Syria vs Israel
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Syria is 2.5 times more populous than Israel. Syria covers 185,180 km², 8.4 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 11.1 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaIsrael| Population | +152.8%25.6M | -60.4%10.1M |
| Area | +744.1%185,180 km² | -88.2%21,937 km² |
| GDP | — | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.3%72.1 yrs | +15.4%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +603.7%19.0 | -85.8%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +288.9%13.6% | -74.3%3.5% |
| Capital | Damascus | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | ILS (₪) |
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
Syria is 2.5 times more populous than Israel, with 25.6M residents compared to 10.1M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. Israel's GDP stands at $540.4B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 11.1 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 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 604% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 8.4 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Syria and Israel are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Israel is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Israel is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Israel is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 60% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Israel is 3.3x more densely populated than Syria (462 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 Israel live an average of 11.1 years longer than those of Syria (83.2 vs 72.1 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 Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel 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 Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Israel 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 Israel by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Syria is 2.5 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Israel?
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 Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.1 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Israel?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Syria is 8.4 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Israel?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Israel?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Israel's inflation rate is 3.1%.
Is Syria or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Syria or Israel 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 Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in ...
Is Syria or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 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 Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...