Country Profile: Syria

Syria, located in the Middle East, is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon, Turkey, and several other nations. The country has a rich history but has faced significant turmoil since its independence in 1946, enduring military coups, civil war, and foreign interventions. With an estimated population of over 24 million, Syria's economy has been severely damaged due to ongoing conflict and sanctions, leaving it classified as a low-income economy. Governance remains complex, with various entities vying for control in a transitional presidential republic.

Geography

Syria's diverse geography includes mountainous regions, deserts, and a coastal plain along the Mediterranean. The country has an area of approximately 187,437 sq km, featuring significant natural resources such as petroleum and phosphates. The Euphrates River, the longest in Syria, plays a vital role in its agriculture and water supply.

Area: 187,437 sq km (includes Israeli-occupied territory)
Elevation: Highest point is 2,814 m (Mount Hermon)
Land boundaries: Total of 2,363 km with Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey
Climate: Primarily desert, with hot summers and mild winters
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, phosphates, and gypsum
Irrigated land: About 9,820 sq km (2022)

People and Society

Syria's population is estimated at 24,261,882 in 2025, predominantly Arab, with Kurds and Alawites making up substantial minorities. Arabic is the official language, while Islam is the predominant religion. The society has been significantly affected by the ongoing civil conflict, leading to a large number of internally displaced persons and refugees abroad.

Population: 24,261,882 (2025 est.)
Ethnic groups: Arab ~50%, Alawite ~15%, Kurd ~10%
Languages: Predominantly Arabic, with Kurdish and others
Religions: 87% Muslim (including Sunni and Alawi), 10% Christian
Urbanization: Urban population at 57.4% (2023)

Economy

The Syrian economy is characterized by low GDP and ongoing hyperinflation due to civil war devastation. The GDP is estimated at $98.858 billion (PPP) in 2023, with agriculture playing a significant role. The economy relies heavily on external assistance amidst international sanctions.

GDP (PPP): $98.858 billion (2023 est.)
GDP per capita: $4,200 (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13% (2024 est.)
Agricultural contribution: 43.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Inflation rate: 94.1% (2022 est.)

Government

Syria operates as a transitional presidential republic, but the government structure is under strain post the overthrow of President Bashar al-ASAD in December 2024. The interim government has made attempts to unify various military factions and establish a stable governance framework amidst the ongoing conflict.

Government type: Transitional presidential republic
Capital: Damascus
Constitution: Transitional constitution announced in March 2025
Suffrage: Legal voting age is 18 years
Legislature: Unicameral People's Assembly with 210 seats

Military and Security

Syria's military landscape is fragmented, with numerous armed factions operating independently. The interim government is attempting to consolidate control over these groups under a unified military structure. Military spending remains significant despite the stretched resources due to economic instability.

Military expenditures: 6.5% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military service age: Previously required for men aged 18-38, now suspended unless in national emergencies
Military equipment: Primarily Russian and Soviet-era armaments
Control issues: Areas of the northeast under Kurdish control; Turkish forces in the north

Energy

Syria's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, specifically petroleum, which remains the main source of energy. Electricity access is relatively high, but the infrastructure has been impacted by civil conflict.

Electricity access: 89% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed capacity: 9.636 million kW (2023 est.)
Petroleum production: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas reserves: 240.693 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Environment

Syria is facing several environmental challenges, including deforestation and desertification, exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict. Water pollution and resource depletion are significant concerns affecting the population's health and economy.

Environmental issues: Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution
Urban population: 57.4% of total population (2023)
Total renewable water resources: 16.802 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 20.243 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)

Transportation

Syria has a mixed transportation network, including air, land, and sea. The civil war has severely affected transportation infrastructure, with significant damage reported across the country.

Airports: 42 (2025)
Total railway length: 2,052 km (2014)
Merchant marine: 24 vessels (2023)

Communications

Telecommunications infrastructure has been disrupted by the conflict, but there have been efforts to maintain services. Mobile cellular subscriptions show a higher penetration rate, indicating a reliance on mobile communication.

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

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	24,261,882 (2025 est.)
Area	187,437 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$98.858 billion	(2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	13.569 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Unemployment rate	13%	(2024 est.)
Birth rate	21.26 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	74.8 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy rate	94.4%	(2021 est.)