Syria

Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It borders Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, Israel to the southwest, and Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Its capital and largest city is Damascus, with major urban centers including Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Latakia. The terrain ranges from the Mediterranean coastal plain to the Euphrates basin and desert plateaus. The population is diverse, with Arabs as the largest group along with Kurds, Armenians, Turkmen and others. Arabic is the official language, while Kurdish, Armenian and other languages are also spoken. The population is predominantly Muslim, with Christian and Druze minorities.

Syria gained independence in 1946 after World War II and has been governed by the Ba’ath Party since 1963, with Hafez al-Assad and later Bashar al-Assad serving as presidents. The modern state experienced rapid modernization but developed sustained authoritarian rule. Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war that began with protests during the Arab Spring. The conflict has involved numerous local and foreign actors, with extensive involvement by Russia and Iran in support of the government, and by various regional players and international supporters for opposition and other factions. Large-scale displacement has accompanied the fighting, creating a significant humanitarian crisis. Government forces have regained control over most of the country, but areas such as Idlib and parts of the northeast remain under alternate authorities and unstable conditions.

The economy has been heavily disrupted by war, sanctions, and infrastructure damage. Before the conflict, the economy relied on agriculture, oil, and industry; currently, reconstruction is hindered by insecurity and political uncertainty. Syria remains a member of the United Nations and various regional bodies and continues to face complex governance and humanitarian challenges.