As-Suwayda Governorate

As-Suwayda or Al-Suwayda Governorate (مُحافظة السويداء / ALA-LC: Muḥāfaẓat as-Suwaydā’) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is the southernmost governorate, covering an area of 5,550 km², and is part of the historic Hawran region. The capital and largest city of the governorate is al-Suwayda.

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 inhabitants of As-Suwayda are employed in agriculture, cultivating crops such as grapes, apples, olives, and wheat. The region experiences four distinct seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall) which contribute to its pleasant climate and scenic natural beauty. Additionally, As-Suwayda is home to numerous archaeological sites.

This governorate is unique in Syria as it has a Druze majority. Additionally, it has integrated Christian communities that have long coexisted harmoniously with the Druze in these mountain.

Demographics and population
The governorate has a population of about 375,000 inhabitants (est. 2011). It is the only governorate in Syria that has a Druze majority. There is also a sizable Eastern Orthodox minority, and a small Muslim refugee community from mainly Daraa Governorate as well as other parts of Syria.

In the 1980s Druze made up 87.6% of the population, Christians (mostly Greek Orthodox) 11% and Sunni Muslims 2%. In 2010, the As-Suwayda governorate has a population of about 375,000 inhabitants, Druze made up 90%, Christians 7% and Sunni Muslims 3%. Due to low birth and high emigration rates, Christians proportion in As-Suwayda had declined.

Most of the inhabitants live in the western parts of the governorate, especially on the western slopes of Jabal ad-Duruz. Only nomadic Bedouin tribes live in the barren region of Harrat al-Shamah.

Districts
The governorate is divided into three districts (manatiq). The districts are further divided into 12 sub-districts (nawahi):


 * As-Suwayda District (3 sub-districts)
 * As-Suwayda Subdistrict
 * Al-Mazraa Subdistrict
 * Al-Mushannaf Subdistrict


 * Salkhad District (5 sub-districts)
 * Salkhad Subdistrict
 * Al-Qrayya Subdistrict
 * Al-Ghariyah Subdistrict
 * Thaybin Subdistrict
 * Malah Subdistrict


 * Shahba District (4 sub-districts)
 * Shahba Subdistrict
 * Shaqqa Subdistrict
 * Al-Ariqah Subdistrict
 * Al-Surah al-Saghirah Subdistrict

Cities, towns and villages


The governorate contains 3 cities, 124 towns/villages, and 36 hamlets.

Cities

 * Shahba
 * Al-Suwayda
 * Salkhad

Villages

 * Shaqqa
 * Al-Ajailat
 * Al-Ghariyah
 * Al-Kefr
 * Al-Qurayya
 * Ariqah
 * Ar-Raha
 * Braiki
 * Dair Allaban
 * Dama
 * Hobran
 * Kafr Alluhuf
 * Lahetha
 * Msad
 * Murduk
 * Qanawat
 * Rimet Alluhuf
 * Rimet Hazem
 * Samma Al-baradan
 * Samma Al-hanidat
 * Shaniri
 * Shbeki
 * Walgha