Syria

Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east and southeast, Jordan to the south, and Israel and Lebanon to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 185,180 square kilometers, it has a population of about 17.5 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Damascus. The official language is Arabic. Syria operates as a unitary republic, but has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011, leading to significant political and social upheaval. The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, oil, industry, and tourism, but the ongoing conflict has severely impacted these sectors. Syria is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient cities, and historical sites, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Arab League, though its membership in some organizations has been suspended due to the conflict.