Page "Demographics of Syria" Paragraph 4

Sixty percent of the population live in the province of Aleppo, the Euphrates valley or along the coastal plain ; a fertile strip between the coastal mountains and the desert.

Overall population density is about 118. 3 / km² ( 306. 5 per sq.

mi.

) Education is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 11.

Schooling consists of 6 years of primary education followed by a 3-year general or vocational training period and a 3-year academic or vocational program.

The second 3-year period of academic training is required for university admission.

Total enrollment at post-secondary schools is over 150, 000.

The literacy rate of Syrians aged 15 and older is 86. 0 % for males and 73. 6 % for females.