EgyptSyria
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. Egypt is 4.2 times more populous than Syria. Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 5.4 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 0.5 years higher than Egypt's 71.6 years.
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Egypt wins
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Syria wins
Metric
EgyptSyria| Population | 107.3M | 25.6M |
| Area | 1,002,450 km² | 185,180 km² |
| GDP | $389.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $3,338.474 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 71.6 yrs | 72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 16.1 | 19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 6.8% | 13.6% |
| Capital | Cairo | Damascus |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | SYP (£) |
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
Egypt is 4.2 times more populous than Syria, with 107.3M residents compared to 25.6M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Syria has grown at 0.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Syria is classified as a low-income economy. Egypt's GDP stands at $389.1B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 0.5 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 19.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Syria's infant mortality is 18% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Syria is located in Asia. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Syria belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Syria is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Syria is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Syria is in infant mortality: Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 compared to Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 represents a 15% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.3x more densely populated than Egypt (138 vs 107 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Egypt's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Syria live an average of 0.5 years longer than those of Egypt (72.1 vs 71.6 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
Egypt vs Syria for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Syria for Budget Travelers
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Syria for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Syria 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, Egypt or Syria by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Egypt is 4.2 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Syria?
GDP data is not available for Syria. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Syria?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Egypt's 71.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.5 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Syria?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Egypt is 5.4 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Syria?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Syria recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Egypt's inflation rate is 28.3%.
Is Egypt or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 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 Egypt or Syria cheaper to visit?
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in spec...
Is Egypt or Syria better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Egypt or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital ...
Population Growth
Egypt, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Syria, 1994 to 2023