Political Overview

The Syrian Arab Republic, with its capital in Damascus, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited states. Governed as a unitary semi-presidential republic, Syria has been led since 2000 by President Bashar al-Assad. Decades of regional and internal tensions escalated into a civil war beginning in 2011, dramatically reshaping its political landscape. Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts, the government retains control over major cities including the capital, while various regions remain under the influence of different groups. Damascus itself stands as both a seat of government and a symbol of Syria’s enduring political resilience.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Syria’s cultural heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven from millennia of civilizations Aramean, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic. The nation is recognized globally for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most famously the ancient city of Palmyra, often referred to as the “Bride of the Desert,” and the Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers. Syrian cuisine, known for dishes like kibbeh, hummus, and the famed Aleppo pepper, enjoys worldwide acclaim. Traditional crafts such as Damascene steel work and handwoven textiles testify to a rich artisanal legacy that continues to shape Syrian identity both at home and abroad.

Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate

Covering approximately 185,180 square kilometers on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Syria’s geography ranges from coastal plains near Latakia to the rugged Anti-Lebanon Mountains and the arid expanses of the Syrian Desert. The climate varies: Mediterranean along the coast, semi-arid inland, and arid in the east. Key tourism areas include the ancient ruins of Apamea along the Orontes River and the lush orchards of the Euphrates Valley near Raqqa. Internationally, Syria is recognized as a cradle of civilization its lands once nurtured some of humanity’s earliest urban centers and agricultural innovations.