Official name

The Syrian Arab Republic

Head of State

President Bahsar al-Asad.

Prime Minister

Muhammad Mustafa Mero

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/kmē (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