First-level divisions of Syria: population and official figures
Syria is divided into 14 first-level divisions. The largest by population is Aleppo with 4,160,000 people (22.6% of the total); the smallest is Al-Qunaytirah with 69,000. Population figures are World Bank estimates from its Subnational Population database, which ends in 2016; the country's own statistics office publishes later figures.
Who governs Syria's first-level divisions?
Governorates (14): Governor appointed by the President (under both the old and transitional systems). Heads security and state services; a 2025 ministerial decision delegated wide administrative and financial powers to governors.
How local power works in Syria · Level 5: devolved and state governments worldwide
All 14 first-level divisions, largest first
| # | First-level division | Population | Year | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleppo | 4,160,000 | 2016 | 22.6% |
| 2 | Damascus City | 2,338,000 | 2016 | 12.7% |
| 3 | Damascus | 1,596,000 | 2016 | 8.7% |
| 4 | Homs | 1,573,000 | 2016 | 8.5% |
| 5 | Hama | 1,424,000 | 2016 | 7.7% |
| 6 | Hassakeh | 1,311,000 | 2016 | 7.1% |
| 7 | Idleb | 1,294,000 | 2016 | 7.0% |
| 8 | Dayr-Az-Zor | 1,033,000 | 2016 | 5.6% |
| 9 | Lattakia | 905,000 | 2016 | 4.9% |
| 10 | Dara | 867,000 | 2016 | 4.7% |
| 11 | Raqqa | 816,000 | 2016 | 4.4% |
| 12 | Tartous | 721,000 | 2016 | 3.9% |
| 13 | As-Suweida | 322,000 | 2016 | 1.7% |
| 14 | Al-Qunaytirah | 69,000 | 2016 | 0.4% |
Cities: the largest cities of Syria.
More on Syria: official statistics · government and power · local power
Sources
- World Bank: Subnational Population database (World Bank DataBank source 50), SP.POP.TOTL, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 b835583e3a28…)
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