Ancient history marks out this country in the Middle East
11 October 2007
Name: Syria
Nationality: Syrian
Location: Midle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Lebanon and Turkey. Borders Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
Population: 18.6 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Damascus
Area: 185,180 sq km (71,498 sq miles)
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Syrian pound = 100 piastres
Main exports: Oil, gas
GNI per capita: US $1,190 (World Bank, 2005)
Internet domain: .sy
International dialling code: +963
Climate: Mostly desert, hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) an dmild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast, cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascas.