_#_Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular—muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda, Dara, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, Tartus
_#_Independence: 17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration); formerly United Arab Republic
_#_Constitution: 13 March 1973
_#_Legal system: based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
_#_National holiday: National Day, 17 April (1946)
_#_Executive branch: president, three vice presidents, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
_#_Legislative branch: unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Chaab)
_#_Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Court of Cassation, State Security Courts
_#_Leaders:
Chief of State—President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971); Vice Presidents Abd al-Halim KHADDAM, Rifat al-ASAD, and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984);