Data code: SY
Type of government: republic under military regime since March 1963
Capital: Damascus
Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular -
muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As
Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib,
Rif Dimashq, Tartus
Independence: 17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under
French administration)
National holiday: National Day, 17 April (1946)
Constitution: 13 March 1973
Legal system: based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971; see
note) was reelected for a seven-year term by universal suffrage;
election last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held NA December
1998); results - President Hafiz al-ASAD was reelected for a fourth
seven-year term with 99.98% of the vote; note - President ASAD
seized power in the November 1970 coup, assumed presidential powers
22 February 1971, and was confirmed as president in the 12 March
1971 national elections; Vice Presidents 'Abd al-Halim ibn Said
KHADDAM (since NA), Rifaat al-ASAD (since NA), and Muhammad Zuhayr
MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984) were appointed by the president
head of government: Prime Minister Mahmud ZUBI (since 1 November
1987), Deputy Prime Ministers Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11 March
1984), Salim YASIN (since NA December 1981), and Rashid AKHTARINI
(since 4 July 1992) were appointed by the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president