Syria vs Jordan
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Syria is 2.2 times more populous than Jordan. Syria covers 185,180 km², 2.1 times larger than Jordan's 89,342 km². Life expectancy in Jordan stands at 77.8 years, 5.7 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaJordan| Population | +118.3%25.6M | -54.2%11.7M |
| Area | +107.3%185,180 km² | -51.8%89,342 km² |
| GDP | — | $53.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $4,618.096 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.3%72.1 yrs | +7.9%77.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +55.7%19.0 | -35.8%12.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -17.9%13.6% | +21.9%16.5% |
| Capital | Damascus | Amman |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | JOD (د.ا) |
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 2.2 times more populous than Jordan, with 25.6M residents compared to 11.7M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Jordan has grown at 3.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. Jordan's GDP stands at $53.4B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 77.8 years in Jordan, a gap of 5.7 years. Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 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 56% higher than Jordan's 12.2.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Jordan (89,342 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Jordan borders 5 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Jordan's 1 timezone. Both Syria and Jordan 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 Jordan is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Jordan's 11.7M represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Jordan is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km² represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Jordan is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Jordan's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.1x more densely populated than Jordan (138 vs 131 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jordan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Jordan live an average of 5.7 years longer than those of Syria (77.8 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 Jordan for Families
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 Jordan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan 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 Jordan for Retirees
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Jordan 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 Jordan by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Jordan's 11.7M. Syria is 2.2 times more populous than Jordan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Jordan?
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 Jordan?
Jordan has a higher life expectancy at 77.8 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.7 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Jordan's is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Jordan?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Jordan's 89,342 km². Syria is 2.1 times larger than Jordan.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Jordan?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Jordan recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Jordan?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Jordan's inflation rate is 1.6%.
Is Syria or Jordan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Jordan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (12.2 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 att...
Is Syria or Jordan 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 Jordan. However, Jordan may offer better value in ...
Is Syria or Jordan better for retirement?
Jordan's life expectancy of 77.8 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 Jordan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Jordan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Jordan covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...