Syria vs Mali
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Mali's 22.4M. Syria is 1.1 times more populous than Mali. Mali covers 1,240,192 km², 6.7 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 11.7 years higher than Mali's 60.4 years.
SyriaMali| Population | +14.4%25.6M | -12.6%22.4M |
| Area | -85.1%185,180 km² | +569.7%1,240,192 km² |
| GDP | — | $26.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $1,094.619 |
| Life Expectancy | +19.3%72.1 yrs | -16.2%60.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -67.0%19.0 | +203.2%57.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +379.3%13.6% | -79.1%2.8% |
| Capital | Damascus | Bamako |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | French |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | XOF (Fr) |
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 1.1 times more populous than Mali, with 25.6M residents compared to 22.4M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Mali is a nation of 22.4M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Mali averages 18 people per km² (sparse). Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Mali.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Mali is classified as a low-income economy. Mali's GDP stands at $26.8B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Mali's GDP per capita of $1,094.619 is 50% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 60.4 years in Mali, a gap of 11.7 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Mali (60.4 years) is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years. At 57.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mali's infant mortality is 203% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Mali (1,240,192 km²) is 6.7 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Mali borders 7 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Mali's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Mali is located in Africa. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Mali belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Mali is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Mali's 1,240,192 km² represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Mali is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Mali's 57.6 per 1,000 represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Mali is in life expectancy: Syria's 72.1 years compared to Mali's 60.4 years represents a 16% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Mali's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 7.7x more densely populated than Mali (138 vs 18 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mali's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Syria live an average of 11.7 years longer than those of Mali (72.1 vs 60.4 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 Mali for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali 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 Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali 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 Mali for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali 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 Mali for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Mali 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 Mali by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Mali's 22.4M. Syria is 1.1 times more populous than Mali.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Mali?
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 Mali?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Mali's 60.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.7 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Mali's is 11.6 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Mali?
Mali is larger by land area, covering 1,240,192 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Mali is 6.7 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Mali?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Mali recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Mali?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Mali's inflation rate is 3.2%.
Is Syria or Mali better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 57.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Mali offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Syria or Mali 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 Mali. However, Mali may offer better value in spec...
Is Syria or Mali better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mali may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Syria or Mali better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Mali, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Mali covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digital no...