Syria, with a population of 17 million, has one of theworld’s fastest population growth rates. Almost half of all Syrian are under the age of fifteen. Syrians are well-educated by Middle Eastern standards, and great strides have been made in reducing illiteracy, especially in urban areas and among males. Over 50% of the population live in cities and urban migration has been rapid in recent years.

Arabic in the first language of 85 to 90 percent of the population. As for foreign languages, the older generation often speaks some French, while English is widely understood among the younger and middle-aged groups.

Around 25% of Syria's total population are estimated to be economically active, creating a labor force of 3.75 million people in 1996. Fifty percent of the total workforce is employed in urban areas. Only 11% of the urban workforce are women, compared to around 22% in Syria's smaller towns and villages.