National Character:

Syrians are refreshingly open and hospitable towards foreigners. "AHLAN WA SAHLAN" Is an oft-repeated phrase in Syria. It means , "You are welcome". And visitors to a Syrian home are genuinely and sincerely welcome, for according to a centuries-old tradition, the guest is considered a sacred trust.
Whether you visit a Bedouin's tent in the desert, or the palatial villa of a city dweller, or a farmer's mud-brick home, you will be warmly greeted with many polite phrases of welcome and served the traditional coffee or tea which is a symbol of Arab hospitality.
Even shopkeepers, while you are dealing with them, may offer you a tiny cup of Arabic coffee, a glass of mint tea, or lemonade.
As for the farewell is like a benediction it is" MA ASSALAMAH" : "May you go in peace".

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.

Communications:
International telephone code for Syria: 00963
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.

The Syrian cuisine:
It is varied and rich, in view of the fertility of Syrian lands and the abundance of their crops which enable the cook to be a master and to diversify in his choice and talent in the preparation of fresh meals made of vegetables, legumes and meats.
The Syrian table is always decorated with the various delicious pastries famous all over the world. Travelers do not miss to take with them on their leaving the country samples of these sweets to give them as presents to their dear friends and family members. These desserts are followed by fresh or dried fruits grown in Syrian fields.
Health concern is also cared for through the Syrian fresh and pure mineral waters gushing from m

- How to arrive to Syria