Living in Syria

Syria is located in the Middle East on the eastern Mediterranean and has around 16.9 million people. The country stretches from the coast across fertile plains to dry steppes and deserts; in the west, the climate is Mediterranean, while inland it is hot and dry, and winters at higher elevations can be cool. In everyday life, coastal cities, Damascus, Aleppo and rural regions differ markedly. Many people live in apartments or simple houses, get around by bus, taxi or private car, and work in areas such as trade, services, agriculture or crafts. Family visits, shared meals and markets are part of social life in many places. Depending on the region, housing, electricity, water and transport services are available to varying degrees.