Economic aid - recipient:
$180 million (2002 est.)

Currency (code):
Syrian pound (SYP)

Currency code:
SYP

Exchange rates:
Syrian pounds per US dollar - (public sector rate): 50 (2006), 50
(2005), 48.5 (2004), (parallel market rate in 'Amman and Beirut): NA
(2005), NA (2004), 52.8 (2003), 52.4 (2002), 50.4 (2001), (official
rate for repaying loans): 11.25 (2004-06)

Fiscal year:
calendar year

Communications Syria

Telephones - main lines in use:
2.903 million (2005)

Telephones - mobile cellular:
3,128,470 (2005)

Telephone system:
general assessment: fair system currently undergoing significant
improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber-optic technology
domestic: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay network
international: country code - 963; satellite earth stations - 1
Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region);
1 submarine cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq,
Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel

Radio broadcast stations:
AM 14, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)