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Syria, the Syrian Arab Republic is one of the bigger states of the Middle East and has its capital in Damascus. Syria is surrounded to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Israel to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. Besides, the country has a little shoreline on the east Mediterranean Sea. Petroleum in business quantities was first revealed in the northeast in 1956. Talk: Arabic is the authorized and most widely spoken language. Kurdish is widely spoken in the Kurdish regions of Syria. Many educated Syrians also speak English and French. Armenian and Turkmen are spoken among the Armenian and Turkmen minorities. Climate: The climate in Syria is dry and hot, and winters are mild. Because of the country's altitude, snowfall does irregularly occur during winter.

Culture: Archaeologists have revealed widespread writings and proof of a culture rivaling those of Mesopotamia and Egypt in and around the olden city of Ebla. Syria is a conventional society with a long enriching history. Importance is placed on family, religion, education and self discipline and respect. The Syrian's taste for the traditional arts is uttered in dances such as the al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively revelation of folk customs.

Currency: The unit of currency in Syria is the Syrian pound or 'lira' (£S). All prices are now in even numbers of pounds, so the section 'piastre' is outdated. Religion: Syria's population is around 90% Muslim and 10% Christian, though due to the high stream of refugees from Iraq the percentage of Christians has risen to somewhat less than 12% (Muslim refugees are abundant as well). Among Muslims, 74% are from the Sunni; branch, and are tribal Arabs, Turks, Kurds, while the rest are divided among other Muslim sects, mainly Alawis (accounting for 10% of the total population) and Druze (6%).

Eat & Drink: Falafel, deep-fried chickpea patties, is offered for 15 to 30 SP. An additional accepted vegetarian meal is foul. Don't let the name put you off. It's truly pronounced “fool” and this fava bean paste – topped off with cumin, paprika and olive oil and served with bread, fresh mint and onion – is not only tasty but filling. Syrian wine can be found opening at about 150 SP and Lebanese and French wines are also offered in a higher price bracket, starting at 350-400 SP. Beer is economical, costing from 35 SP in a shop and anywhere from 50 to 100 SP in most budget housing and local bars for a half liter bottle or can.