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Syria: Government

Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, the information on these pages may not reflect current conditions in the country.

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Bashar al-Asad
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Hussein Arnous

Overview

Government Name:
Syrian Arab Republic
Constitution:
Adopted: 1973; Delineates the basic functions of the state's government and its structure. It also defines Syria to be Arab, democratic, and republican. Other topics covered include rights, freedoms, and rule of the law.
Government Type:
Republic under Authoritarian Presidential Rule
Syrian Arab Republic Flag
Coat of Arms of Syrian Arab Republic

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2012)

Country Risk Rating

E
The highest-risk political and economic situation and the most difficult business environment. Corporate default is likely. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Head of state and chief executive officer of the government as well as commander in chief of the armed forces.

President is elected by popular vote and prime minister is appointed by the President.

7 years
Judicial

Adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on the constitutionality of laws and decrees.

Nominated by president, appointed by Supreme Judicial Council.

4 years
Legislative

Nomination of a presidential candidate, enactment of laws, discussion of government policy, approval of general budget and development plans, and ratification of treaties.

People's Council (Majlis al-Shaab) members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system.

4 years

Regional Trade Blocs
Arab League

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/