Question 1

What is the population of Syria?

Accepted Answer

The population of Syria is approximately 21.3M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What are the dining customs in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What etiquette should I know when visiting Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

How should I dress in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What gestures should I be aware of in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What is family life like in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What do people do for fun in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the capital of Syria?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Where is Syria located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What countries border Syria?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the primary religion in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is the currency of Syria?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What language is spoken in Syria?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is Syria's geography like?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is Syria known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

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