The Land of The Euphrates, The Umayyad Mosque

& The Crusader Castles

Information on Relocating to Syria

• The capital city of Syria is Damascus with about 6 million people. The political centre is also in Damascus. Syria is a Republic.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood. The TV programs are in their original language. Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 18 million people - 90.3% are Arab, 9.7% Kurds, Armenians and other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Damascus.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 600 to US$ 1500 monthly for an apartment and US$ 2500 to US$ 4000 and higher for house which is very difficult to find. The local currency is Syrian Pound (S£).

• Schools: We have the American and the International school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Publicly owned bus services operate in all major towns and cities. Most buses outside the capital, however, have no signs in a European script to indicate destination or stops, which can make traveling rather difficult. Taxis are widely available. Fares should be agreed in advance and according to the meter in the cities. It is advised to rent a car.

• Bank: The banks are open normally from Saturday-Thursday 8.00 am - 2.00 pm. Banks tend to close early on Thursdays.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Saturday-Thursday 9.30 am - 2.00 pm and 4.30 pm - 9.00 pm (summer). Saturday-Thursday 9.30 am - 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm - 8.00 pm (winter).

• Climate: The Syrian climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and fairly cold winters. Nights are often cool.

• Culture: Throughout Syria you will find some spectacular ancient and classical sites, with relics left by the Muslim caliphs, the Romans and the Byzantines. There are also plenty of religious works left behind by the Crusaders. Bedouin artworks include silver jewellery, colorful textiles and a wide range of knives.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; January (date varies)-Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); January/February (date varies)-Islamic New Year; March 8th-Revolution Day; April (date varies)-Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet); April 17th-Independence Day; May 1st-Labour Day; May 6th-Martyrs’ Day; October 6th-October Liberation War; October/November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); December 25th-Christmas Day.