Syria

SYRIA
The Syrian Arab Republic is a secular state in the Middle East, facing the Mediterranean Sea, covering an area of ​​185.2 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Damascus. The state language is Arabic.
Syria is a multi-party presidential-parliamentary republic; the leading role of one of the parties is enshrined in the constitution. The president appoints the cabinet of ministers, determines foreign policy, and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Legislative power in the country is represented by a unicameral parliament, elected by direct universal suffrage.
Civilization originated here several millennia BC. At different times, these lands were ruled by the Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Macedonians, were under the rule of the Caliphate, the Crusaders, the Ottoman Empire, France – until the 1940s, when Syria gained independence.

Population
The population of the republic is approximately 18.5 million people. The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants (about 90%) are Arabs; therefore, of the religions here, Islam is most often practiced. Large ethnic groups are Kurds (about 8%), as well as Turkmens, Armenians, Circassians. Modern life in Syria is closely intertwined with ancient traditions: for example, Islam prohibits eating pork and drinking alcohol, and this rule is adhered to by citizens throughout the state, although alcohol is freely available. In Syrian society, special attention is paid to the institution of family and religion, as well as education. Syrians are hospitable and appreciate literature and music.

Economy
According to the World Bank’s estimates, Syria’s GDP will grow steadily in the coming years – the process of reconstruction has begun in the country, a course has been taken to liberalize and modernize the economy. Experts assume that the structure of GDP may undergo changes and the services and investments will become leaders. In the meantime, the main share falls on the industrial sector and agriculture. The most developed industries are oil, oil refining, electric power, gas production, chemical, electrical, textile and food industries. At the same time, up to 70% of the basic means of production and about half of the national income are concentrated in the public sector. The private sector dominates in agriculture, trade, services, and housing construction.
The main export goods of the country are traditionally petroleum and chemical products, fruits and vegetables, spices, cotton. Food, machinery and equipment, timber, chemicals are imported. Main foreign economic partners: Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, China.

Transport
The total length of highways in Syria is more than 36 thousand km. The main type of communication is automobile. Public urban transport is also represented by buses and taxis. Railway transport in the national transport system ranks second, although it appeared much earlier: the first railway was opened in 1885. Today, the length of railways is about 2,700 km, communication with several neighboring countries has been established. There are about a hundred airports in the country, including three international and three main seaports.

Interesting
The climate of Syria is subtropical Mediterranean, in the interior it is continental.
Damascus and Aleppo are the oldest cities on the planet, and some city buildings are over 500 years old.
The national currency is the Syrian pound.
GMT: +3 hours (summer), +2 (winter).