Zenobia, Syria

The Syrian Arab Republic (185 000km2), is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest. The population of Syria (21 million) is 74% Sunni Muslim, 16% Alawites, Ismailis & Twelvers, 10% Christian & Druze. Syria attained independence in April 1946, as a parliamentary republic. 2010-Palmyra (Tadmor), Queen of the Syrian desert is one of the world's most splendid historical sites, already mentioned in manuscripts dating back to the second millennium BC. To the west is the river Orontes, to the east the Euphrates. it was an ideal stopover for caravans moving between Iraq and Syria. It becomes like Petra, an Arab principality wedged between the Roman Empire and Persia, two giants in conflict. The ruins, dating to the 2nd century AD cover some 50 hectares. (Photo by Eric-Paul-Pierre PASQUIER/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)