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Syria. Haley Beeler. Land. Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey Landforms: Desert Plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in the west; wetlands. http://www.multimedia-publishing.com/history_of_syria_files/image005.jpg. Euphrates River, Syria.
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Syria Haley Beeler
Land • Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey • Landforms: Desert Plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in the west; wetlands http://www.multimedia-publishing.com/history_of_syria_files/image005.jpg Euphrates River, Syria
Natural Resources • Petroleum • Phosphates • Chrome and manganese ores • Asphalt • Iron ore • Rock salt • Marble • Gypsum • Hydropower
Climate & Vegetation • Climate • mostly desert • hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) • mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast • cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus • Vegetation • Mountains: Yew, Lime, and Fir Trees • Coast & Fertile Inland Regions: grains, olives, vines, apricot trees, oaks, poplars, citrus trees, reed grasses, wild flowers & shrubs • Native Wildlife • Wolves, hyenas, foxes & jackals can be found in few areas while wild boar can be seen roaming forests • Wild birds: Eagles, Buzzards & Falcons
Government • Political Leaders: • President » Bashar al-Assad • A referendum in 2007 endorsed him as president for a second seven-year term. He was the only candidate. • Population: 18,389,000 • Syrians are mostly Arab • About 9 percent are Kurds • About 90 percent Muslim • Mostly Sunni • Life Expectancy: 70
History • In 1920, Syria was established under King Faysal of the Hashemite family. Faysal’s ruling over the country ended after a few months. Later that year French troops occupied Syria after the League of Nations put Syria under French authority. • Syria had a declaration of independence on April 17,1946. After the declaration the economy started to rapidly develop. In 1949, military coups took over civilian rule and lead to colonel AdibShishakli's power in 1951.
Economy • Literacy Rate: 77% • Exports: • Crude oil • Petroleum products • Fruits and vegetables • Cotton fiber • Clothing • Currency: Syrian Pound
Traditional Foods • During Ramadan, each day's fast is broken with an evening meal called iftar. • Eid al-Fitr, the final breaking of the Ramadan fast, entails the consumption of large quantities of food, sweets in particular.
Places to visit… Hidden in the desert, Palmyra is one of the world's most well preserved historic sites. Dura Europosis a ruined Hellenistic-Roman walled city. Excavations have revealed, among other important ruins, the oldest synagogue and oldest church ever found. The Grand Mosque of Damascus, known more commonly as the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the largest, oldest and holiest mosques in the world.
Citations "BBC News - Syria Country Profile." BBC NEWS | News Front Page. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/country_profiles/801669.stm>. "CIA - The World Factbook -- Syria." Welcome to the CIA Web Site Central Intelligence Agency. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sy.html>. "Culture of Syria - Traditional, History, People, Clothing, Traditions, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family, Social, Dress, Marriage, Men, Life, Population, Religion, Rituals." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. <http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Syria.html>. "History of Syria." History of Nations. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. <http://www.historyofnations.net/asia/syria.html>. "Syria Facts, Syria Flag -- National Geographic." Travel & Cultures -- National Geographic. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. <http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/syria-facts/>. "Syria Sacred Sites and Religious Places - Religious and Historical Attractions in Syria." Sacred Sites at Sacred Destinations - Explore Sacred Sites, Religious Sites, Sacred Places. Web. 23 Mar. 2010. <http://www.sacred-destinations.com/syria/sacred-sites>.