Embassy Of The Syrian Republic

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. Tourist groups coming through their local travel agency can obtain their free of charge visas from the airport or any other border.

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 3.8 million inh, Aleppo 4 million inh, Homs 1.5 million inh, Latakia 883 thousands inh, Hama 1.4 million inh, Tartus 716 thousands, Deir-ez-zor 1 million inh.

Communications:
International telephone code for Syria: 00963