Formed around 2500 BC, the Syrian civilization is one of the most ancient on earth, and is strategically placed along the eastern edges of the
Mediterranean Sea at the doorway to
Asia and the
Middle East.
Damascus, the capital, historically called the Fragrant City, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet, and to this day remains one of the most important cultural and political centers in the Arab world.
For endless centuries Syria was was fought over and subsequently controlled by varied factions, including the
Egyptian, Roman and Ottoman empires.
The Syrian economy struggled under Ottoman rule, and any attempts at rebuilding were destroyed by the Mongols.
After World War I ended, the Ottoman Turks were finally driven out, and the
French influence began.
The
French administered and exercised control of Syria until it finally gained its independence in 1946.
Quite typical of a newly independent country, Syria lacked political stability, and experienced a series of military coups during its first decade.
In 1958, Syria united with
Egypt to form the United Arab Republic, but in 1961 the two entities separated and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished.
In the 1967 Arab-
Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to
Israel, and since then, both countries have occasionally discussed its return to Syria.
In 1976
Lebanon was absorbed in a civil war prompting Syria to invade the country in an attempt to aid the Maronite Christians, who were suffering considerably. After quickly switching sides upon their occupation, Syrian troops remained in
Lebanon for the next 30 years.
During the 15 year span of the war Syria continuously attempted to gain control of
Lebanon, and until their withdrawal in 2005, they remained a prominent force over
Lebanon becoming heavily involved in Lebanese politics.
After the passing of Syrian president Hafez al-Assad in the year 2000, the constitution was amended in the late president's son, Bashar al-Assad's, favor, allowing the minimum age of the President from 40 to 34, and on July 10th, Bashar was elected with 97% of the vote.
On January 26, 2011 a series of protests began throughout Syria calling for political reforms, and as of November the country has moved closer to a civil war rather than a peaceful solution.
With this on-going threat of terrorism in Syria, the
U.S. State Department and other governments warn westerners to avoid tourism-related travel to Syria, if at all possible.
