the west.
The highest point Is 2814 Meter above sea level.
Climate:
The climate varies from relatively hot Mediterranean summers and warm
often rainy winters
on the coast, to hot summers and cold winters Inland.
In the desert temperatures fluctuate. The average:
in the summer: 36*
in autumn : 24*
in winter : 13*
to spring : 20*
Time:
Syria Is two hours ahead of GMT in winter (October to March). And three
hours ahead in summer (April to September).
Population:
14.000.000 million inhabitant according to 1991 statistics.
Annual growth of the population Is 3.6%.
58% of the people work in agriculture. The rest in Industry & general
services.
Main Cities:
Damascus : (the capital) 3.151.222 inhabitant.
Aleppo: 2.124,000 Inhabitant
Homs: 1.124.000 Inhabitant.
Religion:
89% Muslims. 11% Christians.
Christians & Churches:
Christians In Syria form 11 % of the Syrian population.
With an astonishing variety of churches representing the 3 principle branches
of Christianity.
Language:
Arabic Is the mother tongue of 95% of the population.
English Is spoken widely, while French is less common.
Health:
There are no inoculations needed for entering Syria: Unless you arrive
from an affected area.
The medical services In Syria are well developed and many doctors have
been trained overseas and speak English.
Currency:
Syrian pound ( SP). known locally as the lira. = 100 piastre (s).
Paper notes are In denominations of 5.10.25.50,100.200.500 and 1000 pounds.
Electricity:
The current Is 220 volts, 50 AC The sockets are of the two-pronged European
variety.
Weights & Measures:
Syria uses the metric System
Business Hours:
Banks: between 8 AM. &2.00PM.
Offices: between 8.30 AM. & 1.30 PM / 4.30 & 7.30 PM.
Shops are open all day from 9.00 AM. until 8.00 PM In winter and 9.00
PM In summer.
Some shops close for siesta In the summer.
Official day off: Friday
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