A Brief Description The ancient country of Syria is strategically placed along the eastern edges of the Mediterranean Sea, at the doorway to Asia and the Middle East. For endless centuries is was fought-over and subsequently controlled by varied factions, including the Egyptian, Roman and Ottoman empires. After World War I ended, the Ottoman Turks were finally driven out, and the French influence began. The French administered and exercised control of Syria until it finally gained its independence in 1946. Quite typical of a newly independent country, Syria lacked political stability, and did experience a series of military coups during its first decade. In 1958, Syria united with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic, but in 1961 the two entities separated and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel, and since then, both countries have occasionally discussed its return to Syria. Damascus, the capital, historically called the Fragrant City, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet, and to this day remains one of the most important cultural and political centers in the Arab world. For more info on Syria, click here! Temple of Bel Shamin ruins, Palmyra, Syria! Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Syria (long form) Syrian Arab Republic Population 18,448,800 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Damascus (2.1 million) Currency Syrian Pound (SYP) Currency Converter here Languages Arabic (official), Kurdish, many others Flag here National Day August 9 Religions Sunni Muslim (74%), other Muslim sects (16%), Christian (10%), others Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 33º 30' N, 36º 19' E Relative Location Syria is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and by the countries of Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. Land Statistics Coastline 120 miles (193 km) Land Areas (land) 71,062 sq miles (184,050 sq km) (water) 436 sq miles (1,130 sq km) (TOTAL) 71,498 sq miles (185,180 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms In general terms Syria is a flat desert plateau, dissected by mountains. A narrow coastal plain fronts the Mediterranean Sea. In the west-central and north the Anti-Lebanon and Bishri mountains dominate the landscape. The highest point, Mt Hermon, stands in the far southwest. Significant bodies of water include Lake al-Assad (a man-made reservoir,) created by a dam on the Euphrates River. The Euphrates and its longest tributary, the Khabur (both rising in the mountains of Turkey) are the major rivers. Dozens of much smaller rivers flow down into the central valleys. Highest Point Mt. Hermon - 9,232 ft. (2,814 m) Lowest Point Mediterranean Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m) Land Divisions 14 provinces, including: Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq and Tartus

Maps Syria (large color) Map here Syria Outline Map here Syria CIA version here Syria Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Ring of Fire Map here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Syria (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here Cafe Syria here Syria History here Syria Photos at TrekEarth.com here Syria Tourism here The historic city of Aleppo, Syria! Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +2) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate In the desert areas of the east and southeast, hot, dry, and sunny summers are the norm. High temperatures above 105º F are quite common. Along the Mediterranean coastal areas, afternoon rainfall is common in summer, and temperature are quite pleasant, though humidity is high. In the west-central and northern mountain valleys, rainfall is more pronounced; temperatures range from 45º F in winter, to 80º F in summer. Rainfall in the Damascus area is lighter as the mountains block the traditional rains from the Mediterranean Sea. Temperatures in the capital city range from 40º F in winter to 95º F in summer. Traveler Info Attractions To this date (sadly) there is an on-going threat of terrorism in Syria, especially against tourists. The U.S. State Department and other governments warn westerners to avoid tourism-related travel to Syria, if at all possible. Business travelers are asked to take the necessary steps to protect their personal safety, and are advised that they may be put under surveillance, and personal possessions searched. That aside, Syria is replete with history and ruins that date to primeval times. Countrywide, Roman ruins, Crusade castles and relics of the Ottoman Empire are major points-of-interest. In addition, no visit to Syria would be complete without touring the Old City center of Damascus, the mosques and palaces of the classic city of Aleppo and Palmyra's Temple of Bel Shamim. Country Dialing Code 963 Electricity Syria uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

The following notes are available for your viewing pleasure!

Return to the Asia and Middle East directory

Return to the main homepage

Map images provided by Graphic Maps

Banknote reference numbers obtained from the Standard Catalogs of World Paper Money published by Krause Publications

Patrick Kennedy's World Currency Homepage
This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November, 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/syria.html