Capital of Syria: Damascus
The capital of Syria is Damascus. Syria sits in Asia, has a population of 22,125,249, and uses the SYP. Official languages include Arabic.
Quick facts
- Capital: Damascus
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~22,125,249
- Area: 185,180 km²
- Population density: 119 people per km²
- Official language: Arabic
- Currency: SYP
- ISO code: SY
How big is Syria?
By population, Syria ranks 60th in the world, holding roughly 0.28% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 87th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Syria has 119 people per square kilometre, which is about 2.0 times the world average of 59.4. It is more crowded than its size alone would suggest.
Within Asia, Syria is the 23th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Syria in population are Sri Lanka (21,832,143) and Mali (22,593,590).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Cambodia (181,035 km²) and Uruguay (176,215 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Arabic is spoken officially in 25 countries in this dataset, including Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros and Djibouti, and 19 others.
Syria uses the SYP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Syria in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Syria belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Syria and a page on the flag of Syria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Syria?
The capital of Syria is Damascus.
What is the population of Syria?
About 22,125,249, making it the 60th most populous country in the world.
How big is Syria?
185,180 square kilometres, ranking 87th by land area, at a density of 119 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Syria use?
The SYP, which no other country uses.