The People

Most Syrians call themselves Arabs. However, they are descendants of many peoples who have lived in or passed through the region. About 10 per cent of the people are members of minority ethnic groups including the Kurds, Armenians, and Circassians. Because of a greater availability of water, most of the people live in the western part of Syria.

Arabic is the official and the most used language. Among the ethnic groups retaining their own languages are Kurds, Armenians, and Circassians. Syriac, a form of Aramaic, survives in some remote areas.

Most Syrians are Muslims of the Sunnite branch. Minority Muslim groups include Shiites, Alawites, Ismailis, and Yezidis. About 10 percent of Syria's people are Christians, most of them affiliated with the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Protestant churches. Among smaller groups are Druses and Jews.

Syria has an overall literacy rate of about 80 per cent, but literacy is lower among women and in rural areas. For children, six years of primary education are compulsory, if available, beginning at age six. Public schools are supplemented by private and religious schools. Secondary education lasts six more years, divided into two three-year cycles. Institutions of higher education include universities at Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Homs, as well as professional and technical institutes, all government-run.

Syria's rich cultural heritage reflects its midpoint location between Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was the site of very early human habitation, and several of its museums specialize in archeology. The National Museum in Damascus has exhibits of the ancient and medieval civilizations of the region. Modern Syrian culture is based on the Islamic faith and Arab tradition.