Country Profile: Syria

Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is located in the Middle East and borders the Mediterranean Sea. It has a complex history marked by periods of occupation and conflict, impacting both its governance and population. With an estimated population of around 24.3 million in 2025, Syria's demographics include a predominant Arab population alongside various ethnic groups. The economy has struggled significantly due to over a decade of civil war, ongoing sanctions, and hyperinflation, rendering it one of the lower-income economies in the region.

Geography

Syria is situated in the Middle East, bordered by Lebanon and Turkey, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. The country features diverse terrain, primarily characterized by a desert plateau and significant mountain ranges. Its climate includes hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, especially along the coast. Major rivers such as the Euphrates and Tigris traverse the landscape, supporting a significant portion of the population.

Area: 187,437 sq km
Coastline: 193 km
Highest Point: Mount Hermon at 2,814 m
Population distribution: Majority resides along the Mediterranean coast and in cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

People and Society

Syria's population is estimated at 24.3 million in 2025, with a diverse ethnic composition featuring Arabs, Alawites, Kurds, and others. The country boasts a literacy rate of 94.4% and a relatively young population with a median age of 24.5 years. The majority of Syrians practice Islam, primarily Sunni, with a small percentage of Christians and Druze.

Population: 24,261,882 (2025 est.)
Urban population: 57.4% of total population (2023)
Life expectancy: 74.8 years (2024 est.)
Languages spoken: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, English, among others.

Economy

The Syrian economy has faced severe challenges due to a prolonged civil war, resulting in infrastructure destruction and economic sanctions. The GDP is estimated to be $19.993 billion for 2023, with significant reliance on agriculture, services, and a dwindling industrial sector. Hyperinflation and high unemployment rates reflect ongoing economic instability.

GDP (official exchange rate): $19.993 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: -1.2% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13% (2024 est.)
Labor force: 6.617 million (2024 est.)

Government

Syria operates under a transitional presidential republic framework. The political landscape has been marked by instability, particularly following the overthrow of long-standing President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The country's legal system is a mix of civil and Islamic law, with new governance structures being formed amidst ongoing conflict.

Government type: Transitional presidential republic
Capital: Damascus
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Current head of government: Prime Minister Muhammad al-Bashir (since December 2024)

Military and Security

The military landscape in Syria is fragmented, with various armed groups operating independently. Following the fall of the Assad regime, a new Ministry of Defense has been established to unify these factions. Military expenditure remains significant despite the overall economic downturn.

Military expenditures: 6.5% of GDP (2019 est.)
Conscription: Mandatory service was abolished following the regime's fall in 2024.
Current military situation: Fragmentation persists, with various groups controlling different regions.

Energy

Syria's energy sector is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with a significant portion of electricity generated from these sources. The country faces challenges in achieving energy access, particularly in rural areas, with ongoing conflict impacting infrastructure.

Electricity access: 89% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed capacity for electricity: 9.636 million kW (2023 est.)
Total petroleum production: 65,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Syria grapples with various environmental issues, including deforestation, water resource depletion, and pollution. The ongoing civil conflict has exacerbated these challenges, limiting effective environmental management and conservation efforts.

Environmental issues: Deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
Agricultural land usage: 74.1% of land (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 20.243 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Syria has been significantly affected by the civil war, but the country still maintains a network of railways and airports. Civil aviation and maritime transport are essential for remaining accessible.

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

Communications

Syria's communication systems have been impacted by the ongoing conflict, yet mobile cellular subscriptions remain high. Access to the internet and broadcasting media is developing despite governmental restrictions.

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

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	24,261,882	2025 estimate
Area	187,437 sq km
GDP (official exchange rate)	$19.993 billion	2023 estimate
Unemployment rate	13%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	74.8 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	57.4%	Of total population (2023)
Electricity access	89%	Of total population (2022)
Military expenditures	6.5% of GDP	2019 estimate
Total energy consumption per capita	13.569 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Infant mortality rate	14.7 deaths/1,000 live births	2025 estimate