Syria, Middle East
Population: 19,314,747
Christians: 16% (various denominations)
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 41st
Political Leader: President Bashar al-Asad
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Syria is a diverse nation of 18 million people, two million of which are Christians. President Assad and his Arab Socialist Baath Party are implementing a slow but steady process of economic reform and modernization. They renewed their commitment to this during a party congress in June of 2005. The government is deeply concerned about inter-ethnic tensions which resulted in violent clashes between the Kurds and the rest of the population in 2004. Syria is religiously tolerant, and the Christian churches, although monitored by authorities, operate freely within their own buildings and communities. Meetings other than advertised worship services require prior approval.
