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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia in the Levant. It is bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, Israel to the southwest, and Lebanon to the west, with a Mediterranean coastline. The capital is Damascus. The country covers about 185,000 square kilometers and has a population around 20 million, including many internally displaced people and refugees.

Historically, Syria has hosted ancient civilizations and empires, including the Umayyad Caliphate. It was part of the Ottoman Empire, then a French mandate, and gained independence in 1946. The Ba'ath Party came to power in 1963, and Bashar al-Assad has led the state since 2000.

The republic is a unitary state with a strong presidency. The Ba'ath Party and allied security services have played central roles; political competition has been limited.

The economy has been severely affected by conflict, sanctions, and currency depreciation. Key sectors include agriculture, industry, and services; oil production has diminished. Reconstruction needs are high, and humanitarian conditions remain challenging.

Culturally diverse, Syria is predominantly Arab, with minorities including Kurds, Armenians, Turkmen, and Assyrians. Arabic is the official language; other languages are spoken by minorities. Historic sites such as Damascus, Palmyra, and Bosra are among UNESCO World Heritage assets.

Since 2011, protests and armed conflict have caused widespread casualties and displacement. Foreign involvement and competing factions have shaped the war, creating a complex humanitarian crisis with large-scale displacement within Syria and across borders.