Syria vs Sweden
Syria has a population of 25.6M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Syria is 2.4 times more populous than Sweden. Sweden covers 450,295 km², 2.4 times larger than Syria's 185,180 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 11.2 years higher than Syria's 72.1 years.
SyriaSweden| Population | +141.6%25.6M | -58.6%10.6M |
| Area | -58.9%185,180 km² | +143.2%450,295 km² |
| GDP | — | $603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.4%72.1 yrs | +15.5%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +850.0%19.0 | -89.5%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +56.1%13.6% | -35.9%8.7% |
| Capital | Damascus | Stockholm |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic | Swedish |
| Currencies | SYP (£) | SEK (kr) |
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 Sweden, with 25.6M residents compared to 10.6M. Syria is a nation of 25.6M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Syria averages 138 people per km² (moderate), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Syria has grown at 0.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Syria is classified as a low-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. Sweden's GDP stands at $603.7B. GDP data is not available for Syria. Economic indicator data is not available for Syria. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Syria is 72.1 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 11.2 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 850% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Syria (185,180 km²). Syria shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Syria spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Syria lies in Asia, while Sweden is located in Europe. Syria is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Syria and Sweden is in infant mortality: Syria's 19.0 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Sweden is in land area: Syria's 185,180 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km² represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Syria and Sweden is in population: Syria's 25.6M compared to Sweden's 10.6M represents a 59% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Syria's low-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Syria is 5.9x more densely populated than Sweden (138 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 11.2 years longer than those of Syria (83.3 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 Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Syria vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden 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 Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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 Sweden by population?
Syria is larger by population, with 25.6M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Syria is 2.4 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Syria or Sweden?
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 Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Syria's 72.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.2 years. Syria's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Syria or Sweden?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Syria's 185,180 km². Sweden is 2.4 times larger than Syria.
What languages are spoken in Syria and Sweden?
Syria recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Syria or Sweden?
Inflation data is not available for Syria. Sweden's inflation rate is 2.8%.
Is Syria or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 19.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Syria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Syria or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in ...
Is Syria or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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 Syria or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Syria and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Syria spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growing digita...