Damascus serves as the capital and largest city of Syria, functioning as a major cultural center for the Levant and the Arab world. Situated in southwestern Syria, it lies on a plateau 680 meters above sea level, nestled among the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. The city is located approximately 80 kilometers inland from the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.

Recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus was first settled in the third millennium BC and chosen as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. It holds significant religious importance in Islam and is sometimes considered the fourth-holiest city. The city regained prominence during the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods after a decline during the Abbasid era.

The old city, enclosed by walls on the south bank of the Barada River, features narrow alleys and medieval architecture. Notable landmarks include the Umayyad Mosque, which houses the relics of John the Baptist, and the Street Called Straight associated with the Apostle Paul. The metropolitan area includes suburbs like Midan and Sarouja, while modern districts such as Marota City were developed for post-war reconstruction.

Colloquially known in Syria as aš-Šām and poetically dubbed the City of Jasmine, Damascus is a hub for Islamic and Arabic culture. It has historically been a major tourist destination and a terminus of the Silk Road. The city's name etymologically influenced the English word damask, derived from the patterned silks available through its markets.

The population was recorded at 2,685,360 as of 2024. Damascus experiences a cool arid climate with prolonged hot summers and cool, somewhat rainy winters, receiving around 130 mm of annual rainfall. While the Syrian civil war severely disrupted services, the situation has improved following political changes in late 2024, with flights resuming from regional hubs like Istanbul and Dubai.