Syria vs Portugal
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Syria is 2.4 times more populous than Portugal. Syria covers 185,180 km², 2.0 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 10.2 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaPortugal| Population | +138.3%25.6M | -58.0%10.7M |
| Area | +101.1%185,180 km² | -50.3%92,090 km² |
| GDP | — | $313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.3%72.1 yrs | +14.1%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +630.8%19.0 | -86.3%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +120.1%13.6% | -54.6%6.2% |
| Capital | Damascus | Lisbon |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic | Portuguese |
| 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 2.4 times more populous than Portugal, with 25.6M residents compared to 10.7M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. Portugal's GDP stands at $313.3B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 10.2 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 631% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Syria (185,180 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Syria lies in Asia, while Portugal is located in Europe. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Portugal is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Portugal is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Portugal is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 1.2x more densely populated than Portugal (138 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Portugal live an average of 10.2 years longer than those of Syria (82.3 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 Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Syria vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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 Portugal by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Syria is 2.4 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Portugal?
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 Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.2 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Portugal?
Syria is larger by land area, covering 185,180 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Syria is 2.0 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Portugal?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Portugal?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Portugal's inflation rate is 2.4%.
Is Syria or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 at...
Is Syria or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value...
Is Syria or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, climat...
Is Syria or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing di...