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Economy of Norway vs Syria compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank

Norway has a GDP of $531B compared to $20B for Syria, ranking 32/197 and 134/197 by economy size, respectively.

Norway has $239B in government debt (45% of GDP), compared to $18.4B (30% of GDP) in Syria.

Norway vs Syria GDP by year

Norway
Syria
1x
Year GDP, current $
Norway Syria
2025 $530,755,719,439 -
2024 $500,886,328,034 -
2023 $502,197,633,323 $19,993,439,950
2022 $617,321,834,099 $23,737,634,644
2021 $521,592,200,233 $14,892,885,528
2020 $382,252,517,922 $12,501,503,673
2019 $424,244,886,364 $22,583,046,645
2018 $454,588,871,811 $21,497,779,248
2017 $415,673,181,543 $16,369,842,725
2016 $383,284,047,619 $12,597,854,088
2015 $400,669,174,331 $16,466,861,435
2014 $515,829,568,897 $21,502,061,466
2013 $540,132,255,319 $21,361,254,635
2012 $525,082,939,407 $43,190,318,033
2011 $512,868,581,628 $67,539,433,544
2010 $440,132,138,425 $61,390,833,273
2009 $395,664,488,017 $54,111,721,044
2008 $472,060,283,688 $52,557,913,397
2007 $407,813,774,161 $40,465,331,020
2006 $349,773,283,645 $33,751,812,959
2005 $311,417,306,946 $28,858,937,499
2004 $265,662,977,688 $25,086,910,448
2003 $229,192,678,173 $21,828,144,686
2002 $195,359,978,957 $20,786,986,580
2001 $173,590,978,347 $20,078,599,626
2000 $170,620,327,660 $18,937,031,610
1999 $161,304,620,987 $15,873,875,969
1998 $152,955,958,172 $15,200,846,154
1997 $160,013,571,974 $14,505,233,463
1996 $162,427,517,132 $13,789,560,878
1995 $151,083,627,983 $11,396,706,587
1994 $126,324,387,894 $10,122,020,000
1993 $119,841,699,440 $13,695,962,055
1992 $129,998,873,602 $13,253,565,861
1991 $121,149,331,318 $12,981,833,333
1990 $119,344,377,526 $12,308,624,418
1989 $102,226,808,603 $9,853,395,762
1988 $101,497,621,605 $10,577,041,645
1987 $93,913,320,965 $11,356,215,543
1986 $78,438,205,742 $13,293,205,278
1985 $65,211,464,198 $16,403,539,893
1984 $61,866,078,539 $17,503,078,174
1983 $61,417,685,434 $17,589,277,143
1982 $62,453,362,256 $16,298,929,011
1981 $63,392,804,251 $15,518,201,335
1980 $64,176,789,764 $13,062,420,382
1979 $52,935,763,512 $9,929,681,529
1978 $46,355,988,784 $9,275,200,458
1977 $41,362,637,363 $7,696,011,396
1976 $35,815,449,464 $7,633,528,867
1975 $32,742,543,381 $6,826,980,444
1974 $27,033,413,362 $5,159,557,148
1973 $22,433,660,550 $3,239,487,516
1972 $17,283,931,878 $3,059,681,698
1971 $14,523,306,736 $2,589,851,325
1970 $12,753,503,479 $2,140,384,010
1969 $11,083,505,596 $2,245,011,515
1968 $10,178,705,992 $1,753,746,430
1967 $9,532,076,026 $1,580,229,799
1966 $8,712,528,095 $1,342,287,553
1965 $8,073,570,566 $1,472,036,540
1964 $7,172,430,304 $1,339,494,267
1963 $6,522,268,053 $1,200,447,408
1962 $6,078,186,245 $1,110,565,881
1961 $5,642,867,672 $945,244,972
1960 $5,172,811,442 $857,704,413

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

GDP per capita in Norway vs Syria by year

Norway
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Syria
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Norway Syria
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2025 $94,594 - - -
2024 $89,889 $102,038 - -
2023 $90,984 $103,638 $847 $4,650
2022 $113,122 $125,490 $1,057 $4,772
2021 $96,443 $88,984 $689 $4,593
2020 $71,058 $67,111 $594 $3,738
2019 $79,329 $70,940 $1,110 $3,502
2018 $85,579 $70,254 $1,098 $3,456
2017 $78,771 $64,590 $852 $3,265
2016 $73,222 $59,280 $656 -
2015 $77,221 $60,738 $848 -
2014 $100,410 $66,332 $1,061 -
2013 $106,333 $67,378 $986 -
2012 $104,628 $65,774 $1,898 -
2011 $103,545 $62,460 $2,952 -
2010 $90,020 $58,213 $2,731 -
2009 $81,940 $55,648 $2,462 -
2008 $99,002 $62,073 $2,429 -
2007 $86,600 $56,179 $1,938 -
2006 $75,048 $54,358 $1,719 -
2005 $67,358 $47,967 $1,534 -
2004 $57,855 $42,667 $1,368 -
2003 $50,208 $38,680 $1,220 -
2002 $43,048 $38,056 $1,190 -
2001 $38,458 $37,829 $1,178 -
2000 $37,992 $36,994 $1,138 -
1999 $36,151 $30,574 $978 -
1998 $34,516 $28,200 $961 -
1997 $36,324 $28,610 $941 -
1996 $37,073 $26,826 $918 -
1995 $34,659 $24,360 $780 -
1994 $29,130 $23,027 $712 -
1993 $27,793 $21,584 $993 -
1992 $30,328 $20,623 $990 -
1991 $28,427 $19,580 $1,000 -
1990 $28,137 $18,461 $978 -
1989 $24,185 - $809 -
1988 $24,112 - $898 -
1987 $22,430 - $997 -
1986 $18,822 - $1,208 -
1985 $15,704 - $1,544 -
1984 $14,943 - $1,706 -
1983 $14,877 - $1,776 -
1982 $15,178 - $1,703 -
1981 $15,463 - $1,676 -
1980 $15,708 - $1,458 -
1979 $12,998 - $1,146 -
1978 $11,421 - $1,108 -
1977 $10,230 - $951 -
1976 $8,896 - $976 -
1975 $8,171 - $904 -
1974 $6,783 - $707 -
1973 $5,664 - $459 -
1972 $4,395 - $448 -
1971 $3,721 - $393 -
1970 $3,291 - $335 -
1969 $2,881 - $364 -
1968 $2,667 - $293.3 -
1967 $2,519 - $272.9 -
1966 $2,321 - $239.3 -
1965 $2,168 - $270.8 -
1964 $1,941 - $254.2 -
1963 $1,779 - $234.9 -
1962 $1,670 - $223.9 -
1961 $1,563 - $196.3 -
1960 $1,444 - $183.5 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

Norway's GDP per capita is $94,594, ranking 9/197, compared to $847 in Syria, ranking 185/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Norway ranks 7th at $102,038, while Syria ranks 160th at $4,650.

Economic indicators

Norway Syria
Gross domestic product
$531B
2025
$20B
2023
GDP rank
32/197
2025
134/197
2023
GDP growth
1.09%
2024-2025
-1.85%
2022-2023
GDP per capita
$94,594
2025
$847
2023
GDP per capita rank
9/197
2025
185/197
2023
GDP per capita, PPP
$102,038
2024
$4,650
2023
GDP per capita PPP rank
7/197
2024
160/197
2023
Government debt
$239B
2025
$18.4B
2010
Debt-to-GDP ratio
45%
2025
30%
2010
Government debt per person
$42,567
2025
$820
2010
Government debt per person rank
15/185
2025
150/185
2010
Average annual personal income after taxes
$50,036
2026
$693
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies
$296B
2019
n/a
Number of millionaires
348,000
2025
n/a
Number of billionaires
17
2026
n/a
Income share by richest 10%
21.6%
2023
20.9%
2022
Income share by poorest 10%
3.6%
2023
3.8%
2022
Government expenditure, % of GDP
49.6%
2025
28.6%
2010
Consumer prices inflation
3.06%
2024-2025
13.4%
2018-2019
Central bank interest rate
4.25%
2026
n/a
Unemployment rate
4.5%
2025
14.9%
2011
Population
5660666
26956472

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Norway
Spending

Debt
Syria
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Norway Syria
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2025 49.6% 45% - -
2024 46.9% 52.8% - -
2023 44.2% 42.4% - -
2022 36.2% 34.8% - -
2021 44.7% 40.1% - -
2020 54.5% 44.3% - -
2019 48.4% 39% - -
2018 46.1% 38.1% - -
2017 47.6% 36.9% - -
2016 48.8% 36.7% - -
2015 46.7% 33.2% - -
2014 44% 28.8% - -
2013 42.3% 30.6% - -
2012 41.4% 30.2% - -
2011 42.3% 28.9% - -
2010 43.6% 42.1% 28.6% 30%
2009 44.7% 41.7% 26.7% 31.2%
2008 39.2% 46.8% 22.9% 37.3%
2007 40.5% 48.9% 25.7% 42.7%
2006 40.1% 52.2% 26.3% 45%
2005 41.6% 42.1% 28.2% 50.7%
2004 44.7% 43.8% 31.3% 113%
2003 47.7% 43.1% 32.6% 133.4%
2002 46.3% 34% 28.5% 132.4%
2001 43.4% 27.3% 28% 144.5%
2000 41.5% 28.8% 27.4% 152.1%
1999 46.7% 25.1% 28% 147.7%
1998 48.2% 23.8% 28.8% 151.2%
1997 45.9% 26% 29% 147.6%
1996 47.4% 28.6% 27.7% 141.5%
1995 49.6% 32.9% 29.8% 152.6%
1994 49.7% 51% 30.3% 163%
1993 50.5% 54% 29.4% 171.9%
1992 51.6% 45.3% 34.2% 173.6%
1991 50.3% 39.5% 34.3% 182.4%
1990 49.1% 29.1% 28.3% 189.8%
1989 52.2% 30.4% - -
1988 52.6% 30.5% - -
1987 50.5% 31.3% - -
1986 48.1% 37.8% - -
1985 44% 30.2% - -
1984 44.5% 27.8% - -
1983 46.4% 27.4% - -
1982 46.6% 29.7% - -
1981 46.1% 32.9% - -
1980 46.1% 36.8% - -
1979 47.2% 39.6% - -
1978 47.9% 49.9% - -
1977 46.5% 43.8% - -
1976 45.2% 38.5% - -
1975 43.5% 36.7% - -
1974 42.2% 35.4% - -
1973 42.3% 37.7% - -
1972 42.2% 38.9% - -
1971 40.7% 38.5% - -
1970 38.9% 38.6% - -
1969 38% 22.3% - -
1968 36.2% 22.5% - -
1967 34.9% 22.6% - -
1966 33.5% 22.4% - -
1965 32.9% 23% - -
1964 32% 24.2% - -
1963 31.9% 25.3% - -
1962 30.6% 26.7% - -
1961 20.4% 27.7% - -
1960 18% 29.8% - -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1960–1989, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

In 2025, Norway's government spending was $263B, accounting for 49.6% of its GDP, while Syria spent $17.6B, or 28.6% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 45% in Norway and 30% in Syria, ranking 117/185 and 155/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Norway

Syria
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Norway Syria
2025 9.34% -
2024 12.8% -
2023 15.9% -
2022 24.7% -
2021 9.93% -
2020 -2.46% -
2019 6.28% -
2018 7.56% -
2017 4.79% -
2016 3.91% -
2015 5.8% -
2014 8.34% -
2013 10.3% -
2012 13.4% -
2011 13% -
2010 10.6% -7.79%
2009 10% -2.89%
2008 18.3% -2.86%
2007 16.8% -2.99%
2006 17.7% -1.12%
2005 14.7% -4.41%
2004 10.8% -4.18%
2003 7.21% -2.7%
2002 9.05% -2.02%
2001 13.2% 2.3%
2000 15.1% -1.36%
1999 5.75% -1.47%
1998 3.09% -2.81%
1997 7.41% -1.78%
1996 6.05% -2.83%
1995 2.98% -3.81%
1994 0.04% -6%
1993 -1.65% -4.96%
1992 -2.08% -7.26%
1991 -0.12% -6.57%
1990 1.96% -3.92%
1989 1.81% -
1988 2.65% -
1987 4.56% -
1986 5.87% -
1985 9.84% -
1984 6.97% -
1983 6.03% -
1982 3.96% -
1981 4.82% -
1980 5.38% -
1979 2.16% -
1978 0.94% -
1977 1.01% -
1976 2.2% -
1975 2.88% -
1974 4.06% -
1973 4.99% -
1972 3.93% -
1971 3.71% -
1970 2.83% -
1969 3.57% -
1968 3.38% -
1967 4.19% -
1966 3.59% -
1965 2.78% -
1964 3.08% -
1963 2.6% -
1962 4% -
1961 -0.7% -
1960 1.42% -
1959 1.89% -
1958 1.7% -
1957 1.55% -
1956 1.22% -
1955 0.82% -
1954 -0.54% -
1953 1.3% -
1952 2.15% -
1951 1.59% -
1950 -0.89% -
1949 -0.72% -
1948 -0.35% -
1947 -4.66% -
1946 -3.82% -
1945 - -
1944 - -
1943 - -
1942 - -
1941 - -
1940 - -
1939 -0.54% -
1938 0.03% -
1937 -0.16% -
1936 -0.7% -
1935 -1.1% -
1934 -0.59% -
1933 -1.29% -
1932 -1.14% -
1931 -1.15% -
1930 -0.46% -
1929 -0.83% -
1928 -0.81% -
1927 -0.76% -
1926 -1.59% -
1925 -1.92% -
1924 -2.96% -
1923 -3.58% -
1922 -4.28% -
1921 -5.47% -
1920 -1.15% -
1919 -2.11% -
1918 -1.17% -
1917 0.2% -
1916 -0.36% -
1915 -2.04% -
1914 -1.09% -
1913 -0.9% -
1912 -0.89% -
1911 -0.05% -
1910 0.3% -
1909 -0.52% -
1908 -0.06% -
1907 0.16% -
1906 -0.59% -
1905 -0.52% -
1904 -0.75% -
1903 -1.12% -
1902 -1.52% -
1901 -1.41% -
1900 -1.99% -
1899 -1.35% -
1898 -1.39% -
1897 -0.63% -
1896 -1.57% -
1895 -1.66% -
1894 -1.13% -
1893 -1.25% -
1892 -0.94% -
1891 -0.44% -
1890 -0.2% -
1889 -0.07% -
1888 -0.23% -
1887 -0.17% -
1886 -0.2% -
1885 -0.005% -
1884 -0.08% -
1883 -0.17% -
1882 -0.62% -
1881 -1.13% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1881–1989, retrieved 2026-07-08); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

In 2010, Norway's government surplus, the difference between spending and revenue, was $46.9B, equivalent to 10.6% of GDP. This compares to Syria's deficit of $4.78B, or 7.79% of GDP.

Over the past 21 years, Norway recorded a fiscal deficit in 3 of those years, while Syria ran a deficit in 20 years. On average, Norway posted an annual surplus equal to 7.95% of GDP, compared to deficit of 3.4% of GDP for Syria.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Norway

Syria
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Norway Syria
2025 3.06% -
2024 3.15% -
2023 5.52% -
2022 5.76% -
2021 3.48% -
2020 1.29% -
2019 2.17% 13.4%
2018 2.76% 0.94%
2017 1.88% 18.1%
2016 3.55% 47.7%
2015 2.17% 38.5%
2014 2.04% 10.9%
2013 2.12% 40%
2012 0.7% 36.7%
2011 1.28% 4.75%
2010 2.42% 4.4%
2009 2.2% 2.92%
2008 3.75% 15.7%
2007 0.71% 3.91%
2006 2.33% 10%
2005 1.53% 7.24%
2004 0.45% 4.43%
2003 2.49% 5.8%
2002 1.29% -0.13%
2001 3% 3%
2000 3.09% -3.85%
1999 2.37% -3.7%
1998 2.25% -0.8%
1997 2.57% 1.89%

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1997–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

Over the past 23 years, Norway has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 2.14%, compared with 11.4% in Syria. In 2019, inflation was 3.06% in Norway and 13.4% in Syria.

Top exports between countries

Norway
Export category Export value
Metals $626K
Raw materials & minerals $557K
Chemicals & pharma $537K
Machinery & equipment $186K
Wood & paper products $40K
Textiles & consumer goods $15K
Miscellaneous $1K
Syria
Export category Export value
Processed food, beverages & tobacco $119K
Machinery & equipment $58K
Textiles & consumer goods $54K
Wood & paper products $21K
Chemicals & pharma $18K
Raw agricultural goods $9K
Miscellaneous $4K
Metals $1K
Precious metals & jewellery $1K
Raw materials & minerals $1K

Balance of trade

Norway Syria
Current account balance
$74.1B
2025
-$367M
2010
Current account balance ranking
10/190
2025
99/190
2010
Current account balance, % of GDP
+14%
2025
-0.6%
2010
Goods imports
$105B
2025
$15.9B
2010
Goods exports
$177B
2025
$12.3B
2010
Service imports
$73.9B
2025
$3.53B
2010
Service exports
$63.5B
2025
$7.33B
2010
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
33.7%
2025
28.7%
2022
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
45.4%
2025
6.78%
2022

Economic freedom indices

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

Norway Syria
Economic freedom 78.8 51.2
Economic freedom ranking 9/197 155/197
Property rights 99.6 4
Government integrity 94.3 3.6
Judicial effectiveness 96.4 3.7
Tax burden 63.3 87.3
Government spending 42 78.5
Fiscal health 96.4 13.8
Business freedom 91.2 33.8
Labor freedom 69.3 37.2
Monetary freedom 72.4 80
Trade freedom 85.6 47
Investment freedom 75 0
Financial freedom 60 20

Economic freedom comparison by year

Norway
Syria
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Norway Syria
2026 78.8 -
2025 78.3 -
2024 77.5 -
2023 76.9 -
2022 76.9 -
2021 73.4 -
2020 73.4 -
2019 73 -
2018 74.3 -
2017 74 -
2016 70.8 -
2015 71.8 -
2014 70.9 -
2013 70.5 -
2012 68.8 51.2
2011 70.3 51.3
2010 69.4 49.4
2009 70.2 51.3
2008 68.6 47.2
2007 67.9 48.3
2006 67.9 51.2
2005 64.5 46.3
2004 66.2 40.6
2003 67.2 41.3
2002 67.4 36.3
2001 67.1 36.6
2000 70.1 37.2
1999 68.6 39
1998 68 42.2
1997 65.1 43
1996 65.4 42.3

Data sources: The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1996–2026, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

The Economic Freedom Index for Norway is 78.8, ranking 9/197, compared to 51.2 for Syria, ranking 155/197. The chart above displays a comparison of annual changes in economic freedom indexes.

Other economic metrics

Norway Syria
Services, % of GDP
55%
2025
44.7%
2022
Industry, % of GDP
34.5%
2025
11.9%
2022
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
1.64%
2025
42.9%
2022
GNI, Atlas method
$546B
2025
$18.2B
2023
GNI per capita, PPP
$107,770
2025
$4,480
2023
Total reserves including gold
$85.5B
2025
$20.6B
2010
Total reserves ranking
34/177
2025
66/177
2010
Net foreign direct investment
$8.93B
2025
-$1.47B
2010
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$12.1B
2024
$0
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$5.62B
2024
$0
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI n/a
0.15%
2023
Poverty at national poverty lines
12.2%
2021
35.2%
2007
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
23.2%
2025
16%
1969

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1960–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1881–1989, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  3. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  4. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1996–2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  5. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  6. TradeMap (2010–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  7. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  8. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)

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.