Syria today

Syria is a republic that adopted its present constitution in 1971. The current President Bashar al-Assad has been in the presidency post since 2000. In addition to his presidential duties, President Bashar al-Assad also heads the Baath Arab Socialist Party and the Syrian Army. Syria is divided into fourteen governorates. The governorates are divided into districts, which are further divided into sub-districts.

Mr. Bashar al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic and his wife Mrs. Asma Al-Assad.

Market in Damascus

Largest cities

The capital Damascus is the largest city in Syria, and the metropolitan area is a governorate on its own. Damascus is the oldest inhabited city in the world. Aleppo in northern Syria, the second largest city, is also a major industrial, urban and cultural center. Aleppo's old town has been designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Latakia along with Tartous are Syria's main ports on the Mediterranean Sea. Other major cities include Homs in central Syria and Deir-ez-Zor on the Euphrates River in eastern Syria.