Syria

Syria is a country situated in Southwest Asia and shares borders with Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. It has a diverse range of minerals including oil and gas, phosphates, chrome, manganese, lead, copper and iron ore. The vegetation is mostly dry and consists of steppe, thorn shrubs and small trees. Syria's history is ancient and rich, with the country being part of several empires, including the Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, and Roman. The country has a population of around 18 million people, with a mix of ethnic groups and religions. Syria has been ruled by the Ba'ath Party since 1963, and it is considered a one-party socialist state. Despite the ongoing conflict, Syria has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its mosques, ancient ruins, souks, and traditional handcrafts. Syria was once a popular tourist destination but has been severely impacted by the ongoing war.