#57 in world Asia UN member

Syria

Damascus Asia Western Asia

Syria is a Western Asian nation located along the eastern Mediterranean with a total land area of 185180 km² (71500 sq mi). Current estimates place the population at approximately 26.9 million people, with a GDP per capita of approximately 1,083 USD.

Where is Syria?

Syria

Continent
Asia
Country
Syria
Coordinates
35.00°, 38.00°

Population Details

Population
27M
Area
185,180 km²
Density per km²
145 / km²
Growth rate
+4.47%
Annual growth
+1.2M people
Daily growth
+3.3K people
World population share
0.33%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 4.7M Latest 27M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Syria

Age Distribution

0-14 years 7.9M
15-64 years 18M
65+ years 1.3M

Urbanization

72.1% Urban
19M
Urban 19M
Rural 7.5M

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth -2%
72.6 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate +15%
2.70 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -5%
17.7 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +14%
94.4 % of adults
World avg: 82.8 % of adults
Internet Users -41%
34.7 % of population
World avg: 59.2 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Damascus
Region
Asia
Area
185,180 km²
Languages
Arabic
Currency
Syrian pound (£)
Timezones
UTC+02:00
UN Member
Yes

Neighboring Countries

Economy

The Syrian economy is characterized by its reliance on agriculture, services, and petroleum resources, though growth remains modest with an annual GDP growth rate of 0.73%. Recent data shows an unemployment rate of approximately 13.6%, which ranks 20 of 186 globally when sorted from highest to lowest. In terms of overall economic output, the nation's GDP ranks 123 of 212 globally and 37 of 48 in the Asian region. However, the GDP per capita rank is significantly lower, standing at 192 of 212 globally and 16 of 17 within the Western Asia subregion.

Society

Syria maintains a high adult literacy rate of 94.4%, ranking 82 of 170 globally, which reflects a strong historical emphasis on education. Life expectancy at birth is currently 72.6 years, placing the country at a global rank of 128 of 215. While urban development is significant with 72.1% of people living in cities, digital infrastructure remains a challenge; only 34.7% of the population are internet users, ranking 178 of 212 globally for connectivity.

Climate & Environment

The country experiences a Mediterranean climate along its 193 km (120 mi) coastline, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Further inland, the landscape transitions into a semi-arid plateau and the Syrian Desert, where temperatures can reach extremes and annual rainfall is minimal. The terrain rises to a peak of 2814 m (9232 ft) at Mount Hermon, while the lowest point near Lake Tiberias sits at -200 m (-656 ft).

Government & Politics

Government Type
Presidential republic; highly authoritarian regime
Independence
1946-04-17 (France)

Syria is a presidential republic governed by a highly authoritarian regime. The political system is dominated by the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which has maintained a leading role in the state since the early 1960s. Power is heavily centralized in the presidency, which holds extensive executive authority, including the power to appoint the Council of Ministers and issue legislative decrees. The legislative branch, known as the People's Council, consists of 250 members elected to four-year terms, though it remains largely subordinate to the executive branch. Historically, the leadership has been drawn from the Alawite community, which constitutes approximately 15 percent of the population. The government maintains strict control over political expression and assembly. While the constitution provides for a multi-party system, the political landscape is tightly managed to ensure the continuity of the current administration. Judicial independence is limited, and the legal system is influenced by a combination of civil law, Islamic law, and executive oversight.

History

Syria is home to some of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, including its capital, Damascus, and Aleppo. For centuries, the region was a crossroads for empires, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Romans, and Byzantines, before becoming the heart of the Umayyad Caliphate. Following four centuries of Ottoman rule, Syria came under a French Mandate after World War I. The nation achieved independence on 17 April 1946, a date celebrated as Evacuation Day. The post-independence era was marked by political instability and a series of military coups. In 1958, Syria briefly merged with Egypt to form the United Arab Republic, though the union dissolved in 1961. The Ba'ath Party seized power in 1963, and Hafez al-Assad took control in 1970, initiating a period of long-term stability under a centralized security state. After his death in 2000, his son Bashar al-Assad assumed the presidency. The early 21st century saw periods of attempted economic reform, but social and political tensions eventually led to widespread civil conflict. This modern era has been defined by massive internal displacement and a significant impact on the nation's infrastructure, with the estimated 2026 population reaching approximately 27 million people.

Notable Facts

  • Damascus is widely recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with archaeological evidence suggesting a human presence for several millennia.
  • The nation's highest point is Mount Hermon, or Jabal ash Shaykh, which reaches an elevation of 2814 m (9232 ft) on the border with Lebanon.
  • Syria maintains a high literacy rate of approximately 94.4 percent, reflecting a long-standing emphasis on education despite recent socio-economic challenges.
  • The country possesses significant natural resources, particularly petroleum and phosphates, along with ores like chrome, manganese, and iron.
  • Syria's religious landscape is diverse; while 87 percent of the population is Muslim, there is a significant Christian minority representing 10 percent of the people.

Geography

Highest Point
Mount Hermon (Jabal ash Shaykh) (2,814 m)
Lowest Point
Unnamed location near Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) (-200 m)
Coastline
193 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Syria

Monthly averages for Damascus

January
Fair
Temp
14°C / 5°C
Feels Like
11°C / 2°C
Rain
7days (37 mm) Good
Sun
8.6h Good
Humidity
71% Muggy
Snow Days
2days
February
Fair
Temp
14°C / 5°C
Feels Like
12°C / 2°C
Rain
6days (31 mm) Good
Sun
9.5h Good
Humidity
68% Muggy
Snow Days
3days
March
Good
Temp
18°C / 8°C
Feels Like
16°C / 5°C
Rain
7days (33 mm) Good
Sun
10.6h Excellent
Humidity
60% Moderate
Snow Days
1days
April best
Excellent
Temp
25°C / 12°C
Feels Like
23°C / 10°C
Rain
4days (12 mm) Good
Sun
12.2h Excellent
Humidity
47% Moderate
May best
Excellent
Temp
30°C / 15°C
Feels Like
28°C / 13°C
Rain
2days (6 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
40% Comfortable
June best
Excellent
Temp
34°C / 19°C
Feels Like
34°C / 18°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.3h Excellent
Humidity
38% Comfortable
July
Good
Temp
37°C / 21°C
Feels Like
38°C / 21°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.3h Excellent
Humidity
39% Comfortable
August
Good
Temp
37°C / 21°C
Feels Like
38°C / 22°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
42% Moderate
September
Excellent
Temp
34°C / 19°C
Feels Like
34°C / 19°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
44% Moderate
October best
Excellent
Temp
29°C / 15°C
Feels Like
27°C / 14°C
Rain
0days (2 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.7h Excellent
Humidity
46% Moderate
November
Good
Temp
21°C / 11°C
Feels Like
19°C / 9°C
Rain
5days (23 mm) Good
Sun
9.3h Good
Humidity
60% Moderate
December
Good
Temp
16°C / 7°C
Feels Like
13°C / 5°C
Rain
5days (22 mm) Good
Sun
8.1h Good
Humidity
70% Muggy
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 14°C / 5°C 11°C / 2°C 7days (37 mm) Good 8.6h Good 71% Muggy Fair View Details
February 14°C / 5°C 12°C / 2°C 6days (31 mm) Good 9.5h Good 68% Muggy Fair View Details
March 18°C / 8°C 16°C / 5°C 7days (33 mm) Good 10.6h Excellent 60% Moderate Good View Details
April best 25°C / 12°C 23°C / 10°C 4days (12 mm) Good 12.2h Excellent 47% Moderate Excellent View Details
May best 30°C / 15°C 28°C / 13°C 2days (6 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 40% Comfortable Excellent View Details
June best 34°C / 19°C 34°C / 18°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 13.3h Excellent 38% Comfortable Excellent View Details
July 37°C / 21°C 38°C / 21°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 13.3h Excellent 39% Comfortable Good View Details
August 37°C / 21°C 38°C / 22°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 42% Moderate Good View Details
September 34°C / 19°C 34°C / 19°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 11.7h Excellent 44% Moderate Excellent View Details
October best 29°C / 15°C 27°C / 14°C 0days (2 mm) Excellent 10.7h Excellent 46% Moderate Excellent View Details
November 21°C / 11°C 19°C / 9°C 5days (23 mm) Good 9.3h Good 60% Moderate Good View Details
December 16°C / 7°C 13°C / 5°C 5days (22 mm) Good 8.1h Good 70% Muggy Good View Details

Temperature

48°C 42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 14°C / 5°C . Feb: 14°C / 5°C . Mar: 18°C / 8°C . Apr: 25°C / 12°C . May: 30°C / 15°C . Jun: 34°C / 19°C . Jul: 37°C / 21°C . Aug: 37°C / 21°C . Sep: 34°C / 19°C . Oct: 29°C / 15°C . Nov: 21°C / 11°C . Dec: 16°C / 7°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 8 mm 16 mm 24 mm 32 mm 40 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 37 mm. Feb: 31 mm. Mar: 33 mm. Apr: 12 mm. May: 6 mm. Jun: 1 mm. Jul: 1 mm. Aug: 1 mm. Sep: 0 mm. Oct: 2 mm. Nov: 23 mm. Dec: 22 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Syria is approximately 27M (2024).

The capital of Syria is Damascus.

Syria's GDP per capita is $1.1K (2022).

Life expectancy in Syria is 72.56 years (2024).

Syria covers 185,180 km² (71,498 sq mi).

Syria has a moderate population density of 145 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Syria's population is growing rapidly at 4.5% per year — among the fastest in the world.

Based on GDP per capita, Syria falls in the low GDP-per-person tier at $1.1K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Syria reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

The official language of Syria is Arabic.

Syria uses the Syrian pound (£) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Syria are April, May, June, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show the population of Syria is approximately 26.9 million people. This represents a significant annual growth rate of approximately 4.5% based on recent data. Globally, the nation's population size ranks 57 of 215, making it the 5th largest country in the Western Asia subregion.

The latest available data indicates that the GDP per capita in Syria is approximately 1,083 USD. This figure ranks the nation 192 of 212 globally and 46 of 48 in the Asian region. The economy has seen an annual GDP growth rate of approximately 0.73% according to recent estimates.

The current life expectancy at birth in Syria is estimated at 72.6 years. This figure places the country at a global rank of 128 of 215. Despite regional challenges, this reflects a relatively stable health profile compared to other nations with similar economic output levels.

Syria has a high adult literacy rate of approximately 94.4%, according to the latest available data. This achievement ranks the country 82 of 170 globally. The high literacy level is a result of long-standing educational policies, even as the nation faces ongoing structural and economic difficulties.

The unemployment rate in Syria is currently estimated at approximately 13.6%. According to recent data, this places the nation 20 of 186 globally when ranked by the highest unemployment levels. Labor participation is primarily concentrated in the services and agriculture sectors, alongside significant government employment.

Approximately 34.7% of the Syrian population are internet users, based on recent data. This connectivity level ranks the country 178 of 212 globally. While digital access has grown over the last decade, it remains lower than many of its neighbors in the Western Asia subregion.

Syria currently ranks 57th in the world out of 215 countries and territories according to the latest data. Regionally, it is ranked 22nd in Asia and 5th within the Western Asia subregion. These rankings place Syria as a significant demographic entity in the Levant, situated between Turkey and Iraq in size.

The current estimated population density of Syria is 146.5 people per km² (379.4 per sq mi). This is a notable increase from the latest official data of 128.5 people per km² recorded in 2023. The highest densities are found in urban centers and the fertile lands in the western part of the country.

Syria's population is currently growing at a high annual rate of 4.5%. This growth is driven by a crude birth rate of 23.2 per 1,000 people which significantly exceeds the crude death rate of 4.9 per 1,000. This trend marks a transition from previous years characterized by conflict-related population shifts and decline.

The current fertility rate in Syria is 2.7 births per woman, ranking the country 66th worldwide. This rate is above the global replacement level of 2.1, ensuring continued natural population growth. Large family sizes remain common, particularly as the nation undergoes a period of demographic recovery and societal stabilization.

Approximately 72.1% of the Syrian population lives in urban areas, according to recent data. This high level of urbanization, which ranks 81st globally, highlights the importance of major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. Most citizens are concentrated in these developed metropolitan hubs rather than in the rural eastern desert regions.

All Indicators

Explore Syria's data across 50+ indicators

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