Map Quiz – Syria: Governorates

Syria is divided into 14 governorates, known as 'muhafazat'.

Hasaka, in the northeast, is known for its agricultural production, particularly wheat and cotton. The largest governorate by area is Homs, which stretches from the Lebanese border to the Syrian Desert. The most populous is the Damascus Governorate, which includes the capital city, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Conversely, Quneitra, located in the southwest near the Golan Heights, is the smallest and has been significantly affected by conflict.

Several governorates are home to Syria’s most famous historical and natural landmarks. Aleppo, one of the country’s oldest cities, has a rich trading history along the Silk Road and is known for its medieval citadel. Latakia, on the Mediterranean coast, is famous for its beaches and proximity to the ancient ruins of Ugarit, where one of the world’s earliest alphabets was discovered. In the desert region of Homs Governorate lies Palmyra, an ancient city that was once a major center of trade and culture.

Test your knowledge of Syria’s governorates by identifying them in this free map quiz!

Since the Syrian revolution in 2011, Syria has used two flags. The government led by Bashar al-Assad used a red-white-black tricolor, while opposition groups adopted a green-white-black 'Independence flag' from the First Syrian Republic. This 'Independence flag' features three horizontal stripes of green, white, and black with three red stars in the white stripe. After opposition forces took over Damascus on December 8, 2024, Assad resigned. The 'Independence flag' is now used across Syria and at its embassies worldwide.