Syria

      According to wikipedia .org the Syrian Arab Republic is located in southwest Asia near the Mediterranean sea between Israel Jordan and turkey. The republic’s capital is Damascus. Syria is an independent country with a population that is mainly composed of Sunni Muslims. The majority of the country’s ethnic population belongs to the Arabs.

     Currently, Syria’s population is a little more than nineteen million. The majority of this population speaks Arabic, uses the Syrian pound and has a Gross Domestic Product total of 38.970 billion. The country’s population growth rate is 2.189%. The country’s ethnic minority includes Kurds and Armenians, while the religious minorities are Christian and Jewish. Syria’s education system is composed of three education levels from first to twelfth grade. After completing a series of tests during the ninth and eleventh grade the students are assigned to a college or university for a 10-20 dollar fee per year.

      Scholars believe the first civilization to occupy the now Syrian area is the Elba civilization. The Elban civilization has deep history and culture that includes their original language and contacts and trade with other civilizations. Soon after Syria became part of the Islamic empire where it prospered until corruption caused the area’s decline. Then towards the end of World War I, Southwest Asia was divided in to two sides. Each side was influenced by the United Kingdom and France. This eventually led to the occupation of Syria by France. During this mandate the country began to form an independent republic but were denied multiple times until after World War II. In 1944, the French troops left the country.  

     After it’s independence, Syria experienced a downfall in political relations. A series of coups and crises aided in it’s near disastrous future. At one point Syria was involved in the Arab-Israeli war. The loss and unsuccessfulness of their military began the country’s downfall. Communists began to control Syria after an agreement with the Soviet Union. The agreement exchanged military items for communist influence. Finally the Baath government was incorporated into Syria. The government during the 1970s was lead by with Baath guidance. Syria has also had conflict with other countries or states due to Golan Heights.

     Hafez al- Assad was Syria’s leader for 30 years from 1970-2000. During his rule      Syria gained significant control of Lebanon. Currently, his son, Bashar al-Assad is president of Syria. His focus is primarily on economics and adjusting Syria’s relationship with Israel.

            Syria’s government branches into a president, two vice presidents, a cabinet and a legislative branch. The countries court system includes the Supreme Constitutional Court, the High Judicial Council, the Court of Cassation, and the State Security Courts. The Political parties that are present besides the dominant Baath are a communist, democratic and socialist parties. The country has also implemented an Emergency law justified by its on-going conflict with Israel. In terms of the country’s economy, it has struggled with trading due to the notion that it is not a part of the WTO or GATT. Although, recently Syria agreed to free trade with turkey. They export crude oil, grain and raw cotton, while they import mostly vehicles, heavy machinery and agricultural equipment.