Syria is divided into two geological regions, the western region which is much smaller than the eastern region. There are scattered low-land strips along the Medeterranian Sea. Several mountain areas are scattered across the land. From the mountain regions in the west there forms a Great Rift Valley that stretches down into the African continent. The large eastern region sits on a plateau. Two thirds of Syria's population lives in the larger eastern region of the country. Across the plateau is mainly steppe land.

Syria is a land that has been conquered by many over the centuries and has been in the control of foreign governments for most of its history. There were many massacres of the Syrian people during the time when it was occupied by other countries. Syria's treasures were taken away to the countries that conquered them. During the reign of foreign kings some Syrians were forced to leave their land. Syria was able to survive pretty well when the Persian Empire conquered them. Even Alexander the Great took control over Syria for a while.