Syria
Syrian Arab Republic
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +4.83%
Syria is a Western Asia country of around 25.6 million residents, placing it in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 185,180 km², translating to a density of 138 people per km². Its capital is Damascus, and Arabic is the official language, while the Syrian pound serves as the national currency.
Population
25,620,000
Area
185,180 km²
Density
138/km²
World Rank
#57
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 22.1 per thousand against deaths at 5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 29.2% of residents under 15 and 4.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Damascus
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Syrian pound (£)
- Calling Code
- +963
- Top-Level Domain
- .sy, سوريا.
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 25,620,000
- Land Area
- 185,180 km²
- Population Density
- 138 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +4.83%
- Annual Growth
- +1,237,446 people
- Daily Growth
- +3,390 people
- World Population Share
- 0.32%
- Coordinates
- 35.00°, 38.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $1.1k classifies Syria as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 13.6%, well above the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 26.6.
Life Expectancy
72.1 years
GDP per Capita
$1,052
Birth Rate
22.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
72.1%
Fertility Rate
2.71 births/woman
Infant Mortality
19.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
13.6%
Literacy Rate
94.4%
Internet Users
34.6%
Under 15
29.2%
Over 65
4.7%
Health Spending
2.7% GDP
Gini Index
26.6
Age Distribution
0-14 years
7.5M
15-64 years
16.9M
65+ years
1.2M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 72.1% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. The capital, Damascus, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 421693.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
18.5M
72.1%
7.2M
27.9%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 19.0 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 94.4% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Syria
Syria has 12 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Syria is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Syria participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 25,620,000 |
| 2030 | 30,595,157 |
| 2035 | 37,329,569 |
| 2040 | 44,547,640 |
| 2045 | 52,154,740 |
| 2050 | 60,063,087 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Syria.
Largest Cities in Syria
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Syria by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Syria?
The population of Syria is approximately 25.6 million as of 2026, making it #57 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Syria?
The capital of Syria is Damascus.
What languages are spoken in Syria?
The main languages spoken in Syria are Arabic.
How big is Syria?
Syria covers an area of 185,180 km² with a population density of 138 people per km².
Is Syria growing or shrinking?
Syria is growing at a rate of 4.83% per year, adding approximately 1,237,446 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Syria?
The average life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Syria?
The GDP per capita of Syria is $1,052.