Syria

Middle East

Syria is a country in Middle East, home to 24.7 million people, with an area of 185,180 km². Its capital is Damascus.

Capital: Damascus
Population: 24.7 million
Area: 185,180 km²
Region: Middle East
Density: 133 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Syria · Middle East · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Syria is known for

Syria is best known for Palmyra, Umayyad Mosque and Krak des Chevaliers.

Syria is a country located in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. It has a rich history and culture, with ancient sites such as Palmyra and Damascus, and is known for its delicious cuisine, including dishes such as hummus, falafel, and shawarma.

Syria at a glance

Language: Arabic is the official language, with Kurdish, Armenian, and Aramaic also spoken
Currency: Syrian pound (SYP)
Religion: Sunni Islam is the predominant religion in Syria, with significant minorities of Shia Muslims, Alawites, and Christians
National dish: Syrian cuisine is known for its flavorful and diverse dishes, including meze (appetizers), kebabs, and stews
Climate: Syria has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters
Main industries: Oil and gas production, agriculture, textiles, and food processing
GDP: $26.4 billion (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Syria is classified as a low-income developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 154 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Syria

Some of the main tourist attractions in Syria include:

Palmyra an ancient city in the Syrian desert that was once a major center of trade and culture in the Middle East.
Umayyad Mosque a historic mosque in Damascus that is considered one of the most important religious sites in the Muslim world.
Krak des Chevaliers a well-preserved medieval castle located in the Homs Governorate that was built by the Knights Hospitaller.
Apamea an ancient Greek city that was once an important center of trade and commerce.
Souq Al Hamidiyya: a bustling market in Damascus that offers a wide variety of goods, from traditional textiles and handicrafts to modern electronics and clothing.
Dead Cities a series of abandoned ancient towns and villages in northwestern Syria that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Saladin's Castle a medieval castle located in the Latakia Governorate that was once used as a strategic military stronghold.
Roman Theatre a well-preserved Roman theater located in the ancient city of Bosra that is still used for cultural events and performances.
Al-Azem Palace: a beautiful 18th-century palace located in the Old City of Damascus that is now a museum.
Mount Qasioun a mountain located on the outskirts of Damascus that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Syria has to offer, despite the challenges faced by the country in recent years.

Syria in pictures

Syria on video

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Syria compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Middle East.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Saudi Arabia	34.6 million	2,149,690 km²	Riyadh
Syria	24.7 million	185,180 km²	Damascus
Jordan	11.5 million	89,342 km²	Amman
United Arab Emirates	11 million	83,600 km²	Abu Dhabi