Syria About Syria
Discover basic information about the Syrian Arab Republic
General Information
Official Name: Syrian Arab Republic (الجمهورية العربية السورية)
Capital: Damascus (دمشق)
Area: 185,180 km²
Population: Approximately 18 million inhabitants (pre-2011 figures, current estimates vary significantly due to conflict and displacement)
Official Language: Arabic
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)
Time Zone: UTC+2 (EET)
Form of Government: Presidential Republic (currently under a transitional government as of July 2025)
Geographical Location
Syria is located in Western Asia and borders several countries:
- North: Turkey (822 km border)
- East and Southeast: Iraq (605 km border)
- South: Jordan (375 km border)
- Southwest: Israel and the Golan Heights (76 km border)
- West: Lebanon (375 km border)
- Northwest: Mediterranean Sea (193 km coastline)
The country holds a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, which has historically made it an important trade route.
Population and Culture
Ethnic Groups
- 🔸 Arabs (90%)
- 🔸 Kurds (9%)
- 🔸 Armenians, Circassians, Turkmens, and others (1%)
Religions
- 🕌 Sunnis (74%)
- 🕌 Alawites (12%)
- ✝️ Christians (10%)
- 🕌 Druze and others (4%)
Languages
- 🗣️ Arabic (official)
- 🗣️ Kurdish
- 🗣️ Armenian
- 🗣️ Aramaic
- 🗣️ Circassian
Climate and Landscape
Climate Zones
Mediterranean climate: Along the coast with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Continental climate: Inland with hot summers and cold winters.
Desert climate: In the east and south with very little precipitation.
Landscapes
Coastal area: Narrow plain along the Mediterranean Sea.
Mountain ranges: Alawite Mountains and Anti-Lebanon.
Plains: Fertile plains around Damascus and Aleppo.
Desert: Syrian Desert in the east.
Important Cities
Damascus
The capital and largest city of Syria. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with a rich history of over 4000 years. As of July 2025, Damascus is under the control of the transitional government, facing ongoing reconstruction efforts and security challenges.
Aleppo
Historically Syria's largest city and an important commercial center. Known for its ancient citadel and traditional souks. Aleppo is undergoing significant rebuilding efforts as of July 2025, with residents returning despite continued challenges.
Homs
A major industrial city in central Syria, located on the Orontes River. Homs is also in a phase of reconstruction, with some areas showing signs of recovery while others still bear the scars of conflict as of July 2025.
Quick Facts
Historical Significance
- Cradle of civilization
- Part of the Silk Road
- Center of the Umayyad Caliphate
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites (some currently endangered)
Cultural Richness
- Diverse religious traditions
- Rich culinary culture
- Traditional crafts
- Music and dance traditions
Discover More
Delve deeper into the specific aspects of Syria