 Syria is a land of contrasts; there are rugged mountains overlooking lush fields and dry arid desert bordered by rolling hills and sandy beaches. However, the biggest contrast is between people’s perception of the country and what it is really like. It is a land full of friendly, hardworking people, many of whom work in thriving cities and have very successful careers. Proud of their heritage, Syrians carry on the traditions that have been handed down for generations.
For those who love history and culture, Syria is a haven. There are a multitude of historical monuments and religious relics on display for all to see. There is also an abundance of outdoor activities for outdoor buffs. If you prefer to take it easy and relax, venture to one of the golden beaches or indulge in a spa treatment.
 Most visitors’ first contact with Syria is Damascus, and it is here where high-rise tower blocks are complemented by ancient mosques and old-fashioned souks are more popular than the many modern shopping malls. There are an abundance of famous and historical buildings to visit in the city as well as fascinating museums and impressive art galleries. Other popular cities include Aleppo and the resort town of Latakia.
While accommodation can occasionally be arranged on arrival throughout the winter months of November, December and January; it is adviseable to book in advance to avoid any disappointment. Tariffs remain the same throughout the year, with rates being subject to a 15 per cent service charge. Hotels throughout the country range from mid-range to luxurious five-star establishments. The best-quality hotels are found in Damascus, although Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia and Palmyra also have a choice of luxury hotels.
Weather
 Syria’s climate is incredibly varied, with the most noteworthy difference being the contrast of sea and desert. The coastline is hot and humid, whereas the desert regions are scorching and barren. These two distinct lands are divided by a number of mountain ranges, which again experience a very different climate of heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures. Most of the rain in the mountains falls between November and May, and while frost is rare, occasionally the peaks can be seen to be snow-covered.
The mountains form a barrier against rain for many cities, including the capital Damascus, which is semi-arid and humid, seeing temperatures ranging from 4°C in January to 38°C in August. In the southeast of the country, the climate is yet again different. Humidity is lower and rain is rarely seen, causing occasional droughts and incredibly high temperatures, often reaching 43°C in July. Sandstorms are common throughout the entire south of the country during February and May, and they often cause damage to plants and crops.
History
 Syria fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1516 and remained under Turkish control for four centuries. During Turkish occupation, Syria experienced a huge decline in economic and social welfare as well as in politics. In 1916, the Arabs used the Turks vulnerability during WWI to rebel against them. The Arabs received help from the British military and the promise of independence once the war was over.
On 6 May 1916, authorities from the Ottoman Empire hanged many Syrian national leaders in Damascus and Beirut. This day is remembered today in both Syria and Lebanon as the Martyrs' Day. The hangings led Arab armies, under control of Sharif Hussein, to attack the Turks. They finally achieved victory in 1918, and together with the British, they entered Damascus, ending 400 years of Ottoman occupation.
 Syria became an independent kingdom in 1918 under King Faisal I, son of Sharif Hussein. This independence was however short-lived as the French and British had other plans and drew up the Sykes-Picot agreement, putting Syria under a French mandate. In 1920, French troops landed on the Syrian coast and managed to take over the country. In 1923, the League of Nations officially recognised the French mandate over Syria.
In 1925, Syria revolted against the mandate, resulting in several battles. The capital, Damascus, was severely damaged when the French air raided it in revenge for the city's support of the rebels. It was not until 1936 that France finally accepted that Syria should have partial independence however French troops remained in the country and continued to influence Syrian policies.
 During WWII, in 1941, the British army, along with its French allies, once again promised Syria full independence at the end of the war. Once again however, the French did not keep their promises. In May 1945, French troops attacked the Syrian Parliament Building in Damascus, which set off more demonstrations. The United Nations Security Council got involved and demanded France's withdrawal from Syria. The last French soldier left Syria on 17 April 1946, which has since become Syria's National Day.
The early years of independence saw political instability, with the Syrian army fighting with Israel over Palestine in 1948. The Arabs lost the war and the Arab-Israeli conflict began.
In 1949, Syria's newly formed government was overthrown by a military coup led by Hussni al-Zaim. Zaim however was soon overthrown by his colleague Sami al-Hinnawi, who in turn was overthrown by Colonel Adib al-Sheeshakli. The colonel held on to power until 1954, when he was forced out by the public and fled the country. The government was restored, but it soon began to sympathise with Soviet Russia, severing relations with the West.
In March 1963, the Baath Arab Socialist Party came to power in a coup known in Syria as the March Revolution. The Baathists disbanded Parliament and set up a one-party regime.
In 1967, severe clashes broke out on the border between Syria and Israel. In April that year, Israel publicly threatened to invade Syria and it was this, among other things, which led to the Six Days War between Israel and its neighbouring Arab countries. The UN Security Council drew up the famous Resolution 242 calling for complete Israeli withdrawal from Arab territories in exchange for peace talks and Arab recognition of Israel's right to exist.
 In 1970, Hafez al-Assad led the Correction Movement that finally brought Syria long-term stability. Assad, elected president in 1971, started to prepare the nation for its fight against Israel. In 1973, Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack against the Israeli forces in occupied Sinai, and within just a few days, Syrian troops had almost freed all of the occupied land.
This success was however short-lived as Israeli forces managed to recover after a massive US airlift and Syria soon found itself fighting US and Israel together. Syria was forced to withdraw, accepting the ceasefire and a UN Security Council Resolution.
This was not the end of conflict for Syria. They helped troops in the Lebanese Civil War, helped the coalition free Kuwait from Iraqi occupation and fought in the Gulf War. Syrian-Israeli peace talks were cut short in 1996 when Israel refused to completely withdraw from the Golan Heights. This added fuel to the decades-long conflict, and there have been heated and disjointed talks ever since.
In 2000, President Assad died of a heart attack. His son, Bashar al-Assad was elected president on 10 July and the government continues its conflict with Israel.
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