Syria
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 26
Currency
💱 Syrian pound
Languages
🗣️ Arabic
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Syrian Arab Republic
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Syrian
Independence
April 17, 1946 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.sy
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+963
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Damascus
ISO Alpha-2
SY
ISO Alpha-3
SYR
UN Code
760
Geographic Coordinates
35,38
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
185,180#89 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
26,472,497#56 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
128.49
Highest Point (m)
Mount Hermon, 2,814 m
Lowest Point (m)
Sea of Galilee, -213 m
Land Use
Approximately 44% arable land; 11% permanent crops.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 13,000 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
193 km
Climate
Primarily arid and semiarid with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Natural Resources
Petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, salt, marble, gypsum.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey
Major Rivers
Euphrates River
Major Lakes
Lake Assad
Government Type
Semi-presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
14 governorates (muhafazat)
Legal System
Based on civil law system with influences of Ottoman law and Islamic law.
Chief of State
President Bashar al-Assad
Head of Government
Prime Minister Hussein Arnous
Cabinet
The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President.
Elections
Presidential elections are held; the most recent was in 2021.
Judicial Branch
The judicial system includes courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and a Supreme Constitutional Court.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Sha'ab)
Major Political Parties
Ba'ath Party, Syrian Social Nationalist Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Syrian pound
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
23.74#126 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
110.18#100 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
1,056.78#195 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
42.85
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
11.94
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
44.72
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
13.42#18 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,764,801
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
13.57#18 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt levels are difficult to ascertain and subject to significant fluctuation due to the ongoing conflict.
Budget
Information regarding the national budget is limited due to the ongoing conflict and economic instability.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
1.61#160 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2022)Checked September 29, 2026
6.8#132 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are difficult to ascertain due to ongoing conflict and economic instability.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange information may be difficult to obtain and volatile due to ongoing conflict.
GDP by Sector
Information on GDP by sector is limited due to the ongoing conflict. Available estimates show a significant decline in all sectors.
Major Industries
Major industries include oil, textiles, food processing, and tourism, although these have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners are difficult to determine due to trade disruptions from the conflict.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners are difficult to determine due to trade disruptions from the conflict.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
94.42#82 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.9
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is significantly negative due to the ongoing conflict and displacement of the population.
Median Age
Median age data is difficult to ascertain with certainty, and estimates vary considerably.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
72.08#81 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization rates are subject to significant fluctuation due to population displacement caused by the ongoing conflict.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
72.6#128 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are relatively low, though data may be affected by the conflict.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.71
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups include Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, and others.
Religions
Religions include Sunni Islam, Christianity, and others.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic
Education
Education System
The education system is primarily state-run, with free and compulsory primary and secondary education. It has faced significant challenges due to conflict.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2013)Checked September 29, 2026
9.2
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education has been impacted by the ongoing conflict; pre-conflict spending was around 3-4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Damascus and the University of Aleppo.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Syria boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations. It is known for its historical sites, traditional music, and diverse cuisine; however, the ongoing conflict has significantly impacted cultural preservation.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- عيد رأس السنة الميلادية (2026-01-01)
- عيد الثورة السورية (2026-03-18)
- عيد النوروز (2026-03-21)
- عيد الأم (2026-03-21)
- عيد الفصح غريغوري (2026-04-05)
- عيد الفصح اليوليوسي (2026-04-12)
- عيد الجلاء (2026-04-17)
- عيد العمال (2026-05-01)
- يوم التحرير (2026-12-08)
- عيد الميلاد المجيد (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Arabic music, with influences from various regional styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include dishes such as hummus, falafel, shawarma, and various kebabs.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.
Major Festivals
Major festivals are impacted by the current situation. Pre-conflict, festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha were widely celebrated.
Famous People
Famous Syrians include artists, writers, and political figures, such as singer Asala Nasri and writer Nizar Qabbani.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Syria is known for its many archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, and the Old City of Damascus.
UNESCO Sites
Syria has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, though many have been damaged by the ongoing conflict.
Annual Tourist Visits
Extremely low, tourism has essentially collapsed due to conflict.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is severely limited due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns.
Top Tourist Attractions
Historical sites like Palmyra and Damascus' Old City; access highly restricted.
Famous Cities
Damascus, Aleppo (severely damaged), Homs, Latakia.
National Parks
Information unavailable due to conflict.
Protected Areas
Information unavailable due to conflict.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements are complex and depend on nationality and current security conditions; travel is strongly discouraged.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Extremely high risk; advise against all travel due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary significantly, with accessibility and affordability heavily affected by the ongoing conflict.
Number of Hospitals
The number of operational hospitals has been significantly reduced due to the ongoing conflict.
Universal Healthcare
Access to healthcare is limited, and the system has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services have been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict, with many hospitals and clinics damaged or destroyed.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is severely limited due to the ongoing conflict.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 112.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances is 110.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 113.
Crime Rate
Crime rate data is difficult to accurately assess due to the ongoing conflict. Pre-conflict, crime rates were moderate.
Safety Index
The safety index is low due to the ongoing conflict and security situation.
Military Expenditure
Military expenditure data is difficult to obtain accurately due to the conflict, but is a significant portion of the state's budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but their capacity and effectiveness are limited by the ongoing conflict.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The military branches include the Syrian Arab Army, the Syrian Arab Air Force, and the Syrian Arab Navy.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is available in many areas, but supply can be unreliable due to conflict and infrastructure damage.
Water Access
Access to clean water is a major concern, particularly in conflict zones.
Sanitation Access
Access to sanitation is variable and often compromised in areas affected by conflict.
Railways
The railway system exists, but service is often limited due to conflict.
Roadways
The roadway network exists, though road conditions and safety are affected by the conflict.
Transportation System
The transportation system has been severely impacted by the conflict, and infrastructure is often damaged.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Aleppo International Airport (ALP), Damascus International Airport (DAM), Deir ez-Zor Airport (DEZ), Latakia International Airport (LTK), Palmyra Airport (PMS), Qamishli International Airport (KAC)
Ports
Syria has ports on the Mediterranean Sea, including Latakia and Tartus.
Public Transit
Public transit options, such as buses, exist but face challenges due to the security situation.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
33.77#177 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable due to conflict.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity due to ongoing conflict and instability.
Innovation Index
Syria's innovation index is likely very low due to conflict and economic challenges.
ICT Development Index
ICT development is severely hampered by conflict and infrastructure damage.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited and government-controlled TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited and government-controlled radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.27#133 of 202
Air Quality Index
Air quality is a significant concern, with high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants, particularly in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is high, stemming from industrial discharge, sewage, and agricultural runoff, impacting water resources.
Renewable Energy Usage
Renewable energy usage is limited, with a reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
Environmental Issues
Major environmental issues include air and water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification.
Natural Hazards
Prone to droughts, dust storms, earthquakes, and flash floods.
Waste Management
Waste management is poor, with inadequate infrastructure and widespread illegal dumping contributing to pollution.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements, but implementation may be affected by conflict.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic missions exist, but their functionality may be affected by conflict and instability.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Arab League
Major Treaties
Information on major treaties is limited due to the current situation.
Visa-Free Countries
Information on visa-free countries varies depending on the passport and current circumstances.