Roughly twice the size of Portugal

Syria covers over 185,000 sq kms, making it roughly twice the size of Portugal. Standing on the frontiers of three continents, Syria is divided between the following geographical regions - the Mediterranean coastal plain, the Jabal an-Nusayriyah mountain range that runs parallel to the coast and the Eastern plateau, a predominantly barren region. Deforestation, desertification and a lack of potable water are constant environmental threats in Syria.

Mediterranean and desert species

Syria is home to bears, antelopes, and deer but more commonly found are squirrel, wildcat, otter, jackals and hare. In the desert, the viper, lizard, and chameleon are found in relatively large numbers. Camels are kept by Bedouin herders and can be seen throughout Syria. Birds include flamingo, hawk, pelican, various ducks, snipe, and other game birds. Mediterranean flora dominates the coast and occasionally alpine flora on the mountains. Oak, eucalyptus, tamarind, chestnut, pine, the Aleppo cypress, olive, fig, orange, pistachio, almond, apricot and pomegranate trees can also be found.

From desert to Mediterranean climates

The climate in Syria varies considerably according to region. The 60% of Syria's total land mass that lies east of Damascus and Aleppo is desert and experiences a dry hot climate, with occasional, sometimes heavy rain (though annual rainfall is less than 200mm). Winters can be very cold here. To the north and west, the "fertile crescent" has rainfall of between 200 and 500mm and a more temperate climate. Coastal regions are more temperate again with a typical Mediterranean climate whereas Syria's mountains regularly see snow in the winter.