Overview of Syria

Profile

Syria is a country extending from the eastern Mediterranean coast to the Euphrates River, home to world's oldest cities like Damascus and Aleppo. Throughout history, it has been ruled by numerous powers including Hittites, Assyrians, Romans, and Islamic empires, fostering coexistence among diverse religions and ethnicities. After independence in 1946, it embraced Arab nationalism, and from the 1970s maintained a strong presidential system under Assad regime. Civil war triggered by 2011 anti-government movement prolonged, causing tremendous damage to society, economy, and infrastructure, yet rich archaeological sites and unique culinary culture continue to fascinate people.

Official name: Syrian Arab Republic
Common name: Syria
Numeric code: 760
Alpha-3 code: SYR
Alpha-2 code: SY
Population: 23 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 118 persons/km²
Primary languages: Arabic
Major religions: Islam (Predominantly Sunni)
National anthem: Homat el-Diyar (Guardians of the Homeland)
Calling code: +963
Internet TLD: .sy

History

Flourished as a key center of ancient Orient, gained independence from French mandate in 1946.

Paleolithic sites dot the landscape; ancient times saw Aramean, Assyrian, and later Roman and Byzantine rule. In 661, the Umayyad Caliphate made Damascus its capital, becoming a center of Islamic culture, but from the 16th century became part of the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, it passed through French mandate territory and achieved full independence in 1946. After political instability in the 1950s-60s, Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1970, succeeded by his son Bashar in 2000. Nationwide anti-government protests in 2011 escalated into civil war, with some regions remaining unstable to this day.

Geography & climate

Western Mediterranean coastal plains and Qalamoun Mountains, inland dry plateau and Syrian Desert, northeastern Euphrates River traversing through.

Mediterranean climate to steppe and desert climate

Area: Asia / 185180 km²
Capital: Damascus
Largest city: Aleppo
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Assad
Bordering countries: Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Phosphate, Chrome, Gypsum, Rock salt, Marble, Olives, Cotton, Wheat, Barley, Pistachio, Herbs

Politics

Government: Republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)

GDP (nominal): 11.0 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 60.0 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Eastern European Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Turkmen, Circassians

Life expectancy

72.6 years

Literacy rate

Around 80%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Wrestling, Taekwondo