syriaSyria is an Arabic-speaking country located in Western Asia, with a population of about 22 million. The capital of Syria is Damascus. On the western side of the country is the Mediterranean Sea coast. Syria, which has been classified by the World Bank as a lower middle income country, mainly depends on its oil and agriculture sectors for economy. The country is administratively divided into 14 governorates (provinces), which are divided into 61 districts. Each district is further sub-divided into sub-districts.

Syria’s topography comprises fertile plains, coastal mountains, plateaus and vast desert. The Euphrates is the most important river in the country. The climate of Syria is Mediterranean-- hot and dry with mild winters, albeit with some snowfall, and adequate rainfall.

Acknowledgements

  • Authored by M. Kalim Qamar (July 2013)
  • Edited by Burton E. Swanson