Alawia
Republic of Alawia | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Capital and largest city | Latakia |
| Official languages | Arabic |
| Recognised national languages | French, Armenian, Turkish |
| Recognised regional languages | Circassian, Ifranj |
| Demonym(s) | Alawite, Alawian |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic |
| Legislature | Knesset |
| Independence from France | |
• Declaration | 14 May 1948 |
• WA | 11 May 1949 |
Alawia (Arabic: العلوية, French: Alaouie, Armenian: Ալավերդիա, Alavertia), officially known as the Republic of Alawia (Arabic: جمهورية العلوية, French: République de Alaouie, Turkish: Alevi Cumhuriyeti, Armenian: Ալավիայի Հանրապետություն, Alaviayi Hanrabedutʿyun), is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Lebanon to the south, while Cyprus lies just west of it across the Mediterranean Sea. Alawia’s location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin, the Arabian hinterland, and the Anatolian plains has contributed to its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of surrounding the Alawite sect of Shia Islam. with a population of some 3 million, and is one of the smallest countries in Asia. Alawites form the vast majority of the country's population, while Arabic is the official language, and spoken Alawite Arabic is used alongside Modern Standard Arabic in daily life, alongside French, Turkish, and Armenian.