Syria is located in the Middle East, sharing borders with Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and Israel. The capitol is Damaskus.

Many different languages are spoken in Syria, primarily Arabic but also Kurd, Turkish and others. Islam is the biggest religion, primarily Sunni-Muslims and to some degree Shia-Muslims.

In recent years Syria has been the center of attention in relation to the so-called Arabic Spring as well as the devastating civil war and the rise of IS.

Keynote speakers on Syria take a closer look at the big country, its history, culture, religion, economy and the conflicts that Syria has seen in recent years.