Syria

Syria is an ancient region and modern state, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, in the Middle East. It borders Lebanon to the west, Israel to the southwest, Jordan to the south, Iraq to the east, and Turkey to the north. The border with Israel is disputed as Israel controls, and claims to have annexed, the Golan Heights. A border dispute with Turkey over Hatay Province has now been resolved. Historically, Syria (or Greater Syria) has often been taken to include the territories of Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and parts of Jordan, but excluding the Jazira region in the north-east of modern Syria.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Syria

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Syria consists mostly of arid plateau, although the northwest part of the country bordering the Mediterranean is fairly green. The Euphrates, Syria's most important river, crosses the country in the east. It is considered to be one of the fifteen states that comprise the so-called "Cradle of Humanity".

Related Topics:
Mediterranean - Euphrates - Cradle of Humanity

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Major cities include the capital Damascus in the southwest, Aleppo in the north, and Homs. Most of the other important cities are located along the coast line. (See also List of cities in Syria.)

Related Topics:
Damascus - Aleppo - Homs - List of cities in Syria

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The climate in Syria is dry and hot, although winters are mild. Because of the country's elevation, snowfall does also occur occasionally during winter.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~