President Bashar al-Assad

President: Bashar al-Assad

Bashar replaced his father Hafez al-Assad soon after his death on 10th June 2000. Bashar was catapulted into politics in 1994 by the death in a car crash of his older brother Basil, who was being groomed for the presidency. His modernising credentials have been bolstered by his role in a domestic anti-corruption drive. He studied to become an eye doctor in Damascus and London but joined the military after his brother's death, and was promoted to colonel in 1999.

He is head of the Baath party and the army.

Country Profile: Syria

Once the centre of the Islamic Empire, Syria covers an area that has seen invasions and occupations over the ages by almost all the great powers that have been established in the region, from Romans and Mongols to Crusaders and Turks.

SYRIA FACTS
Population: 17.8 million (UN, 2003)
Capital: Damascus
Major language: Arabic
Major religion:Islam
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 73 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Syrian pound = 100 piastres
Main exports: Oil, gas
Annual average income: US $1,040 (World Bank, 2001)
Internet domain:.sy
International dialling code: +963