Syria vs Nigeria
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Nigeria's 223.8M. Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 5.0 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 17.7 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
SyriaNigeria| Population | -88.6%25.6M | +773.5%223.8M |
| Area | -80.0%185,180 km² | +398.8%923,768 km² |
| GDP | — | $252.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,084.16 |
| Life Expectancy | +32.4%72.1 yrs | -24.5%54.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -68.4%19.0 | +216.3%60.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +342.9%13.6% | -77.4%3.1% |
| Capital | Damascus | Abuja |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | NGN (₦) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria, with 223.8M residents compared to 25.6M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Nigeria has grown at 2.33% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 54.5 years in Nigeria, a gap of 17.7 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 216% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Nigeria borders 4 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Nigeria's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Nigeria is located in Africa. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Nigeria belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Nigeria is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Nigeria's 223.8M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Nigeria is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Nigeria's 923,768 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Nigeria is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Nigeria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 1.8x more densely populated than Syria (242 vs 138 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Syria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Syria live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Nigeria (72.1 vs 54.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Travel Comparison
Syria vs Nigeria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Syria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. 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 Nigeria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Nigeria?
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 Nigeria?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria's is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Nigeria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Nigeria is 5.0 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Nigeria?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Nigeria recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Nigeria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Syria or Nigeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Syria or Nigeria 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 Nigeria. However, Nigeria may offer better value i...
Is Syria or Nigeria better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Nigeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Nigeria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...