Syria

Syria Damascus is said to be the world's oldest inhabited city, so if you are interested in history, this will definitely be the place. You will find fantastic architecture from the Muslim caliphs, the Romans and the Byzantines, all in one big mix. Go and visit the oriental bazaars, or get something to eat at Martyrs square. Going out in the contry you will find dead cities filled with exiting monuments,so there will be plenty to explore.

Area: 185.227 Km²
Population: 16.729.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 90 pop/Km²

System of government: Presidential Republic
Capital: Damascus (2.035.000 pop.)
Major cities: Aleppo 1.840.000 pop., Hims 300.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Arab 88%, Kurds 5%, Armenian 3%
Border countries: Turkey NORTH, Lebanon and Israel WEST, Jordan SOUTH, Iraq EAST

Principal mountains: Hermon 2814 m
Principal rivers: Euphrates 675 Km (syrian tract, total 2760 Km)
Principal lakes: Buhayrat al Asad 600 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Continental - mediterranean

Language: Arabic
Religion: Sunni Muslim 74%, Muslim (other types) 16%, Christian 10%
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 22/2, 8/3, 22/3, 17/4, 1/5, 6/5, 25/12
Dialling code: 00963
GMT: +2

World Heritage List:

• Ancient City of Damascus (1979)
• Ancient City of Bosra (1980)
• Site of Palmyra (1980)
• Ancient City of Aleppo (1986)