Country Profile: Syria

Syria, located in the Middle East along the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history influenced by its strategic geographical position between Lebanon and Turkey. The country has a diverse population of approximately 24.3 million, predominantly Arab, alongside smaller ethnic groups such as Alawites and Kurds. Syria's economy, severely impacted by over a decade of civil war, is classified as low-income, with a significant reliance on agriculture, industry, and services for its GDP. The government functions as a transitional presidential republic, currently navigating the complexities of post-conflict governance amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Geography

Syria covers an area of 187,437 square kilometers, characterized by a terrain that includes semiarid plateaus, a narrow coastal plain, and mountains in the west. The country experiences a predominantly desert climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters along the coast. The Euphrates River, the longest in the region, is a major water source.

Area: 187,437 sq km
Land boundaries: 2,363 km with Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey
Highest point: Mount Hermon at 2,814 m
Population density: Significant concentrations in cities like Damascus and Aleppo

People and Society

Syria's estimated population is about 24.3 million, with a notable urban population of 57.4%. The majority of the population identifies as Muslim, alongside a significant Christian minority. The country is home to various ethnicities, including Arabs (50%), Alawites (15%), and Kurds (10%).

Literacy rate: 94.4% (2021)
Life expectancy: 74.8 years (2024 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.63% (2025 est.)
Median age: 24.5 years (2025 est.)

Economy

Syria's economy has been devastated by civil war, with the GDP (PPP) estimated at $98.858 billion in 2023. The economy is largely agrarian, with 43.1% of GDP coming from the agricultural sector. The country faces hyperinflation and significant unemployment rates.

GDP per capita: $4,200 (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate: 94.1% (2022 est.)
Agricultural products: Wheat, barley, and tomatoes

Government

Syria is classified as a transitional presidential republic, currently facing a complex political environment following years of civil unrest. The interim government was established post-Bashar al-ASAD regime, with Ahmad al-Shara' as chief of state and Prime Minister Muhammad al-BASHIR.

Administrative divisions: 14 provinces
Capital: Damascus
Legal system: Mixed system of civil and Islamic law
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years

Military and Security

Following the fall of the ASAD regime, Syria's military landscape is fragmented, with various factions vying for control. The interim government is working to consolidate military forces and establish a more unified army.

Military expenditures: 6.5% of GDP (2019)
Military service age: 18 years
Control: Fragmented with areas under Kurdish and Turkish control

Energy

Syria's energy sector has been significantly impacted by conflict, but it still relies heavily on fossil fuels. The installed electricity capacity is approximately 9.636 million kW, with a significant portion of energy consumption sourced from petroleum.

Petroleum production: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 89% of the population (2022 est.)
Natural gas production: 2.763 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Syria faces numerous environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water resource depletion. The country is engaged in several international environmental agreements to address climate change and biodiversity.

Urban population: 57.4% (2023)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 20.243 million metric tonnes (2023)
Total water withdrawal: 1.475 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Syria's transportation infrastructure includes 42 airports and a railway network of over 2,000 km. However, ongoing conflict has hindered the development and maintenance of many of these facilities.

Railways: 2,052 km (2014)
Ports: 3 main ports including Al Ladhiqiyah
Merchant marine: 24 vessels (2023)

Communications

The telecommunications sector consists of fixed-line and mobile services, with a growing penetration of mobile subscriptions. Internet access remains limited, with about 35% of the population online.

Mobile subscriptions: 17.6 million (2024 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 2.816 million (2023 est.)
Internet users: 35% of the population (2019 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	24,261,882	2025 estimate
Area	187,437 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$98.858 billion	2023 estimate
GDP per capita	$4,200	2023 estimate
Electricity access	89%	2022 estimate
Unemployment rate	13%	2024 estimate
Population growth rate	1.63%	2025 estimate
Life expectancy	74.8 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	57.4%	2023 estimate
Literacy rate	94.4%	2021 estimate