Suwayda Governorate
Al-Suwayda Governorate
مُحافظة السويداء | |
|---|---|
Map of Syria with al-Suwayda Governorate highlighted | |
| Coordinates (Al-Suwayda): 32°48′N 36°48′E / 32.8°N 36.8°E | |
| Country | Syria |
| Control | Suwayda Military Council Al-Jabal Brigade Sheikh al-Karama Forces Men of Dignity |
| Capital | Al-Suwayda |
| Manatiq (Districts) | 3 |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Mustafa al-Bakour |
| Area | |
• Total | 5,550 km2 (2,140 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 375,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| ISO 3166 code | SY-SU |
| Main language(s) | Arabic |
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As-Suwayda or Al-Suwayda Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة السويداء, romanized: Muḥāfaẓat as-Suwaydā’) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is the southernmost governorate, covering an area of 5,550 km², and is part of the historic Hawran region. The capital and largest city of the governorate is al-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 al-Shamah.
Most inhabitants of As-Suwayda are employed in agriculture, cultivating crops such as grapes, apples, olives, and wheat. Additionally, As-Suwayda is home to numerous archaeological sites.
This governorate is unique in Syria as it has a Druze majority. Additionally, it has integrated Christian communities that have long coexisted harmoniously with the Druze in these mountains.