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Maten Al-Sahel is a small size village in
Tartous, located on the Syrian coast, about 300
km northwest of the capital, Damascus. It’s
fairly easy to reach from Lattakia , which is
about 80 km north, and 16 km south to Tartous.
Geographically
Almaten is located on
the top of a mountain about 300 m
above sea level, overlooking a wondrous sight of
coastal lands, from the western side of the
village which is about 4 km from the
Tartous-Lattakia Highway. The mountainous
roads in between are mildly difficult lined with
fields of olive trees, surrounded by green
valleys with many roads that cross through them.
These roads are suitable for sport activities
such as walking and cycling, especially in
spring (March, April and May).
Demographics and Services
The area around Almaten is known to have been
settled during the 18th century.
The
total population is about 3500. The majority
are living outside Almaten as they have begun to
immigrate during the 19th
century. The first group of people
migrated towards Latin and South America
(Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina). By the middle
of the century, people began to migrate to USA,
Caribbean Islands, Canada, and Europe.
During the last few years and till now, the
majority of the people are migrating to the rich
Gulf States, such as Kuwait, KSA, Dubai, and
Qatar.
The educational level in Almaten is extremely
high as the percentage of the illiteracy among
the new generation is almost 0%. Many have
obtained high degrees in many fields, such as
medical, engineering, and technology.
All the requirements of modern life style are
present, such as electrical networks, phones,
mobile coverage, health center, and
transportation, which includes two buses, many
private cars, and mini-buses.
Economy:
The sources of income in Almaten are based on
agriculture, governmental employment and
immigration.
Agriculture is still the traditional job in
Almaten. 90% depend on agriculture as the main
source of income. Tomatoes in green houses and
olive oil are the most
important crops produced in the village.
Climate:
The climate is temperate and
mediterranean, with hot, dry summers.
The maximum temperature is 36C, with cool, rainy
winters, and can reach a low of 0 C
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