Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country located in the Middle East, sharing borders with Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Lebanon and Israel to the west. As of the latest administrative divisions, Syria is divided into fourteen governorates, commonly referred to as “provinces” or “muhafazat” in Arabic. These governorates represent the primary administrative divisions of the country and are integral to its administrative structure, each governed by a governor appointed by the central government.
The division into fourteen governorates is a reflection of Syria’s diverse geographic, cultural, and historical landscape. Each governorate is further subdivided into districts, which are then divided into sub-districts. The administrative divisions are crucial for managing the local affairs and governance of the regions, and they play a significant role in the implementation of national policies at the local level.
The governorates are:
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Damascus: The capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Damascus governorate encompasses the city itself and its surrounding areas. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country.
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Aleppo: Located in the northwestern part of Syria, Aleppo is one of the largest cities in the country and has historically been a major economic center. The governorate includes the city of Aleppo and its surrounding areas.
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Homs: Situated in central Syria, Homs is a significant city due to its strategic location and economic importance. The governorate encompasses the city and its adjacent regions.
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Hama: Located in central Syria, south of Homs, Hama is known for its historical landmarks and the ancient water wheels that are a symbol of the city. The governorate includes Hama city and the surrounding area.
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Latakia: This coastal governorate is located along the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its port city of Latakia. The governorate plays a crucial role in Syria’s maritime trade and tourism.
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Tartus: Another coastal governorate, Tartus is situated south of Latakia and is known for its port, which is a vital part of Syria’s economic infrastructure. It also features a rich historical and cultural heritage.
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Daraa: Located in the southern part of Syria, Daraa is known for its historical significance and is often referred to as the “cradle of the Syrian revolution” due to its role in the early protests of the Syrian Civil War.
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Deir ez-Zor: Situated in the eastern part of Syria, Deir ez-Zor is a significant governorate due to its strategic location near the Euphrates River. The region has been a focal point in recent conflicts due to its strategic importance.
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Hasakah: This northeastern governorate is known for its ethnic diversity, including Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians. Hasakah is an important agricultural region and has been significant in recent geopolitical developments.
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Raqqa: Located in northern Syria, Raqqa is historically significant and has been a focal point in recent conflicts, particularly due to its strategic position and resources.
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Quneitra: Situated in the southwestern part of Syria, Quneitra is known for its proximity to the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance due to its geopolitical significance.
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Rif Dimashq: Surrounding the capital city of Damascus, Rif Dimashq is a large governorate that includes rural areas and suburbs of Damascus, playing a crucial role in the administration of the capital region.
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Idlib: Located in the northwestern part of Syria, Idlib is known for its agricultural production and has been a significant area of conflict in recent years due to its strategic location and the presence of various armed groups.
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Suwayda: Situated in the southern part of Syria, Suwayda is known for its Druze population and is an important region for the Druze community, contributing to the cultural and social diversity of Syria.
The governorates of Syria each have their unique characteristics, contributing to the country’s rich cultural tapestry and geopolitical significance. The administrative divisions are crucial for the governance and administration of the country, impacting everything from local governance and resource management to the implementation of national policies. The diversity among these governorates reflects the multifaceted nature of Syria’s geographic, cultural, and historical landscape, and each governorate plays a vital role in the broader context of the country’s administrative and political structure.