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Economy of Nauru vs Syria compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Nauru has a GDP of $163M compared to $20B for Syria, ranking 195/197 and 129/197 by economy size, respectively.

Nauru has $28.3M in government debt (17.4% of GDP), compared to $18.4B (30% of GDP) in Syria.

Nauru vs Syria GDP by year

Nauru
Syria
1x
Year GDP, current $
Nauru Syria
2024 $162,588,621 -
2023 $151,435,610 $19,993,439,950
2022 $152,373,434 $23,622,827,080
2021 $175,390,281 $14,353,205,678
2020 $124,685,688 $12,047,752,036
2019 $125,160,116 $22,583,045,060
2018 $130,995,566 $21,497,782,868
2017 $109,355,639 $16,369,843,352
2016 $97,541,943 $12,597,854,877
2015 $84,863,441 $16,466,863,117
2014 $99,149,244 $21,502,061,466
2013 $94,385,015 $21,361,254,635
2012 $101,055,723 $43,190,318,033
2011 $65,071,880 $67,539,428,159
2010 $47,562,845 $61,390,830,875
2009 $44,176,246 $54,111,735,629
2008 $37,602,265 $52,557,913,569
2007 $22,766,972 $40,465,318,382
2006 $29,200,359 $33,751,788,856
2005 $30,070,666 $28,858,965,517
2004 $30,587,566 $25,086,950,495
2003 $24,778,160 $21,828,144,686
2002 $21,017,424 $20,669,357,462
2001 $22,613,288 $20,237,024,725
2000 $26,930,980 $18,937,052,543
1999 $27,328,613 $15,873,875,969
1998 $29,664,451 $15,200,846,154
1997 $37,331,507 $14,505,233,463
1996 $37,458,801 $13,789,560,878
1995 $39,969,706 $11,396,706,587
1994 $39,742,511 $10,122,020,000
1993 $43,542,088 $13,695,962,055
1992 $51,133,123 $13,253,565,861
1991 $52,533,789 $12,981,833,333
1990 $55,572,376 $12,308,624,418
1989 $53,736,786 $9,853,395,762
1988 $45,931,134 $10,577,041,645
1987 $40,118,410 $11,356,215,543
1986 $39,939,391 $13,293,205,278
1985 $41,548,741 $16,403,539,893
1984 $47,363,231 $17,503,078,174
1983 $48,439,093 $17,589,277,143
1982 $52,877,742 $16,298,929,011
1981 $51,689,637 $15,518,201,335
1980 $46,947,124 $13,062,420,382
1979 $44,431,330 $9,929,681,529
1978 $41,754,147 $9,275,200,458
1977 $40,444,702 $7,696,011,396
1976 $40,287,427 $7,633,528,867
1975 $40,106,776 $6,826,980,444
1974 $35,994,511 $5,159,557,148
1973 $26,529,817 $3,239,487,516
1972 $21,734,269 $3,059,681,698
1971 $19,009,433 $2,589,851,325
1970 $17,570,366 $2,140,384,010
1969 - $2,245,011,515
1968 - $1,753,746,430
1967 - $1,580,229,799
1966 - $1,342,287,553
1965 - $1,472,036,540
1964 - $1,339,494,267
1963 - $1,200,447,408
1962 - $1,110,565,881
1961 - $945,244,972
1960 - $857,704,413

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

GDP per capita in Nauru vs Syria by year

Nauru
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Syria
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Nauru Syria
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 $13,609 $14,173 - -
2023 $12,752 $13,732 $847 $4,650
2022 $12,912 $13,245 $1,052 $4,772
2021 $14,979 $12,112 $664 $4,593
2020 $10,709 $10,811 $572 $3,738
2019 $10,802 $10,555 $1,110 $3,502
2018 $11,414 $9,657 $1,098 $3,456
2017 $9,657 $9,650 $852 $3,265
2016 $8,748 $10,281 $656 -
2015 $7,747 $9,955 $848 -
2014 $9,230 $9,726 $1,061 -
2013 $8,975 $8,429 $986 -
2012 $9,843 $8,153 $1,898 -
2011 $6,444 $6,544 $2,952 -
2010 $4,736 $5,620 $2,731 -
2009 $4,411 $5,568 $2,462 -
2008 $3,757 $5,863 $2,429 -
2007 $2,272 $4,789 $1,938 -
2006 $2,910 $5,975 $1,719 -
2005 $2,992 $5,336 $1,534 -
2004 $3,041 $5,169 $1,368 -
2003 $2,463 $5,261 $1,220 -
2002 $2,085 $5,132 $1,183 -
2001 $2,232 $5,587 $1,187 -
2000 $2,649 $5,838 $1,138 -
1999 $2,683 $6,118 $978 -
1998 $2,909 $6,450 $961 -
1997 $3,661 $7,231 $941 -
1996 $3,679 $7,818 $918 -
1995 $3,932 $8,726 $780 -
1994 $3,921 $9,308 $712 -
1993 $4,310 $9,513 $993 -
1992 $5,103 $11,167 $990 -
1991 $5,333 $13,265 $1,000 -
1990 $5,776 $16,215 $978 -
1989 $5,723 - $809 -
1988 $5,012 - $898 -
1987 $4,485 - $997 -
1986 $4,569 - $1,208 -
1985 $4,859 - $1,544 -
1984 $5,654 - $1,706 -
1983 $5,896 - $1,776 -
1982 $6,577 - $1,703 -
1981 $6,594 - $1,676 -
1980 $6,138 - $1,458 -
1979 $5,950 - $1,146 -
1978 $5,721 - $1,108 -
1977 $5,646 - $951 -
1976 $5,703 - $976 -
1975 $5,740 - $904 -
1974 $5,199 - $707 -
1973 $3,864 - $459 -
1972 $3,191 - $448 -
1971 $2,811 - $393 -
1970 $2,619 - $335 -
1969 - - $364 -
1968 - - $293.3 -
1967 - - $272.9 -
1966 - - $239.3 -
1965 - - $270.8 -
1964 - - $254.2 -
1963 - - $234.9 -
1962 - - $223.9 -
1961 - - $196.3 -
1960 - - $183.5 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

Nauru's GDP per capita is $13,609, ranking 74/197, compared to $847 in Syria, ranking 185/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Nauru ranks 119th at $14,173, while Syria ranks 160th at $4,650.

Economic indicators

Nauru Syria
Gross domestic product
$163M
2024
$20B
2023
GDP rank
195/197
2024
129/197
2023
GDP growth
1.39%
2023-2024
-1.21%
2022-2023
GDP per capita
$13,609
2024
$847
2023
GDP per capita rank
74/197
2024
185/197
2023
GDP per capita, PPP
$14,173
2024
$4,650
2023
GDP per capita PPP rank
119/197
2024
160/197
2023
Government debt
$28.3M
2024
$18.4B
2010
Debt-to-GDP ratio
17.4%
2024
30%
2010
Government debt per person
$2,367
2024
$820
2010
Government debt per person rank
113/185
2024
148/185
2010
Average annual personal income after taxes
$8,783
2026
$730
2026
Income share by richest 10%
25.3%
2012
21.1%
2022
Income share by poorest 10%
3.4%
2012
3.8%
2022
Government expenditure, % of GDP
122.1%
2024
28.6%
2010
Consumer prices inflation
9.3%
2023-2024
13.4%
2018-2019
Unemployment rate
5.06%
2021
8.61%
2010
Population
12125
26829400

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Nauru
Spending

Debt
Syria
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Nauru Syria
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 122.1% 17.4% - -
2023 118.1% 20.5% - -
2022 134.8% 22.4% - -
2021 93% 20.5% - -
2020 109.4% 56.3% - -
2019 106% 59.6% - -
2018 90.8% 71.1% - -
2017 102.3% 78% - -
2016 96% 86.3% - -
2015 85.4% 113% - -
2014 61.3% 147.7% - -
2013 66% 166.9% - -
2012 46% 157.3% - -
2011 44.7% 236.8% - -
2010 73.8% 298.9% 28.6% 30%
2009 68% 295.6% 26.7% 31.2%
2008 - - 22.9% 37.3%
2007 - - 25.7% 42.7%
2006 - - 26.3% 45%
2005 - - 28.2% 50.7%
2004 - - 31.3% 113%
2003 - - 32.6% 133.4%
2002 - - 28.5% 132.4%
2001 - - 28% 144.5%
2000 - - 27.4% 152.1%
1999 - - 28% 147.7%
1998 - - 28.8% 151.2%
1997 - - 29% 147.6%
1996 - - 27.7% 141.5%
1995 - - 29.8% 152.6%
1994 - - 30.3% 163%
1993 - - 29.4% 171.9%
1992 - - 34.2% 173.6%
1991 - - 34.3% 182.4%
1990 - - 28.3% 189.8%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

In 2024, Nauru's government spending was $199M, accounting for 122.1% of its GDP, while Syria spent $17.6B, or 28.6% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 17.4% in Nauru and 30% in Syria, ranking 176/185 and 157/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Nauru

Syria
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Nauru Syria
2024 29.8% -
2023 19.4% -
2022 24.3% -
2021 44.5% -
2020 42.8% -
2019 31% -
2018 29.6% -
2017 16.2% -
2016 18.9% -
2015 10.7% -
2014 29.6% -
2013 1.71% -
2012 8.12% -
2011 2.73% -
2010 0.09% -7.79%
2009 0.37% -2.89%
2008 - -2.86%
2007 - -2.99%
2006 - -1.12%
2005 - -4.41%
2004 - -4.18%
2003 - -2.7%
2002 - -2.02%
2001 - 2.3%
2000 - -1.36%
1999 - -1.47%
1998 - -2.81%
1997 - -1.78%
1996 - -2.83%
1995 - -3.81%
1994 - -6%
1993 - -4.96%
1992 - -7.26%
1991 - -6.57%
1990 - -3.92%

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

In 2010, Nauru's government surplus, the difference between spending and revenue, was $44.1K, equivalent to 0.09% of GDP. This compares to Syria's deficit of $4.78B, or 7.79% of GDP.

Over the past 2 years, Nauru recorded a fiscal deficit in 0 of those years, while Syria ran a deficit in 2 years. On average, Nauru posted an annual surplus equal to 0.23% of GDP, compared to deficit of 5.34% of GDP for Syria.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Nauru

Syria
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Nauru Syria
2024 9.3% -
2023 4.8% -
2022 1.1% -
2021 2% -
2020 0.9% -
2019 4.1% 13.4%
2018 1.1% 0.94%
2017 4.5% 18.1%
2016 8.1% 47.7%
2015 9.8% 38.5%
2014 0.3% 10.9%
2013 -1.1% 40%
2012 0.3% 36.7%
2011 -3.4% 4.75%
2010 -2% 4.4%
2009 22.4% 2.92%
2008 1% 15.7%
2007 5.6% 3.91%
2006 19.3% 10%
2005 8.7% 7.24%
2004 - 4.43%
2003 - 5.8%
2002 - -0.13%
2001 - 3%
2000 - -3.85%
1999 - -3.7%
1998 - -0.8%
1997 - 1.89%

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2019, retrieved 2026-04-06); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (2005–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

Over the past 15 years, Nauru has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 5.25%, compared with 17% in Syria. In 2019, inflation was 9.3% in Nauru and 13.4% in Syria.

Balance of trade

Nauru Syria
Current account balance
$9.73M
2024
-$367M
2010
Current account balance ranking
75/190
2024
103/190
2010
Current account balance, % of GDP
+5.98%
2024
-0.6%
2010
Goods imports
$92.7M
2024
$15.9B
2010
Goods exports
$25.5M
2024
$12.3B
2010
Service imports
$88.2M
2024
$3.53B
2010
Service exports
$64.6M
2024
$7.33B
2010
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
110.5%
2024
28.8%
2022
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
55.3%
2024
6.81%
2022

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Nauru Syria
Economic freedom 60 51.2
Economic freedom ranking 97/197 155/197
Property rights n/a 4
Government integrity n/a 3.6
Judicial effectiveness n/a 3.7
Tax burden n/a 87.3
Government spending n/a 78.5
Fiscal health n/a 13.8
Business freedom n/a 33.8
Labor freedom n/a 37.2
Monetary freedom n/a 80
Trade freedom n/a 47
Investment freedom n/a 0
Financial freedom n/a 20

Other economic metrics

Nauru Syria
Services, % of GDP n/a
44.9%
2022
Industry, % of GDP n/a
12%
2022
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP n/a
43.1%
2022
GNI, Atlas method
$244M
2024
$18.2B
2023
GNI per capita, PPP
$21,970
2024
$4,480
2023
Total reserves including gold n/a
$20.6B
2010
Total reserves ranking n/a
62/177
2010
Net foreign direct investment
$4.51M
2024
-$1.47B
2010
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
-$5.85M
2024
$0
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
-$1.34M
2024
$0
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI n/a
0.15%
2023
Poverty at national poverty lines n/a
35.2%
2007
Gross capital formation, % of GDP n/a
16%
1969

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/nauru/syria | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  4. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (2012–2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  5. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  6. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.