Overview of Syria
Overview of Syria Last updated on Monday 26th April 2010
Official name
The Syrian Arab Republic
Capital
Damascus (Dimashq), population approximately 4-6 million
Main port
Lattakia on the north coast (pop. 222,500)
Second port is Tartus
Additional urban centres
Aleppo (pop. 1 million)
Homs (pop. 406,300)
Hama (pop. 190,000)
Administrative Divisions
14 provinces
Population
16,350,000 (estimation of 2000).
Population growth
3% (estimate 2000).
Population density
84/km² (1999)
Urban Population
52% (1990-1999).
Population profile
Mainly Arab (about 90%), with Kurdish and Armenian minorities
Population density
About 63 persons per sq. km (about 164 per sq. mile)
Young people under 15 Years Old
41% (estimate 2000).
Birth Rate
31 births/1,000 population (estimation of 2000).
Death Rate
5 deaths/1,000 population (estimation of 2000)
Infant Mortality Rate
35 deaths/1,000 live births (estimation of 2000).
Life Expectancy at Birth
Total Population 68 years old: Males 67 years old, Females 70 years old (estimation of 2000).
Land area
185,180 sq. km (about 71,500 sq. miles)
Highest point
Mount Hermon, 2814 metres (9,232 feet)
Language
Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French and English.
Currency
Syrian pound (local name lira) divided into 100 piastres (Qirsh).
Banknotes are in units of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500.
Government
Republic; legislated by the People's Assembly.
Divided into 14 governorates.
Year of independence
1946
Official religion
Islam is practiced by 86% of the population, most of which are Sunni Muslims.
Most of the rest of the population practice Christianity, in a number of varying sects.
Labour Force by Economic Sector
Agriculture 30%, Industry and Services 70% (1999).
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
US $ 12.5 billion (1999).
GDP Growth Rate
1.5% (1999), 2% (estimate 2000).
GDP per capita
US $ 930 (1998).
Industries
Petroleum, textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining.
Major Trading Partners
Imports Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, South Korea, Germany, France, Japan, US. Exports Turkey, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Spain and France.
Major Export Products
Petroleum 65%, textiles, manufactured goods, fruits and vegetables, raw cotton, live sheep, phosphates.
Major Import Products
Machinery and equipment, metal and metal products, foodstuffs/animals, textiles and chemicals.
Total oil Export Revenues
55%-60% (1999).
International dialing code
+963
Time zone
GMT + 2 hours