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- <text id=93CT1874>
- <title>
- Syria--Travel
- </title>
- <history>
- Compact ALMANAC--CIA Factbook
- Southwest Asia
- Syria
- </history>
- <article>
- <source>CIA World Factbook</source>
- <hdr>
- Travel
- </hdr>
- <body>
- <p> Health: Many U.S. and European-trained doctors practice in
- Damascus. Most Damascus hospitals and clinics can handle
- emergency cases; however, the city is not well equipped for
- major surgery and long-term hospitalization.
- </p>
- <p> An antique sewerage system and informal refuse disposal
- procedures require precautions to guard against endemic
- diseases. Local dairy products are considered unsafe, and local
- fresh milk should be boiled or pasteurized.
- </p>
- <p> Clothing: Damascus is a fashion-conscious city, although
- styles are somewhat conservative by US standards. Excessively
- revealing or tight-fitting clothing is not suitable for
- streetwear, particularly in the souq (market) areas. In the
- summer, washable suits are useful. In winter, light- to medium-
- weight wool clothes are suitable.
- </p>
- <p> Transportation: Air service is available from Damascus to
- major European cities. Syrian Airlines serves most Arab capitals
- and also flies to principal Syrian cities. Schedules are
- sometimes erratic.
- </p>
- <p> Transportation between cities in Syria and the neighboring
- countries can be arranged by private "service" taxis or by air-
- conditioned buses. Taxis, distinguished by their red license
- plates, are frequently used by Americans. The fare depends on
- the particular trip but is not high by American standards.
- Public transportation is also provided by trains and buses.
- </p>
- <p> Telecommunications: The automatic-dial telephone system used
- in Syria is of fair quality. Some delays can be expected on
- long- distance calls, which can be placed to most cities in the
- area. Reception on international calls varies greatly. Cable and
- wireless services are available at all points, but service is
- not always reliable. Damascus is seven time zones ahead of
- eastern standard time.
- </p>
- <p>Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, June
- 1986.
- </p>
-
- </body>
- </article>
- </text>
-
-