Moving to Syria

The country of Syria is home to many of the most ancient civilizations in the world, and the capital city—Damascus—is one of the longest continuously inhabited population centers in the world.  The country is a treasure trove of sophisticated culture, fine cuisine, and awesome scenery, making it one of the most attractive destinations for people yearning to discover the Middle East.  The country offers expats many wonderful treats and is a pleasant place to relocate to, with a good overall quality of life and relative security, especially in Damascus itself.

The national life revolves around Damascus, as the largest population center in the country and the leader in cultural and economic matters.  With a population of about four million people, the city is a veritable urban landscape with many of the modern amenities that most expats will have come to expect in life.  Safety is broadly considered to be granted in Damascus—more so than in the rest of the country—as the crime rate is relatively low.  Furthermore, the country has been fairly effective at fighting corruption, and this has led to more and more foreigners wanting to visit Syria (either for a short stay or for the long haul).

Syrians have a high level of national pride, and the country has every reason to be proud of its long and illustrious history.  The official language of Syria is Arabic, and as is common in the Middle East it can be difficult at times to find individuals that speak English or another familiar language, which is why it’s a good idea to learn and practice the native language before relocating.

Travel requirements are fairly strict for Syria, which is why it is absolutely fundamental that folks get in touch with the embassy in their country of origin before traveling; for people in the US that are considering traveling to Syria, check the embassy’s website, and they will be able to inform individuals about the specific entry requirements.  The expat community in Syria is fairly well established and active, with plenty of opportunities for events and get-togethers; here’s a website that will help expats plug in to this community.  Furthermore, you’ll likely need help in determining the real estate options available to foreigners.  Though it may be somewhat hard to buy property in the country, the charming constructions—many of which are very rich in history—that abound in Syria are real gems, and they provide more than enough reason to try to chase after the deed!