As-Suwayda Governorate
As-Suwayda or Al-Suwayda Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة السويداء / ALA-LC: Muḥāfaẓat as-Suwaydā’) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is the southernmost governorate and has an area of 5,550 km² and forms part of the historic Hawran region. Its capital and major city is al-Suwayda.
Al-Suwayda Governorate
مُحافظة السويداء | |
|---|---|
Map of Syria with al-Suwayda Governorate highlighted | |
| Coordinates (Al-Suwayda): 32.8°N 36.8°E | |
| Country | Syria |
| Capital | Al-Suwayda |
| Manatiq (Districts) | 3 |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Bassam Mamdouh Parsik |
| 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 |
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 of As-Suwayda inhabitants work in agriculture, planting grapes, apple, olive, and wheat in general. In addition, there are four clearly demarcated seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall) which gives As-Suwayda nice weather and beautiful natural sites. As-Suwayda contains many archaeological sites.