Syria vs Netherlands
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Syria is 1.4 times more populous than Netherlands. Syria covers 185,180 km², 4.4 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 9.8 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaNetherlands| Population | +41.5%25.6M | -29.4%18.1M |
| Area | +342.3%185,180 km² | -77.4%41,865 km² |
| GDP | — | $1.21T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $67,520.422 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.0%72.1 yrs | +13.6%81.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +442.9%19.0 | -81.6%3.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +250.3%13.6% | -71.4%3.9% |
| Capital | Damascus | Amsterdam |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic | Dutch |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | EUR (€) |
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 1.4 times more populous than Netherlands, with 25.6M residents compared to 18.1M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Netherlands has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy. Netherlands's GDP stands at $1.21T. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 81.9 years in Netherlands, a gap of 9.8 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 443% higher than Netherlands's 3.5.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 4.4 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Netherlands borders 2 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Netherlands's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Netherlands is located in Europe. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Netherlands belongs to Europe (Western Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Netherlands is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Netherlands's 3.5 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Netherlands is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km² represents a 77% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Netherlands is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Netherlands's 18.1M represents a 29% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Netherlands's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Netherlands is 3.1x more densely populated than Syria (432 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 Netherlands live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of Syria (81.9 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 Netherlands for Families
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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 Netherlands's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands 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 Netherlands for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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 Netherlands for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Netherlands 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 Netherlands by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Netherlands's 18.1M. Syria is 1.4 times more populous than Netherlands.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Netherlands?
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 Netherlands?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Netherlands's is 9.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Netherlands?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Syria is 4.4 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Netherlands?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Netherlands recognizes: Dutch. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Netherlands?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Netherlands's inflation rate is 3.3%.
Is Syria or Netherlands better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Netherlands generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.5 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...
Is Syria or Netherlands 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 Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer better...
Is Syria or Netherlands better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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, cli...
Is Syria or Netherlands better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Netherlands, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Netherlands covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...