Nigeria vs Syria
Nigeria has a population of 223.8M, compared to Syria's 25.6M. Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria. Nigeria covers 923,768 km², 5.0 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Syria stands at 72.1 years, 17.7 years higher than Nigeria's 54.5 years.
NigeriaSyria| Population | +773.5%223.8M | -88.6%25.6M |
| Area | +398.8%923,768 km² | -80.0%185,180 km² |
| GDP | $252.3B | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $1,084.16 | — |
| Life Expectancy | -24.5%54.5 yrs | +32.4%72.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +216.3%60.1 | -68.4%19.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -77.4%3.1% | +342.9%13.6% |
| Capital | Abuja | Damascus |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | English | Arabic |
| Currencies | NGN (₦) | 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
Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria, with 223.8M residents compared to 25.6M. Nigeria is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Syria is a nation of 25.6M people. In terms of population density, Nigeria averages 242 people per km² (dense), while Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate). While Nigeria has grown at 2.33% annually over the past decade, Syria has grown at 0.86% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Nigeria is classified as a low-income economy, while Syria is classified as a low-income economy. Nigeria's GDP stands at $252.3B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Nigeria's GDP per capita of $1,084.16 is 51% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.5 years, compared to 72.1 years in Syria, a gap of 17.7 years. Syria (72.1 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Nigeria (54.5 years) is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 60.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Nigeria's infant mortality is 216% higher than Syria's 19.0.
Geographic Comparison
Nigeria (923,768 km²) is 5.0 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Nigeria shares borders with 4 countries, while Syria borders 5 countries. Nigeria spans 1 timezone, compared to Syria's 1 timezone. Nigeria lies in Africa, while Syria is located in Asia. Nigeria is categorized within the Africa region (Western Africa), whereas Syria belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Nigeria and Syria is in population: Nigeria's 223.8M compared to Syria's 25.6M represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Syria is in land area: Nigeria's 923,768 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km² represents a 80% gap. The most significant difference between Nigeria and Syria is in infant mortality: Nigeria's 60.1 per 1,000 compared to Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 represents a 68% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Nigeria's low-income economy and Syria's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Nigeria is 1.8x more densely populated than Syria (242 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 Syria live an average of 17.7 years longer than those of Nigeria (72.1 vs 54.5 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
Nigeria vs Syria for Families
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Syria for Budget Travelers
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Syria for Retirees
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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.
Nigeria vs Syria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria 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, Nigeria or Syria by population?
Nigeria is larger by population, with 223.8M residents compared to Syria's 25.6M. Nigeria is 8.7 times more populous than Syria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Nigeria 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 Nigeria and Syria?
Syria has a higher life expectancy at 72.1 years, compared to Nigeria's 54.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.7 years. Nigeria's life expectancy is 17.5 years below the global average of 72 years, while Syria's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Nigeria or Syria?
Nigeria is larger by land area, covering 923,768 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Nigeria is 5.0 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Nigeria and Syria?
Nigeria recognizes the following official language: English. Syria recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Nigeria or Syria?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Nigeria's inflation rate is 33.2%.
Is Nigeria or Syria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Syria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.0 vs 60.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Nigeria offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Nigeria or Syria cheaper to visit?
Nigeria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,084.16 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Nigeria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Syria. However, Syria may offer better value in s...
Is Nigeria or Syria better for retirement?
Syria's life expectancy of 72.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Nigeria 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 Nigeria or Syria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Nigeria and Syria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Nigeria spans 1 timezone while Syria covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digi...