Some of the world’s most ancient civilizations come from the Middle East, where Syria is located.  The world’s earliest farmers started growing food there. One of the earliest forms of writing comes from the area.  The country that’s now called Syria has had many names in the past. And its frontiers have changed a lot. Today in Syria, 90% of its population speaks Arabic.

Civil war broke out in 2011. A war that has destroyed many of Syria’s cities. Tia, like 11 million other Syrians, got pushed out of her home by the war. That’s half the country’s population. Many live in refugee camps. Others, like Tia and her family, sought refuge in countries like Canada.