Syria
Syria, a republic formed from France's League of Nations mandate, gained independence in 1946. Baathist rule from 1963 and Hafez al-Assad's consolidation of power (1970-2000) defined its modern history. The 2011 Arab Spring uprising spiralled into a devastating civil war that killed over 500,000 people and displaced half the population, drawing in Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States.
- Existed: 1946 CE – present
- Type: Entity
- Government: Ba'athist Republic
- Capital: Damascus