SyriaRussia
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 5.7 times more populous than Syria. Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 92.3 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Russia stands at 73.3 years, 1.1 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
0
Syria wins
vs
5
Russia wins
Metric
SyriaRussia| Population | 25.6M | 146.0M |
| Area | 185,180 km² | 17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | — | $2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | 72.1 yrs | 73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 19.0 | 3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 13.6% | 2.1% |
| Capital | Damascus | Moscow |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic | Russian |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | RUB (₽) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Russia is 5.7 times more populous than Syria, with 146.0M residents compared to 25.6M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. Russia's GDP stands at $2.17T. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 1.1 years. Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 19.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Syria's infant mortality is 414% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 92.3 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both Syria and Russia are located in Asia. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Russia is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Russia is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Russia's 146.0M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Russia is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 81% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 16.2x more densely populated than Russia (138 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Russia live an average of 1.1 years longer than those of Syria (73.3 vs 72.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Syria vs Russia for Retirees
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Syria vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Syria or Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Russia is 5.7 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Russia?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Syria and Russia?
Russia has a higher life expectancy at 73.3 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.1 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Russia is 92.3 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Russia?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Russia?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Russia's inflation rate is 8.4%.
Is Syria or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Syria or Russia cheaper to visit?
Syria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of lower levels translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Syria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in ...
Is Syria or Russia better for retirement?
Russia's life expectancy of 73.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Syria may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Syria or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...
Population Growth
Syria, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Russia, 1994 to 2023