Hama Governorate Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Hama مُحافظة حماة
Governorate
Map of Syria with Hama highlighted
Country	Syria
Capital	Hama
Manatiq (Districts)	5
Area
• Total	8,883 km² (3,430 sq mi)
	Estimates range between 8,844 km² and 8,883 km²
Population (2011)
• Total	1,628,000
• Density	183.27/km² (474.67/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
ISO 3166 code	SY-HM
Main language(s)	Arabic

Hama Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة حماة Muḥāfaẓat Ḥamā) is one of the fourteen governorates of Syria. A governorate is like a large region or province within a country. Its capital city is Hama. This area is known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

What is Hama Governorate?
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What is Hama Governorate?

Hama Governorate is an important part of Syria. It is located in the central-western part of the country. The governorate is named after its capital city, Hama. This city is one of the oldest in the world. It has been lived in for thousands of years.

Where is Hama Governorate?

Hama Governorate is in the middle of Syria. It shares borders with several other governorates. These include Idlib Governorate to the north and Homs Governorate to the south. To the west, it meets Tartus Governorate and Latakia Governorate. To the east, it borders Raqqa Governorate and Aleppo Governorate. This central location makes it a key region in Syria.

How Big is Hama?

The total area of Hama Governorate is about 8,883 square kilometers. To give you an idea, this is roughly the size of a small country. For example, it's a bit larger than the country of Cyprus. This large area includes different types of land. You can find plains, mountains, and rivers here.

Who Lives in Hama?

As of 2011, about 1.6 million people lived in Hama Governorate. Most people in Hama speak Arabic. Arabic is the main language across Syria. The people here come from different backgrounds. They contribute to the rich culture of the region.

Important Places in Hama

Hama Governorate has many interesting places. These include ancient castles and historic towns.

Hama City

The city of Hama is the capital. It is famous for its large wooden waterwheels called norias. These norias were used to lift water from the Orontes River. They watered fields and gardens. They are a symbol of the city.

Historic Castles

The governorate is home to several old castles. These castles tell stories of past times.

Abu Qubays Castle: This ancient castle stands on a hill. It offers amazing views of the surrounding area. It was once a strong fortress.
Shayzar Castle: Located near the Orontes River, Shayzar Castle is another historic site. It has a long history of battles and rulers.

Other Towns and Sites

Salamiyyah: This city is known for its historic buildings. It has a unique cultural heritage.
Mahardah: Near Mahardah, you can find an ancient Roman bridge. This bridge shows the long history of the region. It was built by the Romans many centuries ago.

These places show the deep history of Hama Governorate. They are important for understanding Syria's past.