Syria.

Syria is an ancient Levantine country whose capital, Damascus, is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with a heritage spanning Phoenician ports, Roman temples and Umayyad mosques.

Geography & landscape

Syria sits in Western Asia, in the northern hemisphere of Asia. With an area of approximately 185,180 km², it is a mid-sized country, set in the northern hemisphere and exposed to the temperate climate band typical of its latitude. Its capital, Damascus, lies near coordinates 35°, 38°.

The country shares the cultural and geographic context of Asia, with neighbouring states and trade routes shaped by its position in the wider Western Asia region. Topography, watersheds and coastline (where present) define the practical realities of agriculture, settlement and transport across Syria.

People & society

The population of Syria is around 23M. Communities, dialects and customs vary by region, and the country’s sense of identity is shaped by its history, its borders and the everyday rhythms of its towns and cities.

The official language is Arabic, used in government, education and most public life. Regional dialects, minority languages and immigrant communities add further linguistic texture.

Government & politics

Syria is structured as a presidential republic. Political authority is exercised through institutions based primarily in Damascus, with the head of state and head of government performing constitutional roles defined by the country’s legal framework. Domestic policy, foreign relations and the administration of public services all flow from this constitutional core.

Economy & currency

The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Monetary policy, banking, taxation and trade are managed nationally, often in coordination with regional and international institutions. Major economic activity tends to cluster around Damascus and other principal urban centres, with secondary economies built on the country’s natural resources, manufacturing capacity and service industries.

Culture & everyday life

The cultural footprint of Syria shows up in cuisine, music, sport, religious life, festivals and design. National holidays mark the country’s historical pivots; family meals, café culture and street life follow patterns rooted in geography and tradition. International audiences usually meet Syria through its sport, its music, its food, or the global diaspora that carries those things abroad.

Travel essentials

The capital, Damascus, is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. International dialling uses the country code +963, and clocks are set to the EET (UTC+2) time zone. ISO standards identify Syria as SY (alpha-2) and SYR (alpha-3) — useful when booking flights, decoding number plates, or matching customs paperwork. The flag, 🇸🇾, appears at every border post and on every passport.

By the numbers

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Did you know?

Damascus is widely considered the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the world, settled for over 11,000 years.