Algeria vs Syria
Algeria has a population of 47.4M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. Algeria is 1.9 times more populous than Syria. Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 12.9 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 4.1 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
AlgeriaSyria| Population | +85.0%47.4M | -45.9%25.6M |
| Area | +1186.2%2,381,741 km² | -92.2%185,180 km² |
| GDP | $269.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $5,752.991 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%76.3 yrs | -5.4%72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +3.7%19.7 | -3.6%19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -14.3%11.6% | +16.6%13.6% |
| Capital | Algiers | Damascus |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic |
| Currencies | DZD (د.ج) | 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
Algeria is 1.9 times more populous than Syria, with 47.4M residents compared to 25.6M. Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse), 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 Algeria.
Economy Comparison
Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Syria is classified as a low-income economy. Algeria's GDP stands at $269.3B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Algeria is 76.3 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 4.1 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 19.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Algeria's infant mortality is 4% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 12.9 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Algeria shares borders with 7 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. Algeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. Algeria lies in Africa, while Syria is located in Asia. Algeria is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Syria belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Algeria and Syria is in land area: Algeria's 2,381,741 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Syria is in population: Algeria's 47.4M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 46% gap. The most significant difference between Algeria and Syria is in life expectancy: Algeria's 76.3 years compared to Syria's 72.1 years represents a 5% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Algeria's upper-middle-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 7.0x more densely populated than Algeria (138 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 4.1 years longer than those of Syria (76.3 vs 72.1 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
Algeria vs Syria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 19.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Algeria 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.
Algeria vs Syria for Budget Travelers
Algeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,752.991 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Algeria 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.
Algeria vs Syria for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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.
Algeria vs Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria 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, Algeria or Syria by population?
Algeria is larger by population, with 47.4M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Algeria is 1.9 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Algeria 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 Algeria and Syria?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.1 years. Algeria's life expectancy is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Algeria or Syria?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Algeria is 12.9 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Algeria and Syria?
Algeria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Syria recognizes: Arabic. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Algeria or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Algeria's inflation rate is 4.0%.
Is Algeria or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 19.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Algeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Algeria or Syria cheaper to visit?
Algeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,752.991 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Algeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in ...
Is Algeria or Syria better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 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 Algeria or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Algeria and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Algeria spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...