Syria
Officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, Syria’s capital is Damascus. It is one of the countries in the Levant and the Middle East, renowned for its ancient civilizations that have inhabited the region throughout history. Alongside Iraq, Syria is often referred to as the cradle of human civilization, a title supported by the discovery of human artifacts over a million years old within its territories. Furthermore, the country boasts numerous archaeological sites from the Stone Age. The ancient inhabitants referred to the area as “Ashur,” a name that evolved over time with the influence of various cultures and languages into what we now know as Syria.
Geographical Location
Syria is an Arab Islamic state located in the southwestern part of Asia. It shares its northern border with Turkey and its southern borders with Jordan and Palestine. To the east, it is bordered by Iraq, while to the west, it shares its borders with Lebanon and extends its western coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically, Syria is positioned between latitudes 32°N and 37°N, and longitudes 35°E and 42°E, granting it a strategically significant and historically rich location, as it serves as a crossroads between the three ancient continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Population Distribution
The population of Syria is approximately 22.5 million people, with the largest cities being the Greater Damascus area and Aleppo, which together account for nearly 44% of the total population. Cities like Homs, Latakia, and Hama are also experiencing significant population growth, nearing one million residents each. This demographic increase has been supported by improvements in the healthcare sector and a decline in neonatal mortality rates. However, the rapid population growth has negatively impacted the economic conditions for many residents.
Language
For centuries, the Syriac language was predominant in rural areas of Syria until the eleventh century, when Arabic gained widespread traction throughout the country. This shift contributed to the emergence of the Syrian dialect. The Turkish and French languages, brought about during the colonial era, have also influenced the distinct tone of the Syrian dialect. Although Arabic is the primary language in the country, many Syrians continue to utilize their native tongues for communication alongside Arabic, including Armenian, Turkish, Kurdish, and others.
Climate
Syria experiences two primary climate types. The coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild weather. Summers are typically dry and hot, while winters are rainy and cold. In contrast, the interior regions of Syria are marked by a dry climate, experiencing very cold winters with limited rainfall and excessively hot summers. This results in a significant disparity in rainfall between the coastal areas and the inland regions of Syria.