Syria/Society

Society in Syria

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
23.6M(2023)
Population Growth
4.9%(2023)
Fertility Rate
2.71(2023)
Death Rate
5.0 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
+546.5K(2024)

Public Health

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Life Expectancy
72.1 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
20.6 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
20 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
4.2%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

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Literacy Rate
94%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
68%(2013)
Secondary Enrollment
38.6%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
46.6(2016)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
5.1%(2009)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
34.7%(2019)
Access to Electricity
88.4%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
94.1%(2022)
Urban Population
13.5M(2023)
Rural Population
10M(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Syria

  • Syria has an estimated population of 23.6M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 4.9%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The fertility rate of 2.7 births per woman
    2023
    is above replacement level, ensuring sustainable long-term population stability without significant external migration. Significant positive net migration of approximately 546K individuals annually (or 23.2 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    provides vital demographic rejuvenation and helps address labor market needs, contributing to economic dynamism.
  • Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 72.1 years
    2023
    , though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 20.6 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 20 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 4.2% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 94%
    2021
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access remains notably limited with 68% primary enrollment
    2013
    , pointing to fundamental infrastructure, accessibility, and retention barriers across the educational system. This educational framework is supported by moderate public support, with 5.1% of GDP allocated to public educational expenditure
    2009
    , reflecting a balanced approach to funding.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, a still balanced urban-rural distribution (57% urban population
    2023
    ) creates diverse economic opportunities but necessitates coordinated infrastructure development to bridge potential disparities. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 88% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2019
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.