Politics, Economy and State Structure in Syria

Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic gained independence from France in April 1946. Officially a Republic, Syria has been governed since 1963 by the Baath Party. Syria's current president is Bashar al-Assad, son of Hafez al-Assad, who held office from 1970 until his death in 2000. Syria's constitution was adopted on 13 March 1971. It vests the Baath Party with leadership functions in the state and society. The president is approved by referendum for a 7-year term. The president also serves as Secretary General of the Baath Party and leader of the National Progressive Front, which is a coalition of 10 political parties authorized by the government. Syria is a middle-income country, with an economy based on agriculture, oil, industry and tourism.