Country Profile: Syria

Syria, located in the Middle East, has a rich history shaped by diverse cultures and significant geopolitical events. It has a population of approximately 23.9 million, with major urban areas such as Damascus and Aleppo being population centers. The country has faced severe economic challenges due to a prolonged civil war and international sanctions, impacting infrastructure and living conditions. Governed as a presidential republic, Syria is currently experiencing a transition following the overthrow of long-time President Bashar al-ASAD in December 2024.

Geography

Syria is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, with a varied terrain that includes mountains, deserts, and a narrow coastal plain. Its diverse climate features hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters along the coast. The country has significant natural resources, including petroleum and phosphates.

Area: 187,437 sq km, slightly larger than Pennsylvania.
Borders: Shares land boundaries with Iraq (599 km), Israel (83 km), Jordan (379 km), Lebanon (403 km), and Turkey (899 km).
Climate: Mostly desert with significant population density along the Mediterranean coast.

People and Society

Syria's population is about 23.9 million, predominantly Arab, with Kurds and Alawites comprising significant minority groups. The official language is Arabic, and the majority religion is Islam, with Christians and Druze also present. The country has experienced demographic shifts due to the ongoing civil war, leading to considerable internal displacement.

Population: Approximately 23.9 million (2024 estimate).
Ethnic Composition: Arab (50%), Alawite (15%), Kurdish (10%).
Life Expectancy: 74.8 years (2024 estimate).
Urbanization: 57.4% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).

Economy

Syria's economy is classified as low-income and has been severely affected by an 11-year civil war, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and economic disruption. The GDP shows fluctuations and ongoing hyperinflation, with agriculture being a critical sector alongside industry and services.

GDP (PPP): $98.858 billion (2023 estimate).
GDP per capita: $4,200 (2023 estimate).
Unemployment Rate: 13% (2024 estimate).
Inflation Rate: 94.1% (2022 estimate).

Government

Syria operates as a presidential republic under a highly authoritarian regime. Following the overthrow of President Bashar al-ASAD in December 2024, a transitional government was established, and elections are anticipated in subsequent years.

Capital: Damascus.
Government Type: Highly authoritarian presidential republic.
Political Parties: Dominated by the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and various opposition entities.

Military and Security

Syria's military landscape has shifted significantly due to the civil war, and the interim government has sought to unify various armed factions under a state-linked army. Although military expenditures are substantial, the country faces substantial control challenges, particularly in its northeastern regions.

Military Expenditures: 6.5% of GDP (2019 estimate).
Military Control: Fragmented, with various factions operating independently.
Service Obligation: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-42 prior to the regime's fall.

Energy

The energy sector in Syria relies heavily on fossil fuels, with a growing need for electrical infrastructure and renewable resources. The recent conflict has hampered resource recovery and management.

Electricity Access: 89% of the population (2022 estimate).
Total Petroleum Production: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 estimate).
Installed Electricity Capacity: 9.636 million kW (2023 estimate).

Environment

Syria faces multiple environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and water pollution. The recent conflict has exacerbated these issues, impacting resource management and sustainability.

Total Water Withdrawal: 16.802 billion cubic meters (2022 estimate).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 20.243 million metric tonnes (2023 estimate).
Agricultural Land: 74.1% of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate).

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure includes a modest number of airports and railways, though many facilities have been affected by the civil war. The country maintains access to several key ports on the Mediterranean.

Airports: 42 (2025 estimate).
Railways: Approximately 2,052 km (2014).
Merchant Marine: Comprises 24 vessels (2023).

Communications

Syria's communication networks include fixed-line and mobile subscriptions, with a state-controlled media landscape that restricts independent news broadcasting.

Fixed-line Subscriptions: 2.816 million (2023 estimate).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 15.1 million (2023 estimate).
Internet Users: Approximately 35% of the population (2019 estimate).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	23,865,423	2024 estimate
Area	187,437 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$98.858 billion	2023 estimate
Unemployment Rate	13%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	21.7 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	74.8 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	89%	Total population (2022 est.)
Total Energy Consumption	13.569 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Total Water Withdrawal	16.802 billion cubic meters	2022 estimate
Total Agricultural Land	74.1%	2023 estimate