Baniyas, Syria

Living in Baniyas, Syria is a harsh reality check. With a population of just 43,151, this coastal city is known for its citrus orchards and oil refinery - but also its history of violence. During the civil war, regime forces perpetrated massacres that killed hundreds of Sunni residents, causing many to flee. And in 2025, over 1,000 more people died in clashes between rival militias.

The climate is hot and humid, with over 33 inches of rain annually. And bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city's bishopric was once a suffragan of Apamea, before gaining status as an exempt see under the Patriarch of Antioch.

Baniyas is not for the faint of heart. The ongoing instability and violence make it a risky proposition for all but the most resilient and cynical expats.