Syria has officially joined the BIE, bringing the members of the World Expos organization to 101.

A country at the forefront of water issues, Syria will be an important contributor to the BIE and the next Zaragoza 2008 Expo on“Water and Sustainable Development.”

Full name: The Syrian Arab Republic

Population: 18 million (via UN, 2006)

Capital: Damascus Area: 185,180 sq km (71,498 sq miles)

Major language: Arabic Major religion: Islam Main exports: Oil, gas