Syria has endured more than a decade of conflict, leading to economic collapse, humanitarian crises, and a fragmented governance system. As the country looks toward the next ten years, it faces numerous development challenges that will shape its recovery and future stability. Below are the ten most pressing issues, supported by facts and data.
1. Economic Collapse and Reconstruction Costs
Syria's economy has been in freefall since the war began in 2011. According to the World Bank, Syria’s GDP contracted by more than 50% between 2011 and 2018, and inflation reached over 250% in 2023. The UN estimates that reconstruction costs exceed $400 billion, a figure that continues to rise due to ongoing destruction and a lack of foreign investment.
Sources:
2. Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
Syria remains one of the world's largest displacement crises, with 6.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 5.4 million refugees living in neighboring countries (UNHCR, 2023). More than 15 million Syrians require humanitarian assistance, while 90% of the population lives below the poverty line (OCHA, 2023).
Sources:
3. Food Insecurity and Agricultural Decline
A combination of conflict, economic sanctions, and climate change has severely affected Syria's agricultural sector. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 12.1 million Syrians face food insecurity, and wheat production has fallen by 60% compared to pre-war levels due to drought and reduced arable land.
Sources:
4. Water Scarcity and Climate Change
Syria is among the most water-scarce countries in the world. Water availability per capita has dropped by over 50% since 2010, and 70% of Syrians lack access to safe drinking water. Climate change has worsened droughts, reducing water flow in the Euphrates River by 40% (UNEP, 2023).
Sources:
5. Healthcare System Collapse
Decades of conflict have decimated Syria’s healthcare system. As of 2023, only 59% of hospitals and 57% of primary healthcare centers are fully operational (WHO). The country also faces a severe shortage of medical personnel, with over 70% of healthcare workers having fled.
Sources:
6. Education Crisis and Lost Generations
Syria’s education system has suffered immensely, with over 2.4 million children out of school and one in three schools damaged or destroyed (UNICEF, 2023). The literacy rate, which was 86% before the war, has dropped significantly due to disrupted schooling and child labor.
Sources:
7. Governance and Political Fragmentation
Syria is currently divided into multiple zones of control: areas under the Syrian government, opposition forces, Kurdish-led authorities, and Turkish-controlled territories. This fragmentation complicates reconstruction efforts, economic recovery, and access to humanitarian aid.
Sources:
8. Economic Sanctions and Isolation
Western sanctions, particularly those under the Caesar Act, have restricted Syria’s ability to engage in international trade and reconstruction. The Syrian pound lost 99% of its value between 2011 and 2023, leading to hyperinflation and a reliance on illicit trade.
Sources:
9. Security Instability and Extremism
Despite territorial losses, ISIS cells remain active, conducting over 150 attacks in 2023 (SOHR). Ongoing clashes between Kurdish forces, Turkish-backed militias, and the Syrian regime also pose a threat to stability, preventing long-term economic and political development.
Sources:
10. Lack of International Support for Reconstruction
Syria faces an uncertain future regarding international aid. The EU, U.S., and Gulf states remain hesitant to fund reconstruction efforts without political concessions from the Assad government. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran, Syria’s primary backers, face their own economic struggles, limiting their ability to provide substantial assistance.
Sources:
Chatham House, Syria’s Reconstruction Challenges 2023