Agriculture and food in Syria

Agriculture in Syria

Syria is a country located in the Middle East. The official name of Syria is the Syrian Arab Republic. Syria is bordered by Lebanon to the west, Israel to the southwest, Jordan to the south, Iraq to the east, and Turkey to the north. Syria has a population of over 22 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in the Middle East. The capital and largest city of Syria is Damascus. Syria is a unitary republic with a Ba'athist government. The president of Syria is Bashar al-Assad, who has held office since 2000. The economy of Syria is based on agriculture, oil, and tourism. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Syria is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and OIC. The Syrian civil war began on 15 March 2011 with anti-government protests. The war is being fought by several factions: the Syrian government and its allies, including Russia and Iran; Sunni rebel groups, including the Free Syrian Army and al-Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Fateh al-Sham; Kurdish forces; and ISIL. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with over 6 million people internally displaced and over 4 million people fleeing the country as refugees. The war has caused damage to infrastructure and the destruction of cultural heritage. Many ancient ruins have been damaged or destroyed, and Aleppo, Bosra, and Palmyra have all been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The Syrian government has been accused of human rights abuses and war crimes by various Western governments and human rights organizations. The conflict has been labeled a civil war, a proxy war, an international war, and a sectarian war. The landscape of Syria is varied, with mountains, deserts, and coastline. The Syrian Desert covers much of the country, while the coastal Mountains of Lebanon run along the western edge of Syria. The highest point in Syria is Mount Hermon, at 9,232 feet (2,814 meters). The Euphrates River runs through Syria and is the country's main water source. Syria has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The coastal region has a milder climate than the interior. Syria is home to several ancient civilizations, including the Ebla civilization (c. 2500 BCE), the Aramaean Kingdom (c. 1200 BCE), and the Nabataean Kingdom (c. 600 BCE). Syria was also an important center of early Christianity. The city of Antioch was one of the four major centers of the early church, along with Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Rome. Syria is currently embroiled in a civil war (2011-present), which has resulted in over 400,000 deaths and the displacement of millions of people. Syria is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The country's varied climate and geography, which includes mountains, deserts, and coastal areas, supports a number of different ecosystems. Syria is home to over 4,000 species of plants, including many that are endemic to the country. Syria's forests are dominated by cedar, pine, and oak trees. The country's mountains are home to a number of evergreen and deciduous trees, as well as shrubs and grasses. The coastal areas of Syria are dominated by mangrove forests. Syria is home to a wide variety of animals, including over 400 species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds, and 100 species of reptiles. Mammals include bears, hyenas, jackals, leopards, lions, and wolves. Birds include eagles, owls, vultures, and storks. Reptiles include snakes, lizards, and turtles. Syria's waters are home to a number of fish and shellfish species. Syria's biodiversity is under threat from a number of factors, including habitat loss, overgrazing, and pollution. The country's forests are being cleared for agriculture and firewood, while its grasslands are being degraded by overgrazing. Pollution from urban areas and industry is also having an impact on Syria's wildlife. The Syrian economy has been in a state of flux in recent years, due in large part to the ongoing conflict in the country. In 2013, Syria's GDP was estimated at $60.3 billion,1 down from an estimated $64.4 billion in 2012.2 This decline is largely attributable to lower oil production and exports, as well as damage to infrastructure and human capital. The Syrian government has been working to offset the effects of the conflict on the economy and has been successful in doing so to some extent. For example, the government has maintained subsidies on essential goods and services and has kept public sector salaries stable. It has also been working to attract foreign investment, particularly from countries in the region. Despite these efforts, however, the Syrian economy is expected to contract further in 2014, with GDP forecast to decline by 3.5%.4 This is due to continued damage to infrastructure, lower oil production and export levels, and reduced investment. The conflict in Syria has also led to a significant increase in the number of refugees, both within the country and in neighboring countries. As of June 2014, there were an estimated 3 million Syrian refugees,5 up from 1.2 million in December 2012.6 This has placed a strain on both government resources and the capacity of host communities. Syria is home to a rich culture that has been influenced by its many different occupants over the years. From the early days of the Syrian civilization to the present, the Syrian people have always been proud of their cultural heritage. One of the most important aspects of Syrian culture is its music. Syria has a long and rich musical tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Syrian music is very diverse, with a wide variety of styles and genres. Syrian musicians have always been highly respected in the Arab world, and their music is enjoyed by people of all ages. Syria is also home to a rich literary tradition. Syria has produced many great writers over the years, including the renowned poet Nizar Qabbani. Syrian literature is very diverse, with a wide variety of genres and styles. Syrian writers have always been highly respected in the Arab world, and their work is enjoyed by people of all ages. Syria is also home to a rich artistic tradition. Syria has produced many great artists over the years, including the renowned painter, sculptor, and architect Hafez al-Assad. Syrian art is very diverse, with a wide variety of styles and genres. Syrian artists have always been highly respected in the Arab world, and their work is enjoyed by people of all ages. Syria is a religiously diverse country, with a large Sunni Muslim population (approximately 74% of the population), a significant Shia Muslim minority (approximately 13%), as well as smaller populations of Christians, Druze, Alawites, and other religious groups. Sunni Muslims are the largest religious group in Syria, making up approximately 74% of the population. The Sunni community is predominately Arab, but there are also significant populations of Turkmen, Kurdish, and Circassian Sunnis. The Sunni Arabs have traditionally been the largest and most influential group in Syria, and they are concentrated in the cities and towns of the country. The Shia Muslims make up approximately 13% of Syria's population, and they are concentrated in the cities of Aleppo and Homs. There are also smaller populations of Shia living in Damascus and rural areas of the country. The Alawite community, which is an offshoot of Shia Islam, makes up approximately 12% of Syria's population and is concentrated in the coastal city of Latakia and rural areas of the country. The Christian community makes up approximately 10% of Syria's population, and they are concentrated in the cities of Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. There are also smaller populations of Christians living in rural areas of the country. The Druze community, which is an offshoot of Islam, makes up approximately 3% of Syria's population and is concentrated in the southern city of As-Suwayda and rural areas of the country. The Kurdish community, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim, makes up approximately 9% of Syria's population and is concentrated in the northeastern region of the country. Other religious groups make up the remaining 1% of Syria's population and include Yazidis, Armenians, Circassians, and Assyrians.