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Economy of Serbia vs Syria compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank

Serbia has a GDP of $100B compared to $20B for Syria, ranking 76/197 and 134/197 by economy size, respectively.

Serbia has $42.4B in government debt (42.4% of GDP), compared to $18.4B (30% of GDP) in Syria.

Serbia vs Syria GDP by year

Serbia
Syria
1x
Year GDP, current $
Serbia Syria
2025 $99,953,324,473 -
2024 $90,088,366,320 -
2023 $81,343,999,280 $19,993,439,950
2022 $66,809,895,701 $23,737,634,644
2021 $66,159,884,073 $14,892,885,528
2020 $55,874,017,669 $12,501,503,673
2019 $53,864,693,665 $22,583,046,645
2018 $52,787,520,249 $21,497,779,248
2017 $45,972,834,714 $16,369,842,725
2016 $42,225,495,910 $12,597,854,088
2015 $41,297,410,635 $16,466,861,435
2014 $49,114,321,280 $21,502,061,466
2013 $50,455,529,604 $21,361,254,635
2012 $45,103,269,969 $43,190,318,033
2011 $51,251,098,408 $67,539,433,544
2010 $43,536,629,233 $61,390,833,273
2009 $46,955,984,410 $54,111,721,044
2008 $54,220,641,202 $52,557,913,397
2007 $44,888,028,946 $40,465,331,020
2006 $33,298,057,362 $33,751,812,959
2005 $28,334,256,181 $28,858,937,499
2004 $26,845,632,342 $25,086,910,448
2003 $23,593,044,418 $21,828,144,686
2002 $17,930,583,571 $20,786,986,580
2001 $13,599,378,662 $20,078,599,626
2000 $7,326,373,882 $18,937,031,610
1999 $20,878,694,851 $15,873,875,969
1998 $21,004,077,441 $15,200,846,154
1997 $27,153,408,995 $14,505,233,463
1996 $23,277,430,168 $13,789,560,878
1995 $17,921,892,655 $11,396,706,587
1994 - $10,122,020,000
1993 - $13,695,962,055
1992 - $13,253,565,861
1991 - $12,981,833,333
1990 - $12,308,624,418
1989 - $9,853,395,762
1988 - $10,577,041,645
1987 - $11,356,215,543
1986 - $13,293,205,278
1985 - $16,403,539,893
1984 - $17,503,078,174
1983 - $17,589,277,143
1982 - $16,298,929,011
1981 - $15,518,201,335
1980 - $13,062,420,382
1979 - $9,929,681,529
1978 - $9,275,200,458
1977 - $7,696,011,396
1976 - $7,633,528,867
1975 - $6,826,980,444
1974 - $5,159,557,148
1973 - $3,239,487,516
1972 - $3,059,681,698
1971 - $2,589,851,325
1970 - $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 (1960–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

GDP per capita in Serbia vs Syria by year

Serbia
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Syria
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Serbia Syria
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2025 $15,262 - - -
2024 $13,678 $32,832 - -
2023 $12,282 $29,777 $847 $4,650
2022 $10,025 $26,143 $1,057 $4,772
2021 $9,681 $23,406 $689 $4,593
2020 $8,099 $21,013 $594 $3,738
2019 $7,756 $20,587 $1,110 $3,502
2018 $7,560 $18,469 $1,098 $3,456
2017 $6,548 $17,285 $852 $3,265
2016 $5,982 $16,455 $656 -
2015 $5,820 $15,546 $848 -
2014 $6,887 $15,296 $1,061 -
2013 $7,040 $15,247 $986 -
2012 $6,263 $14,506 $1,898 -
2011 $7,082 $14,298 $2,952 -
2010 $5,971 $13,320 $2,731 -
2009 $6,414 $13,038 $2,462 -
2008 $7,377 $13,123 $2,429 -
2007 $6,081 $11,685 $1,938 -
2006 $4,493 $10,463 $1,719 -
2005 $3,808 $9,398 $1,534 -
2004 $3,597 $8,715 $1,368 -
2003 $3,154 $8,023 $1,220 -
2002 $2,391 $7,563 $1,190 -
2001 $1,812 $6,803 $1,178 -
2000 $975 $6,416 $1,138 -
1999 $2,769 $5,897 $978 -
1998 $2,775 $6,460 $961 -
1997 $3,574 $6,040 $941 -
1996 $3,054 $5,434 $918 -
1995 $2,349 $5,022 $780 -
1994 - - $712 -
1993 - - $993 -
1992 - - $990 -
1991 - - $1,000 -
1990 - - $978 -
1989 - - $809 -
1988 - - $898 -
1987 - - $997 -
1986 - - $1,208 -
1985 - - $1,544 -
1984 - - $1,706 -
1983 - - $1,776 -
1982 - - $1,703 -
1981 - - $1,676 -
1980 - - $1,458 -
1979 - - $1,146 -
1978 - - $1,108 -
1977 - - $951 -
1976 - - $976 -
1975 - - $904 -
1974 - - $707 -
1973 - - $459 -
1972 - - $448 -
1971 - - $393 -
1970 - - $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 (1960–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

Serbia's GDP per capita is $15,262, ranking 69/197, compared to $847 in Syria, ranking 185/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Serbia ranks 69th at $32,832, while Syria ranks 160th at $4,650.

Economic indicators

Serbia Syria
Gross domestic product
$100B
2025
$20B
2023
GDP rank
76/197
2025
134/197
2023
GDP growth
2.03%
2024-2025
-1.85%
2022-2023
GDP per capita
$15,262
2025
$847
2023
GDP per capita rank
69/197
2025
185/197
2023
GDP per capita, PPP
$32,832
2024
$4,650
2023
GDP per capita PPP rank
69/197
2024
160/197
2023
Government debt
$42.4B
2025
$18.4B
2010
Debt-to-GDP ratio
42.4%
2025
30%
2010
Government debt per person
$6,478
2025
$820
2010
Government debt per person rank
75/185
2025
150/185
2010
Average annual personal income after taxes
$12,492
2026
$693
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies
$4.06B
2011
n/a
Income share by richest 10%
24.7%
2023
20.9%
2022
Income share by poorest 10%
2.5%
2023
3.8%
2022
Government expenditure, % of GDP
43.2%
2025
28.6%
2010
Consumer prices inflation
3.89%
2024-2025
13.4%
2018-2019
Central bank interest rate
5.75%
2024
n/a
Unemployment rate
7.3%
2025
14.9%
2011
Population
6500256
26956472

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Serbia
Spending

Debt
Syria
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Serbia Syria
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2025 43.2% 42.4% - -
2024 42.2% 44.1% - -
2023 40.6% 45.7% - -
2022 41.4% 50.9% - -
2021 44.4% 53.6% - -
2020 46% 54.3% - -
2019 40.2% 49.5% - -
2018 39% 51.1% - -
2017 38.5% 55.3% - -
2016 40.3% 65% - -
2015 41% 67.1% - -
2014 42.9% 63.5% - -
2013 40.6% 61.2% - -
2012 43.3% 58% - -
2011 40% 46% - -
2010 41.2% 42.4% 28.6% 30%
2009 41.1% 35.3% 26.7% 31.2%
2008 43.7% 29.4% 22.9% 37.3%
2007 40.6% 30% 25.7% 42.7%
2006 41.3% 37% 26.3% 45%
2005 38.9% 50.1% 28.2% 50.7%
2004 37.8% 57.6% 31.3% 113%
2003 37.6% 64.4% 32.6% 133.4%
2002 38.6% 68.4% 28.5% 132.4%
2001 30.5% 95.9% 28% 144.5%
2000 28% 200.6% 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 (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

In 2025, Serbia's government spending was $43.2B, accounting for 43.2% of its GDP, while Syria spent $17.6B, or 28.6% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 42.4% in Serbia and 30% in Syria, ranking 123/185 and 155/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Serbia

Syria
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Serbia Syria
2025 -2.21% -
2024 -1.73% -
2023 -1.21% -
2022 -0.14% -
2021 -3.16% -
2020 -6.91% -
2019 -0.004% -
2018 0.78% -
2017 1.32% -
2016 -1.08% -
2015 -3.25% -
2014 -5.61% -
2013 -4.79% -
2012 -6.11% -
2011 -3.75% -
2010 -3.35% -7.79%
2009 -3.3% -2.89%
2008 -4.25% -2.86%
2007 -0.8% -2.99%
2006 -0.9% -1.12%
2005 1.02% -4.41%
2004 0.06% -4.18%
2003 -2.39% -2.7%
2002 -2.33% -2.02%
2001 0.32% 2.3%
2000 -0.15% -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 (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08).

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

In 2010, Serbia's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $1.46B, equivalent to 3.35% of GDP. This compares to Syria's deficit of $4.78B, or 7.79% of GDP.

Over the past 11 years, Serbia recorded a fiscal deficit in 8 of those years, while Syria ran a deficit in 10 years. On average, Serbia posted an annual deficit equal to 1.46% of GDP, compared to deficit of 2.73% of GDP for Syria.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Serbia

Syria
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Serbia Syria
2025 3.89% -
2024 4.67% -
2023 12.4% -
2022 12% -
2021 4.09% -
2020 1.58% -
2019 1.85% 13.4%
2018 1.96% 0.94%
2017 3.13% 18.1%
2016 1.12% 47.7%
2015 1.39% 38.5%
2014 2.08% 10.9%
2013 7.69% 40%
2012 7.33% 36.7%
2011 11.1% 4.75%
2010 6.14% 4.4%
2009 8.12% 2.92%
2008 12.4% 15.7%
2007 6.39% 3.91%
2006 11.7% 10%
2005 16.1% 7.24%
2004 11% 4.43%
2003 9.88% 5.8%
2002 19.5% -0.13%
2001 95% 3%
2000 71.1% -3.85%
1999 42.5% -3.7%
1998 30.2% -0.8%
1997 23.3% 1.89%

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

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

Over the past 23 years, Serbia has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 17.4%, compared with 11.4% in Syria. In 2019, inflation was 3.89% in Serbia and 13.4% in Syria.

Top exports between countries

Serbia
Export category Export value
Metals $1.28M
Processed food, beverages & tobacco $524K
Textiles & consumer goods $391K
Raw materials & minerals $303K
Chemicals & pharma $61K
Machinery & equipment $19K
Raw agricultural goods $10K
Miscellaneous $2K
Syria
Export category Export value
Textiles & consumer goods $2.54M
Raw agricultural goods $279K
Wood & paper products $6K
Precious metals & jewellery $2K

Balance of trade

Serbia Syria
Current account balance
-$4.9B
2025
-$367M
2010
Current account balance ranking
164/190
2025
99/190
2010
Current account balance, % of GDP
-4.9%
2025
-0.6%
2010
Goods imports
$44B
2025
$15.9B
2010
Goods exports
$36.7B
2025
$12.3B
2010
Service imports
$14.6B
2025
$3.53B
2010
Service exports
$17.2B
2025
$7.33B
2010
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
58.6%
2025
28.7%
2022
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
54.3%
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.

Serbia Syria
Economic freedom 65 51.2
Economic freedom ranking 68/197 155/197
Property rights 57.2 4
Government integrity 37.2 3.6
Judicial effectiveness 50.1 3.7
Tax burden 88 87.3
Government spending 48.2 78.5
Fiscal health 94.3 13.8
Business freedom 73.6 33.8
Labor freedom 61.8 37.2
Monetary freedom 73 80
Trade freedom 76.6 47
Investment freedom 70 0
Financial freedom 50 20

Economic freedom comparison by year

Serbia
Syria
1x
Year Economic freedom index
Serbia Syria
2026 65 -
2025 64.4 -
2024 62.7 -
2023 63.5 -
2022 65.2 -
2021 67.2 -
2020 66 -
2019 63.9 -
2018 62.5 -
2017 58.9 -
2016 62.1 -
2015 60 -
2014 59.4 -
2013 58.6 -
2012 58 51.2
2011 58 51.3
2010 56.9 49.4
2009 56.6 51.3
2008 - 47.2
2007 - 48.3
2006 - 51.2
2005 - 46.3
2004 - 40.6
2003 43.5 41.3
2002 46.6 36.3
2001 - 36.6
2000 - 37.2
1999 - 39
1998 - 42.2
1997 - 43
1996 - 42.3

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

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

The Economic Freedom Index for Serbia is 65, ranking 68/197, 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

Serbia Syria
Services, % of GDP
59.7%
2025
44.7%
2022
Industry, % of GDP
22.3%
2025
11.9%
2022
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
3.29%
2025
42.9%
2022
GNI, Atlas method
$88.3B
2025
$18.2B
2023
GNI per capita, PPP
$31,780
2025
$4,480
2023
Total reserves including gold
$34.2B
2025
$20.6B
2010
Total reserves ranking
55/177
2025
66/177
2010
Net foreign direct investment
-$2.6B
2025
-$1.47B
2010
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$5.59B
2024
$0
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$661M
2024
$0
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI
12.2%
2024
0.15%
2023
Poverty at national poverty lines
19.7%
2023
35.2%
2007
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
23.4%
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/serbia/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) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  3. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (1996–2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  4. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  5. TradeMap (2010–2025, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-07-08)
  7. 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.