Damascus, the capital of Syria, is the country's largest city, surpassing Aleppo after significant population shifts due to conflicts. Known locally as aš-Š?m, Damascus is an essential cultural and historical centre of the Levant and the Arab world. In 2024, it holds an estimated population of around 2 million people. Situated in southwestern Syria, Damascus is at the heart of a metropolitan region home to over 3 million residents.

Nestled at the eastern base of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, Damascus lies about 80 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast and sits on a plateau 680 metres above sea level. The city has a semi-arid climate due to the rain shadow effect from the mountains, with the Barada River running through its landscape. Damascus is historically significant for being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its origins tracing back to the second millennium BC.

Where is Damascus Located?
Damascus is positioned in southwestern Syria, on the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. It lies approximately 80 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea and sits at an elevation of 680 metres above sea level, on a plateau that gives the city its unique climate and geographical features.

What Country is Damascus in?
Damascus is in Syria, a country in the Middle East bordered by Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, Israel to the southwest, and Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Damascus is not only the capital but also the political and cultural heart of Syria.

When was Damascus Founded?
Damascus is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. While archaeological evidence suggests settlements in the Barada basin date back to around 9000 BC, records place their urban origins in the second millennium BC. It gained prominence as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750 AD before the Abbasid Caliphate moved the centre of Islamic power to Baghdad.

Damascus Syria Population
As of 2024, the population of Damascus city is estimated at around 2 million. The greater metropolitan area, including suburbs like Douma, Harasta, and Jaramana, comprises over 3 million residents. This number has fluctuated over recent decades due to significant internal migration and the impacts of the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011. Damascus has experienced periods of population decline and demographic shifts due to these conflicts.
 

• Historical Significance: Damascus is often regarded as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
   
• Cultural Heritage: Home to the renowned Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world.
   
• Economy: Known historically for textiles and trade; its name gave rise to "damask," a type of patterned fabric.
   
• Stock Exchange: Damascus hosts Syria's only stock exchange, the Damascus Securities Exchange.
   
• Population: An estimated 2 million as of 2024, with the greater area holding over 3 million residents.
   
• Religion: Predominantly Muslim (mainly Sunni, with Alawite and Shia minorities), with significant Christian communities and smaller numbers of Druze and Jews.

Damascus is managed as a mu??fa?ah (governorate), which is one of the 14 administrative regions in Syria. The President of Syria appoints a governor who oversees the administration of the city. The governor works with a council that includes both elected and appointed members. This council is responsible for managing local affairs and ensuring that services are delivered effectively to the residents of Damascus.

The city is divided into different districts or neighbourhoods called a?y??, each managed by a mayor. The mayors report to the governor and play a key role in handling day-to-day administrative matters within their specific areas. This structure allows for more focused attention on local issues and community needs. The post of governor of Damascus is an important position in Syria, as it often has a direct impact on national politics and policies. This is because Damascus is the political and administrative centre of the country, housing the offices of the central government and most government ministries.

The wider region surrounding the city is known as Rural Damascus (R?f Dimashq), which is a separate governorate. Although it includes suburbs and smaller towns, Damascus city itself serves as its capital. This division helps in better managing the extensive metropolitan area that has grown over time, covering more than just the urban centre.

Rapid population growth over the years has placed pressure on the city’s infrastructure and services. The city draws most of its water from the Barada River, supplemented by smaller springs and other sources. This water supply system is centuries old and has been expanded multiple times to meet the growing needs of the city. However, as the population increased and demand rose, the water table around the city saw a significant drop. To manage the water supply more effectively, authorities have implemented rationing measures and explored options for sourcing water from the Euphrates River and other areas.

Electricity in Damascus is provided locally and also comes from other regions, including power generated at the hydroelectric station at the Euphrates Dam. Although the city’s electricity supply is generally reliable, the ongoing challenges related to the Syrian Civil War have sometimes impacted availability.

The healthcare system in Damascus is better developed compared to other parts of Syria. Approximately half of the country’s doctors work in the capital, offering services in both public hospitals and private clinics. Despite the conflict and economic difficulties in recent years, the healthcare facilities in Damascus have continued to function, providing essential services to the city's residents. The ratio of hospital beds to the population has been improving, but it is still lower than in more developed countries.

The administrative structure of Damascus has adapted to the needs of a growing city, balancing traditional governance with modern-day requirements. However, the ongoing effects of the Syrian Civil War have influenced how the administration operates, making it essential for local and national leaders to focus on rebuilding and improving services for the city’s population. Authorities continue to work on stabilising public services, maintaining order, and planning for future improvements to infrastructure and public utilities to ensure that Damascus can meet the needs of its residents in the years to come.
 

The economy of Damascus has faced many challenges over the past decade, primarily due to the ongoing effects of the Syrian Civil War, international sanctions, and regional instability. Despite these challenges, the city continues to be the political, administrative, and economic hub of Syria.

Government Role
The government is the most significant contributor to Damascus's economy. National administration, politics, and military services are heavily concentrated in the capital. Many of the city’s residents work in government offices, ministries, and public services. The security and defence sectors, including large military establishments and intelligence services, form a critical part of Damascus's economic landscape.

Industry and Manufacturing
Historically known for producing luxurious goods like textiles and brocades, Damascus maintains a variety of industrial activities. The main industries include textile production, food processing, cement manufacturing, and chemical production. These industries are mostly state-run, but in recent years, some private sector initiatives have been allowed to contribute to the economy. The private sector plays a more significant role in smaller, service-oriented businesses. However, industrial output has been affected by damage to infrastructure, limited access to raw materials, and reduced investment due to the war and sanctions.

Trade and Commerce
Damascus has long been an important trading centre. Goods are distributed within Syria and exported to neighbouring countries. However, the scope of trade has shrunk considerably due to border closures, regional instability, and sanctions that restrict international trade. The city continues to hold its annual international trade fair, which helps maintain some level of economic activity and international connections. However, the scale of participation and economic benefits has diminished compared to pre-war levels.

Tourism Potential
Before the conflict, Damascus had a flourishing tourism sector, attracting visitors with its historical sites, such as the Umayyad Mosque and the Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although cultural tourism has potential, safety concerns and political instability have significantly impacted this sector. In recent years, some tourists, particularly from neighbouring countries, have begun to return, but the numbers are still far below those from before the war.

Small Businesses and Artisan Crafts
Local markets and small businesses contribute to the city's economy. Damascus is known for its traditional artisan crafts, such as copper engraving, mother-of-pearl-inlaid woodwork, and handwoven textiles. These crafts not only support local artisans but also attract buyers seeking authentic Syrian goods. However, economic difficulties and reduced tourism have limited their profitability.

Financial Services
The financial sector in Damascus has faced numerous challenges. The Damascus Securities Exchange, Syria’s only stock market, continues to operate but with limited activity. Banks and financial institutions, mostly state-controlled, are hindered by international sanctions that limit access to global financial systems. Efforts to modernise the banking sector and encourage investment have been slow and often disrupted by the ongoing conflict.

Private Sector and Entrepreneurship
The private sector, though limited, includes small businesses and startups. Recent years have seen some innovative entrepreneurship, especially in technology and services, despite the difficulties. Initiatives like small-scale food delivery services, local tech startups, and creative projects aimed at rebuilding the local economy have gained some traction. Entrepreneurs face significant obstacles, such as limited funding, challenging economic conditions, and a reduced customer base due to population shifts.
 

Damascus has an infrastructure system that combines modern elements with older, more traditional facilities. However, years of conflict have taken a toll on the city’s infrastructure, leading to challenges in maintaining and upgrading essential services.

The main airport serving Damascus is Damascus International Airport, situated about 20 kilometres southeast of the city centre. Before the conflict, the airport offered connections to major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Today, international flights are limited, primarily serving regional destinations due to safety concerns and sanctions. The road network within Damascus varies; while some areas have modern roads, others, especially older parts of the city, have narrow streets that are difficult for vehicles to navigate.

Public transportation in Damascus relies heavily on minibuses that operate on numerous routes throughout the city. Although the system is widespread, it lacks official schedules, with buses stopping as needed. The absence of proper bus stops and clear schedules can make public transport less efficient. Plans for a metro system were announced in 2008, with the first line initially expected to open by 2015. However, construction was halted due to the war, and the project has yet to resume. A four-line metro network is envisioned, but its completion is uncertain.

The historical al-Hejaz railway station, once a prominent transport hub, is now mostly inactive. Although some services have shifted to other stations, like the Kadam railway station in the south of the city, overall railway usage has greatly decreased, and infrastructure has suffered due to years of conflict.

Damascus receives its water primarily from the Barada River and nearby springs. The city’s water distribution system has been in place for centuries and has been expanded over time. However, due to increased demand and damage from the conflict, the water supply has become strained. In recent years, efforts to ration water and explore alternative sources, such as water from the Euphrates River, have been considered to address shortages.

Electricity in Damascus is generated locally and supplemented by supplies from the Euphrates Dam’s hydroelectric station. The conflict has disrupted power supply, leading to frequent outages and limited electricity access in some parts of the city. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to stabilise the energy supply and improve the reliability of electricity.