South AfricaSyria
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. South Africa is 2.5 times more populous than Syria. South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 6.6 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 6.0 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
2
South Africa wins
vs
3
Syria wins
Metric
South AfricaSyria| Population | 63.1M | 25.6M |
| Area | 1,221,037 km² | 185,180 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 24.4 | 19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 13.6% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Damascus |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Arabic |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 2.5 times more populous than Syria, with 63.1M residents compared to 25.6M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate). Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Syria is classified as a low-income economy. South Africa's GDP stands at $401.1B. GDP data is not available for Syria. South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 6.0 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 28% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 6.6 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Syria is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Syria belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Syria is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Syria is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Syria is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 represents a 22% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 2.7x more densely populated than South Africa (138 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Syria live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of South Africa (72.1 vs 66.1 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
South Africa vs Syria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Syria for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Syria for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa 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, South Africa or Syria by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. South Africa is 2.5 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa 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 South Africa and Syria?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Africa or Syria?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². South Africa is 6.6 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Syria?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Syria recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. South Africa's inflation rate is 4.4%.
Is South Africa or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is South Africa or Syria cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Syria. However, Syria may offer better...
Is South Africa or Syria better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is South Africa or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have gr...