As-Suwayda Governorate

As-Suwayda Governorate
مُحافظة السويداء
Governorate

Map of Syria with As-Suwayda highlighted
Coordinates (As-Suwayda): 32°48′N 36°48′E / 32.8°N 36.8°ECoordinates: 32°48′N 36°48′E / 32.8°N 36.8°E
Country  Syria
Capital As-Suwayda
Manatiq (Districts) 3
Area
 • Total 5,550 km2 (2,140 sq mi)
Population (2011)
 • Total 770,000
 • Density 140/km2 (360/sq mi)
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 • Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
ISO 3166 code SY-SU
Main language(s) Arabic

As-Suwayda Governorate (Arabic: السويداء‎ / ALA-LC: Muḥāfaẓat as-Suwaydā’) is the southernmost of Syria's 14 governorates. It has an area of 5,550 km² and forms part of the historic Hawran region. Its capital and major city is as-Suwayda.

Geographically the governorate comprises almost all of Jabal al-Druze, the eastern part of Lejah, and a part of the arid eastern steppe of Harrat Ash Shamah.

Demographics and population

The governorate has a population of about 770,000 inhabitants (est. 2011).[1] It is the only governorate in Syria that has a Druze majority.[2] There is also a sizable Eastern Orthodox minority, and a small Muslim refugee community from mainly Daraa Governorate as well as other parts of Syria.[3]

Most of the inhabitants live in the western parts of the governorate, especially on the western slopes of Jabal ad-Duruz. While only nomadic druze Bedouin tribes live in the barren region of Harrat Ash Shamah.

Divisions

The governorate is divided into 3 districts (manatiq):

These are further divided into 9 sub-districts (nawahi).

Cities, towns and villages

The governorate contains 3 cities, 124 villages, and 36 hamlets.[1]

Cities

Villages (Alphabetical Order)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Statistics from http://www.cbssyr.org/aindex.htm
  2. ↑ Country Data Page on Syria
  3. ↑ Shahba Provides Refuge for Displaced Syrians
 Rif Dimashq Governorate
Daraa Governorate
  As-Suwayda Governorate  
JordanMafraq Governorate