Canada">syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria country profile Once the centre of the Islamic Empire, Syria covers an area that has seen invasions and occupations over the ages, from Romans and Mongols to Crusaders and Turks. A country of fertile plains, mountains and deserts, it is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shias and Arab Sunnis, the last of who make up a majority of the Muslim population. Modern Syria gained its independence from France in 1946 Untied Arab Republic 1958 Overview Overview Facts Leaders Media Economy: The government has made reform of its under-performing, state-run economy a top priority Facts Full name: The syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian Arab Republic Population: 22.5 million (UN, 2010) Capital: damascus Area: 185,180 sq km (71,498 sq miles) Major language: Arabic Major religions: Islam, Christianity Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 Syrian pound = 100 piastres Main exports: Oil, gas GNI per capita: US $2,410 (World Bank, 2009) Internet domain: .sy International dialling code: +963 Media The press Al-Baath – paper of ruling Baath party Al-Thawra (“The Revolution”) – government-owned daily Tishrin – government-owned daily Syria Today – English-language monthly Television Syrian TV – state-run, operates two domestic networks and a satellite channel, broadcasting in Arabic, English and French Al-Dunya TV – private Radio Syrian Arab Republic Radio – state-run Al-Madina FM – first private radio station, launched in March 2005 News agency Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) – state-run, in Arabic, English and French AT-A-GLANCE – –
✅ Updated: September 29, 2025 (637 days after publication)