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Syria

Suriyah

Capital:Damascus
Population:21.3M
Currency:Syrian Pound (SYP)
Language:Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Syria.

Syria Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Syrians are often aggressive in public. Haggling over prices is a way of life. Punctuality is not considered important.

Cultural Attributes

Syria has a rich and diverse cultural heritage shaped by its long history and the influences of various civilizations. Here are some notable cultural attributes of Syria:

Historical Significance: Syria is known for its ancient historical sites and cities, including Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, and Bosra, which have played a vital role in the region's history. These sites showcase the country's deep cultural roots and architectural marvels.

Arab Culture: Syria is predominantly an Arab country, and the Arabic language is the official language. The Arab culture, including customs, traditions, music, and cuisine, is an integral part of Syrian society.

Islamic Influence: Islam has had a significant influence on Syrian culture for centuries. The majority of Syrians are Muslims, with the country being home to various Islamic architectural wonders, such as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.

Cuisine: Syrian cuisine is renowned for its flavorsome dishes, often characterized by a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Popular Syrian dishes include kebabs, falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and baklava.

Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral to Syrian culture. Traditional music often features instruments like the oud, qanun, and ney. The country is also known for the dabke, a line dance performed at celebrations and cultural events.

Handicrafts and Art: Syria has a long history of skilled craftsmanship, producing intricate textiles, carpets, pottery, and metalwork. Traditional Syrian art forms, such as calligraphy, miniature painting, and mosaic work, have also contributed to the country's cultural heritage.

Hospitality: Syrians are known for their warm hospitality and generosity towards guests. Hosting guests and offering tea or coffee as a sign of welcome is deeply ingrained in the culture.

Family and Community: Family ties and community bonds hold great importance in Syrian culture. Extended families often live in close proximity and provide support to one another, emphasizing the value of communal relationships.

Syrians are often aggressive in public. Haggling over prices is a way of life. Punctuality is not considered important.

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Land of Ancient Crossroads, Where Empires Rose

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    4/17

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    xmas

Dates of Interest

  • April 17th

    Syrian National Day (April 17): This day commemorates the withdrawal of French troops from Syria in 1946. Syrians celebrate with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

How do people greet each other in Syria?

Greetings are important and emphasize politeness and respect, most commonly a firm handshake between people of the same gender, along with verbal greetings and inquiries about well-being.

Do

  • Shake hands firmly with the same gender while maintaining eye contact
  • Use verbal greetings like "Marhaba" (hello), "Salam" (peace), or "Ahlan" (welcome)
  • Ask about the person's well-being, e.g. "Keefak" (How are you?)
  • Use honorific titles like "Sheikh," "Sayyid" (sir), or "Sayyida" (madam) for elders and authority figures

Don’t

  • Don't initiate a handshake with a woman as a man; wait for her to offer first

Good to know

  • Cheek kisses (two or three in urban areas, one in more conservative areas) are common among close friends and relatives
  • A hand-to-heart gesture shows respect in formal greetings, especially with elders
  • Smiling and a warm demeanor convey sincerity

What are the dining customs in Syria?

Meals are relaxed social events that can last two or three hours, with most food eaten by hand or scooped up with flatbread.

Do

  • Wait for the host to start eating before you begin
  • Eat with your right hand
  • Finish your plate as a sign of appreciation
  • Accept a meal invitation graciously

Don’t

  • Don't eat with your left hand, as it is considered unclean

Good to know

  • Basic foods include lamb, chicken, chickpeas, eggplant, olives, yogurt, rice, and burghul
  • Common dishes include stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel, and shish kebab
  • Hosts commonly offer tea, coffee, or refreshments

What etiquette should I know when visiting Syria?

Syrians are known for warm hospitality, and visitors are expected to show cultural sensitivity, modesty, and respect for traditional gender norms.

Do

  • Bring a small gift such as flowers or sweets when invited to a home
  • Remove your shoes before entering a host's home
  • Ask permission before photographing people, especially women or religious figures
  • Focus conversation on positive topics like art, history, and cuisine

Don’t

  • Don't discuss sensitive topics like politics, religion, or conflict
  • Don't impose Western concepts of gender equality
  • Don't assume women want to shake hands or have close personal contact

Good to know

  • Punctuality is not considered important
  • Haggling over prices is a way of life
  • Men and women often socialize separately in public

How should I dress in Syria?

Syrian society values modesty in dress, though modern Western-style clothing is common in urban areas, especially among younger generations.

Do

  • Dress modestly, especially at religious sites or formal occasions
  • Ensure shoulders and knees are covered
  • Avoid revealing clothing

Good to know

  • Traditional attire is more common in rural areas and at cultural events
  • Rural men may wear a long robe (dishdasha/thawb) and a keffiyeh head covering
  • Some women wear an abayah or jilbab with a headscarf such as a hijab

What gestures should I be aware of in Syria?

Syrians stand close together and use hand gestures frequently.

Good to know

  • A downward nod of the head to one side means yes
  • Brushing open palms together quickly means "I'm finished"
  • Patting the hand over the heart when meeting expresses affection

What is family life like in Syria?

Families are close-knit and central to society, often with an extended structure where multiple generations live together or nearby, and elders are held in high respect.

Good to know

  • Elders are consulted for guidance and their opinions are respected
  • Major decisions like marriage, education, or career are made collectively
  • Education is highly valued as a path to success
  • The elderly are cared for by family; there are no nursing homes

What do people do for fun in Syria?

Eating and socializing with family and friends are the main forms of entertainment, alongside visits to cafes, sports, and cultural events.

Good to know

  • Cafes and tea houses are popular for tea, coffee, and board games like backgammon or chess
  • Football (soccer) is especially popular, along with basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming
  • Men spend hours in all-male teahouses drinking tea and playing backgammon
  • Traditional music (oud, ney, qanun) and the dabke line dance are enjoyed at celebrations

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Syria

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Currency
Syrian pound (SYP)
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The Syrian Arab Republic comprises several distinct climatic conditions. The western coastal plain is the most humid area of the country, with milder winters and summers than the rest of the country. East of the Orontes Valley begins the desert region. In general the climate is mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along the coast There are four seasons in Damascus, with spring, winter, and fall generally lasting 8 to 12 weeks apiece. Summers can be long, dry, and hot. Short winters can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow. Annual rainfall in Damascus averages 81.6 millimeters (3.21 inches.) Temperatures in Damascus range from lows 0 °C (32 °F) at night to highs of 20 °C (68 °F during the day in the winter, and in the summer from 16 °C (60 °F) to 38 °C (100 °F). Though snow falls infrequently in Damascus, it does snow in the mountains near the city, and some roads are impassible during these storms.
Airports
93
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Recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Syria

    3000 BCE – 64 BCE

    Among the earliest cradles of urban civilization, the region hosted Semitic Amorite kingdoms, the great trading city-states of Ugarit and Ebla, and successive conquests by Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. Alexander the Great's conquest in 333 BCE introduced Hellenism, and the Seleucid dynasty established Antioch as its imperial capital, making Syria a hub of Greek culture and commerce.

  2. Roman & Byzantine Era

    64 BCE – 636

    Pompey's annexation in 64 BCE brought Syria into the Roman Empire as one of its wealthiest provinces, with Palmyra briefly challenging Rome under Queen Zenobia in the 270s CE. Christianity spread rapidly, and following the empire's division in 395, Syria became a cornerstone of the Byzantine realm, contested repeatedly by Sassanid Persia before Arab Muslim armies decisively conquered the region at the Battle of Yarmouk in 636.

  3. Umayyad & Medieval Islamic

    636 – 1516

    The Arab conquest inaugurated Syria's most celebrated era, as Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750), ruling an empire stretching from Spain to Central Asia. Subsequent rule passed through Abbasid governors, Fatimid and Egyptian Mamluk sultans, and the turbulent Crusader period, during which Latin Christian states controlled coastal Syria until Mamluk forces expelled the last Crusaders by 1303.

  4. Ottoman Syria

    1516 – 1918

    Sultan Selim I's defeat of the Mamluks at Marj Dabiq in 1516 incorporated Syria into the Ottoman Empire for four centuries. Governed as several vilayets, Syria experienced periods of economic decline, a brief Egyptian occupation under Muhammad Ali's son Ibrahim Pasha (1831–1840), and a gradual awakening of Arab nationalist sentiment in the late 19th century that culminated in Arab forces capturing Damascus in October 1918.

  5. French Mandate

    1918 – 1946

    Despite Arab expectations of independence promised during World War I, French forces seized Damascus in 1920 following the Battle of Maysalun, and the League of Nations formalized the French Mandate over Syria and Lebanon. Nationalist resistance was fierce, including the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925–1927, and France artificially divided the territory along sectarian lines before granting full independence in April 1946.

  6. Independent & Modern Syria

    1946 – present

    Independence was followed by chronic political instability, military coups, and the short-lived United Arab Republic union with Egypt (1958–1961). The Ba'ath Party seized power in 1963, and Hafez al-Assad consolidated authoritarian rule from 1970 until his death in 2000, succeeded by his son Bashar. The Arab Spring triggered a devastating civil war beginning in 2011, drawing in regional and global powers and displacing millions of Syrians.

Overview

Fragment of relief plaque, ca. 2500 B.C., Tall

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 2100 BCE

    Amorites came from the Arabian peninsula

    Amorites came from the Arabian peninsula and were the first important Semitic settlers in the area of Damascus. They established many small states.

  2. 300 BCE – 64 BCE

    Antioch served as the capital of the kingdom of Syria.

    Antioch served as the capital of the kingdom of Syria.

  3. 101 – 200

    Christianity grows into a strong religion in Syria.

    Christianity grows into a strong religion in Syria.

  4. 395

    With the division of the Roman empire, Syria falls to Byzantine.

    With the division of the Roman empire, Syria falls to Byzantine (the eastern part of the Roman empire). Syria remained a region of prosperity.

  5. 636

    After years of war, Syria is easily conquered by the Arabs.

    After years of war, Syria is easily conquered by the Arabs, and included in the Caliphate of Islam.

  6. 877

    Syria is annexed by Egypt.

    Syria is annexed by Egypt.

  7. 1099

    Western parts of Syria is incorporated in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

    Western parts of Syria is incorporated in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

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Interesting Facts

  • Syria is part of an area known as the Levant, which also includes Lebanon. Levant means “rising” in French, and refers to the sunrise, because these countries are east of the Mediterranean. The word came into use during the 1920s and 1930s, when the French ruled Syria and Lebanon.

  • Lake Al Assad is an artificial lake created by the Tabaqah Dam. Syria has two natural lakes: Arram, which fills the crater of an extinct volcano, and Mzerib.

  • In the 3rd century A.D., the powerful Queen Zenobia of Palmyra ruled Syria after the death of her husband the king. Her armies controlled all of Syria and some of the surrounding area. The Romans fought against her and eventually defeated her. She was taken to Rome where she ended her days..

  • When a Muslim person dies, he or she must be buried within 24 hours, dressed only in a shroud.

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Geography and Environment

The Syrian Arab Republic is at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea and at the northern end of the Afro-Asian Rift Valley. Syria's area, approximately 185,000 square kilometers (71,500 square miles), comprises several distinct climatic conditions. The western coastal plain is a narrow, fertile stretch of land that is the most humid area of the country, with milder winters and summers than the rest of the country.
Terrain
primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in west
Climate
The Syrian Arab Republic comprises several distinct climatic conditions. The western coastal plain is the most humid area of the country, with milder winters and summers than the rest of the country. East of the Orontes Valley begins the desert region. In general the climate is mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along the coast There are four seasons in Damascus, with spring, winter, and fall generally lasting 8 to 12 weeks apiece. Summers can be long, dry, and hot. Short winters can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow. Annual rainfall in Damascus averages 81.6 millimeters (3.21 inches.) Temperatures in Damascus range from lows 0 °C (32 °F) at night to highs of 20 °C (68 °F during the day in the winter, and in the summer from 16 °C (60 °F) to 38 °C (100 °F). Though snow falls infrequently in Damascus, it does snow in the mountains near the city, and some roads are impassible during these storms.
Natural Hazards
dust storms, sandstorms
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining wastes; inadequate potable water
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

  • Arabic
  • Armenian
  • French
  • Kurdish

Population

Population
21,324,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
Aleppo 3.164 million; DAMASCUS (capital) 2.65 million; Hims 1.369 million; Hamah 933,000
Nationality Noun
Syrian(s)
Ethnic Groups
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Syria has undergone a dramatic and tragic decline over the past decade and a half, largely as a result of the devastating civil conflict that began in 2011. Before the war, Syria had made notable public health progress, with life expectancy at birth reaching approximately 76 years by 2010 — a figure that reflected improving healthcare infrastructure, rising literacy rates, and broader regional development gains. The onset of the civil war reversed much of this progress. Sustained violence, the collapse of medical facilities, displacement of millions of civilians, widespread food insecurity, and the breakdown of sanitation systems all contributed to a measurable drop in life expectancy. By the mid-2010s, estimates suggested that life expectancy had fallen by several years, with some projections placing the decline as steep as four to six years compared to pre-war baselines. As of the most recent available data, Syria's life expectancy at birth is estimated at approximately 72 to 73 years overall, with women generally living longer than men — a pattern consistent with global trends. Male life expectancy tends to be lower, partly due to higher rates of conflict-related mortality among men of fighting age. The ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to place significant strain on life expectancy indicators. Millions of Syrians remain internally displaced or living as refugees in neighboring countries, with limited access to consistent medical care. Chronic disease management, maternal health services, and child healthcare have all been severely disrupted. Malnutrition, particularly among children, remains a serious concern and has long-term implications for population health outcomes. International humanitarian organizations have worked to restore some basic health services in accessible regions, but progress remains uneven. Reconstruction of Syria's health system — once considered among the more developed in the Middle East — will require sustained investment and political stability over many years before life expectancy figures return to pre-conflict levels. Despite current challenges, Syria's younger population structure means that meaningful recovery in life expectancy is achievable should conditions for peace and reconstruction be established.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Syria has undergone a dramatic and tragic decline over the past decade and a half, largely as a result of the devastating civil conflict that began in 2011. Before the war, Syria had made notable public health progress, with life expectancy at birth reaching approximately 76 years by 2010 — a figure that reflected improving healthcare infrastructure, rising literacy rates, and broader regional development gains. The onset of the civil war reversed much of this progress. Sustained violence, the collapse of medical facilities, displacement of millions of civilians, widespread food insecurity, and the breakdown of sanitation systems all contributed to a measurable drop in life expectancy. By the mid-2010s, estimates suggested that life expectancy had fallen by several years, with some projections placing the decline as steep as four to six years compared to pre-war baselines. As of the most recent available data, Syria's life expectancy at birth is estimated at approximately 72 to 73 years overall, with women generally living longer than men — a pattern consistent with global trends. Male life expectancy tends to be lower, partly due to higher rates of conflict-related mortality among men of fighting age. The ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to place significant strain on life expectancy indicators. Millions of Syrians remain internally displaced or living as refugees in neighboring countries, with limited access to consistent medical care. Chronic disease management, maternal health services, and child healthcare have all been severely disrupted. Malnutrition, particularly among children, remains a serious concern and has long-term implications for population health outcomes. International humanitarian organizations have worked to restore some basic health services in accessible regions, but progress remains uneven. Reconstruction of Syria's health system — once considered among the more developed in the Middle East — will require sustained investment and political stability over many years before life expectancy figures return to pre-conflict levels. Despite current challenges, Syria's younger population structure means that meaningful recovery in life expectancy is achievable should conditions for peace and reconstruction be established.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Syria
Full Country Name
Syrian Arab Republic
Local - Long
Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah
Local - Short
Suriyah

Government Structure

Government Type
republic under military regime since March 1963
Legal System
based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: Following the fall of Bashar al-ASAD's government in December 2024, Syria entered a transitional period. Ahmad al-SHARAA (also known as Abu Mohammad al-JOLANI), leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was named transitional president in January 2025 after rebel forces led by HTS captured Damascus and effectively ended over five decades of Assad family rule. head of government: Mohammad al-BASHIR was appointed head of the transitional government (Prime Minister) in December 2024, tasked with overseeing a transitional period expected to last until March 2025, after which a new governing framework is to be established. cabinet: A transitional governing body has been established, with ministers appointed to manage the transition and maintain basic governmental functions across Syrian territory. elections: Under the Assad government, the president was approved by popular referendum for a seven-year term. Bashar al-ASAD had most recently secured approval in a 2021 referendum, officially receiving 95.1% of the vote — an election widely criticized by Western governments and human rights organizations as neither free nor fair. With the collapse of the Assad government, the future electoral framework for Syria remains under discussion as part of the transitional process. note: Bashar al-ASAD fled Syria on 8 December 2024 as rebel forces swept through the country, ultimately taking Damascus. This brought an end to the Assad family's grip on power, which began when Hafiz al-ASAD seized control in 1970. Hafiz al-ASAD died on 10 June 2000, after which his son Bashar assumed the presidency following a referendum held on 10 July 2000.
Legislative Branch
unicameral People's Assembly or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - the legislative body was renamed the People's Assembly under the 2012 constitution, which also introduced a nominal multiparty framework, though the Ba'th Party and its National Progressive Front (NPF) allies continue to dominate political life elections: last held 13 April 2016 and 19 July 2020 (next scheduled for 2024); elections have been severely disrupted by the ongoing civil conflict that began in 2011, with large portions of the country outside government control during successive electoral cycles election results (2020): percent of vote by party - Ba'th Party-led NPF and affiliated lists approximately 80%, independents and other parties approximately 20%; seats by party - NPF and allied candidates 177, independents and others 73; the constitution continues to guarantee the Ba'th Party a dominant share of representation, and opposition parties operating outside the NPF framework are effectively excluded from meaningful participation note: Syria's legislative institutions have been severely weakened by the civil war that erupted in 2011. The opposition Syrian National Council and subsequent bodies have rejected the legitimacy of elections held under the Assad government. Constitutional reform and the establishment of a genuinely representative legislature remain central demands of international peace negotiations under the UN-led Syria process.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Constitutional Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality of laws and decrees; justices appointed for four-year terms by the President); High Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges; headed by the President); Court of Cassation (national level); State Security Courts (hear cases related to national security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to marriage and divorce); Courts of First Instance (local level; include magistrate, summary, and peace courts)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
13-Mar-73
Independence
17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 17 April (1946)

Capital City

Capital Name
Damascus
Capital - geographic coordinate
33 30 N, 36 18 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Damascus is a very old city; its earliest name, Temeseq, first appears in an Egyptian geographical list of the 15th century B.C., but the meaning is uncertain

Military

Branches: Syrian Armed Forces: Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Forces (includes Air Defense Forces)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012 and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. The Government of the Czech Republic, acting through its Embassy in Damascus, serves as Protecting Power for U.S. interests in Syria. The range of consular services the Czech Republic provides to U.S. citizens is extremely limited, and those services may require significantly more processing time than at U.S. embassies or consulates outside of Syria. U.S. citizens in Syria who seek consular services should contact the U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Damascus at USIS_damascus@embassy.mzv.cz.

U.S. citizens in Syria who are in need of emergency assistance in Syria, and are unable to reach the U.S. Interests Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic or must make contact outside business hours, should contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan:

Telephone: 962 (6) 590-6950 (Daily 2-3:30 local time)

Emergencies: 962 (6) 590-6500

E-mail: Amman-ACS@state.gov

If you seek information about U.S. citizens’ services in Syria from the Office of Overseas Citizens’ Services in Washington, please e-mail: SyriaEmergencyUSC@state.gov.

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Economy

Syria's economy has been devastated by more than a decade of civil war that began in 2011, transforming what was once a lower-middle-income country into one of the most fragile economies in the world.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Syrian Pound (SYP)
GDP — official exchange rate
$25,840,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
-1.5%

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

The Syrian Arab Republic comprises several distinct climatic conditions. The western coastal plain is the most humid area of the country, with milder winters and summers than the rest of the country. East of the Orontes Valley begins the desert region. In general the climate is mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along the coast

There are four seasons in Damascus, with spring, winter, and fall generally lasting 8 to 12 weeks apiece. Summers can be long, dry, and hot. Short winters can be cold and rainy, with occasional snow. Annual rainfall in Damascus averages 81.6 millimeters (3.21 inches.) Temperatures in Damascus range from lows 0 °C (32 °F) at night to highs of 20 °C (68 °F during the day in the winter, and in the summer from 16 °C (60 °F) to 38 °C (100 °F). Though snow falls infrequently in Damascus, it does snow in the mountains near the city, and some roads are impassible during these storms.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Syria?
The population of Syria is approximately 21.3M.
How do people greet each other in Syria?
Greetings are important and emphasize politeness and respect, most commonly a firm handshake between people of the same gender, along with verbal greetings and inquiries about well-being. Do: Shake hands firmly with the same gender while maintaining eye contact Use verbal greetings like "Marhaba" (hello), "Salam" (peace), or "Ahlan" (welcome) Ask about the person's well-being, e.g. "Keefak" (How are you?) Use honorific titles like "Sheikh," "Sayyid" (sir), or "Sayyida" (madam) for elders and authority figures Don't: Don't initiate a handshake with a woman as a man; wait for her to offer first Cheek kisses (two or three in urban areas, one in more conservative areas) are common among close friends and relatives A hand-to-heart gesture shows respect in formal greetings, especially with elders Smiling and a warm demeanor convey sincerity
What are the dining customs in Syria?
Meals are relaxed social events that can last two or three hours, with most food eaten by hand or scooped up with flatbread. Do: Wait for the host to start eating before you begin Eat with your right hand Finish your plate as a sign of appreciation Accept a meal invitation graciously Don't: Don't eat with your left hand, as it is considered unclean Basic foods include lamb, chicken, chickpeas, eggplant, olives, yogurt, rice, and burghul Common dishes include stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel, and shish kebab Hosts commonly offer tea, coffee, or refreshments
What etiquette should I know when visiting Syria?
Syrians are known for warm hospitality, and visitors are expected to show cultural sensitivity, modesty, and respect for traditional gender norms. Do: Bring a small gift such as flowers or sweets when invited to a home Remove your shoes before entering a host's home Ask permission before photographing people, especially women or religious figures Focus conversation on positive topics like art, history, and cuisine Don't: Don't discuss sensitive topics like politics, religion, or conflict Don't impose Western concepts of gender equality Don't assume women want to shake hands or have close personal contact Punctuality is not considered important Haggling over prices is a way of life Men and women often socialize separately in public
How should I dress in Syria?
Syrian society values modesty in dress, though modern Western-style clothing is common in urban areas, especially among younger generations. Do: Dress modestly, especially at religious sites or formal occasions Ensure shoulders and knees are covered Avoid revealing clothing Traditional attire is more common in rural areas and at cultural events Rural men may wear a long robe (dishdasha/thawb) and a keffiyeh head covering Some women wear an abayah or jilbab with a headscarf such as a hijab
What gestures should I be aware of in Syria?
Syrians stand close together and use hand gestures frequently. A downward nod of the head to one side means yes Brushing open palms together quickly means "I'm finished" Patting the hand over the heart when meeting expresses affection
What is family life like in Syria?
Families are close-knit and central to society, often with an extended structure where multiple generations live together or nearby, and elders are held in high respect. Elders are consulted for guidance and their opinions are respected Major decisions like marriage, education, or career are made collectively Education is highly valued as a path to success The elderly are cared for by family; there are no nursing homes
What do people do for fun in Syria?
Eating and socializing with family and friends are the main forms of entertainment, alongside visits to cafes, sports, and cultural events. Cafes and tea houses are popular for tea, coffee, and board games like backgammon or chess Football (soccer) is especially popular, along with basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming Men spend hours in all-male teahouses drinking tea and playing backgammon Traditional music (oud, ney, qanun) and the dabke line dance are enjoyed at celebrations
What is the capital of Syria?
Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Situated in a fertile oasis at the foot of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, it has long served as a political, commercial, and cultural hub of the region. The city's ancient Old City quarter, with its labyrinthine souks and historic mosques, reflects layers of civilizations that have shaped Syrian identity across millennia.
Where is Syria located?
Syria is located in the Middle East, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It forms part of a region historically known as the Levant — a term derived from the French word for "rising," referencing the sunrise, since these lands lie to the east of the Mediterranean. The Levant also includes neighboring Lebanon, and the term came into wide use during the 1920s and 1930s. Syria occupies a strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
What countries border Syria?
Syria shares land borders with five countries. To the north lies Turkey; to the east and southeast, Iraq; to the south, Jordan; and to the southwest, Israel and Lebanon. The country also has a western coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. This position at a regional crossroads has made Syria a historically significant transit and trade zone, and has deeply influenced its complex political relationships throughout modern history.
What is the primary religion in Syria?
Sunni Islam is the dominant religion in Syria, practiced by approximately 74 percent of the population. A further 16 percent belong to other Muslim sects, most notably the Alawite and Druze communities, the latter concentrated mainly in the Jabal al-Druze region in the south. The remaining roughly 10 percent includes Christians of various denominations and other minorities. This religious diversity has historically coexisted within Syria, though sectarian tensions have played a significant role in the country's modern conflicts.
What is the currency of Syria?
The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound, with the ISO code SYP. The pound has experienced severe depreciation in recent decades, particularly during the prolonged civil conflict that began in 2011, which devastated the national economy. Informal currency exchange and parallel markets have become widespread as a result. Visitors and businesses operating within Syria have historically needed to navigate a volatile monetary environment shaped by sanctions, conflict, and limited access to international financial systems.
What language is spoken in Syria?
Arabic is the official language of Syria and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Several other languages are also widely used, including Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic — an ancient Semitic language still spoken in a handful of villages — and Circassian. French and English are understood to a lesser degree, particularly in urban and educated circles. The presence of Aramaic is especially notable, as it was the lingua franca of the ancient Near East and the language spoken in Syria during the time of early Christianity.
What is Syria's geography like?
Syria's terrain varies considerably, ranging from a narrow fertile coastal strip along the Mediterranean to the rugged Anti-Lebanon Mountains in the west, and vast arid plains and desert in the interior and east. The Euphrates River cuts through the northeast, feeding agricultural zones and the artificial Lake Al-Assad, created by the Tabaqah Dam. Syria has only two natural lakes: Arram, which fills the crater of an extinct volcano, and Mzerib. The eastern and southeastern regions merge into the Syrian Desert, which extends into Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
What is Syria known for?
Syria is known for its extraordinary depth of history, including the ancient ruins of Palmyra, whose 3rd-century queen, Zenobia, famously commanded armies that controlled Syria and surrounding territories before being defeated by Rome. Syrian cuisine — particularly dishes like kibbeh, fattoush, and baklava — has influenced food culture across the Arab world and beyond. The country was historically a center of trade along the Silk Road, and Damascus was renowned for its production of damask textiles and finely crafted metalwork. Haggling in the traditional covered souks remains a living cultural practice.

Last reviewed 2026