Syria

France first gained control of Syria in 1920. In September of 1936, Syria actually negotiated a treaty of independence with France. However because the French Legislature refused to ratify the document, the treaty never came into existence. Nevertheless, with the fall of France in World War II during 1940, Syria became under Vichy government control until the British and Free French began to occupy the country in July of 1941. At this time Syria proclaimed its independence, but it wasn't until January 1, 1944 that it was recognized as an independent country.

STATS: Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 70.9 years
male: 69.53 years
female: 72.35 years (2008 est.)

Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 79.6%
male: 86%
female: 73.6% (2004 census)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$4,300 (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:
10% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:
11.9% (2006 est.)

Continued European Influence
1) Language- French and English are still somewhat understood
2) Legal System- based on a combination of French and Ottoman civil law
3) Religion- Christianity is still existent in throughout the country

http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_syria.html