Bloudan
بلودان | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 33°44′N 36°08′E / 33.733°N 36.133°E | |
Country | Syria |
Governorate | Rif Dimashq Governorate |
District | Al-Zabadani District |
Nahiyah | Al-Zabadani |
Elevation | 1,500 m (4,900 ft) |
Population (2004)[1] | |
• Total | 3,101 |
Time zone | UTC+3 (EET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (EEST) |
Area code | 13 |
Bloudan (Arabic: بلودان, romanized: Blūdān) is a Syrian village located 51 kilometers north-west of Damascus, in the Rif Dimashq Governorate; it has an altitude of about 1500 meters. In the 2004 census by the Central Bureau of Statistics it had a population of 3,101.[1] The majority of the inhabitants are Greek Orthodox Christians, and a significant minority are Sunni Muslims and Protestants.[2]
Bloudan is situated on top of a hill that overlooks the Al-Zabadani plain and is surrounded by mountain forests. Its moderate temperature and low humidity in summer attracts visitors from Damascus and throughout Syria; as a tourist destination, it is visited by thousands every year, mainly Arabs from Lebanon and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. In winter, Bloudan is usually snowy and draws skiers.[3] Bloudan has restaurants and hotels, including the Great Bloudan Hotel.[citation needed]