Predominantly Sunni Muslim

About 74% of Syria's population is made up of Sunni Muslims. Alawite, Ismaili and Twelver Muslims make up a further 13% (including the country's president who is Alawite). Christians comprise about 10% and Druze around 3%. Many of the minorities are concentrated in particular areas, e.g. Christians in Damascus, Aleppo and the North East. 90% of the Alawite live in or around Latakia.

A young and growing population

Descended from the Levantines and closely related to the Lebanese and Palestinians, Syrians are descended primarily from Aramaic-speaking forefathers. The population today stands at just over 20 million but it is still growing. It is also a young population with under 15s comprising more than a third of the total population. Average life expectancy is 71 years and the literacy rate is around 80%.

Arabic is the official language of Syria

Arabic is the official and mostly widely understood language in Syria. Kurdish is widely spoken in the Northeast and Armenian and Turkish are spoken amongst those minorities. French and English are spoken by many educated Syrians and Aramaic is still spoken by some communities such as the Syriac in Maalula.

Delicious and exotic

Syrian food is quite similar to its more famous cousin - Lebanese - and it is every bit as good, if not better. Flatbreads, chickpeas, couscous, herbs, lemon, cheese, curd, nuts, lamb and chicken are common ingredients. Mezze, a selection of hot or cold starters - including hummus, tabbouleh and kibbeh - is a common way to start a meal. Baklava (pistachio pastry) is a delicious sweet and strong black tea is the ubiquitous accompaniment though black coffee is also widely available.