City Time Difference Time difference between Elvard Island and garrison：Elvard Island is 7 hours behind compared to garrison

Arwad Island, Syria: a historical pearl in the Mediterranean Sea

Arwad Island, the only inhabited island in Syria, is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, about 3 kilometers away from the city of Tartus, and is known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". With an area of only 0.12 square kilometers, this small island carries a history of more than 3,000 years, and was once a trade hub for the Phoenicians, and was ruled by the Roman, Arab, and Crusader dynasties, with remnants of ancient walls, mosques, and castles, which tell the story of the fusion of multiple civilizations. The island has about 13,000 inhabitants, who make a living from fishing and traditional handicrafts, and most of the buildings are made of stone, preserving the unique features of narrow medieval streets and simple houses. Despite the fact that tourism has been limited in recent years due to the situation in Syria, its rich historical heritage and quiet island atmosphere still attracts travelers from all over the world, and it has become an important window to understand Syrian culture and maritime civilization.

Barbados Country Profile

Barbados is an island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and is part of the Lesser Antilles. The capital is Bridgetown, which is the political, economic and cultural center of the country. The country covers an area of about 430 square kilometers and has a population of about 280,000. It has English as its official language, became independent in 1966 and is now a member of the Commonwealth.

Military and Garrisoning

Barbados does not have a standing army, and its defense is the responsibility of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), with a total strength of about 600, comprising coast guard and infantry units. The country has military cooperation with the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, but there is no permanent foreign military presence on its territory. Bridgetown's deep-water harbor occasionally receives international naval visits for joint training or humanitarian operations.

Geographic and Economic Features

The island is dominated by coral limestone terrain, a favorable climate, and tourism as the mainstay of the economy. Bridgetown, the main port city, has a colonial architectural heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country is socially stable and has one of the higher per capita incomes in the Caribbean.