Syrian Pound flag

Syrian Pound

ليرة سورية

Currency Code

SYP

ISO 760

Symbol

SYP

Native: ل.س

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

SY

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: pound

Symbol: ل.س

Minor Unit

Name: piastre

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

ل.س50ل.س100ل.س200ل.س500ل.س1000ل.س2000ل.س5000

Coins

Frequently Used

ل.س1ل.س2ل.س5ل.س10ل.س25

Plural Forms

English Plural

Syrian pounds

Native Plural

ليرات سورية

Overview

The Syrian Pound is the currency of Syria, managed by the Central Bank of Syria. The currency has collapsed dramatically since 2011 due to ongoing conflict, international sanctions, and economic isolation.

Economy

  • Syria is a member of Arab League (suspended 2011-2023), OIC.
  • Main industries include: Petroleum, Textiles, Food processing, Beverages, Tobacco, Phosphate rock mining, Cement, Oil seeds crushing, Car assembly.
  • Syria is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are machinery, transport equipment, electric power machinery, food, livestock, metal products, chemicals, plastics, yarn, paper.
  • Major exports include crude oil, petroleum products, fruits, vegetables, cotton fiber, textiles, clothing, meat, live animals, wheat.
  • GDP: $8.9 billion (2022 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $401 (2022 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 50% (2017 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 139% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, China, Iran.
  • Trade agreements: Limited due to sanctions, Regional bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Turkish lira, Egyptian pound (briefly).
  • The Syrian pound was introduced in 1919 during the French mandate, replacing the Turkish lira. It has experienced severe devaluation since 2011.
  • 1919: Syrian pound introduced during French mandate
  • 1946: Independence from France
  • 1958-1961: United Arab Republic period
  • 1973: Yom Kippur War economic impact
  • 2011: Civil war begins, currency collapse starts
  • 2020: Caesar Act sanctions imposed
  • Exchange rate peg: Various historical pegs.
  • Exchange rate peg: Severely devalued free float.

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: SYP
  • Symbols: SYP/ل.س
  • Currency Subunits: 100 piastres
  • Central Bank: Central Bank of Syria
  • Monetary Policy: Limited monetary policy effectiveness due to conflict and sanctions. Multiple exchange rate systems in operation.
  • Bills: 50 SYP, 100 SYP, 200 SYP, 500 SYP, 1000 SYP, 2000 SYP, 5000 SYP
  • Coins: 1 pound, 2 pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 25 pounds
  • USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 7500-8000 SYP per USD, multiple rates)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: Damascus
  • Population: 22,125,249 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 185,180 km²
  • Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French, English
  • Time Zones: UTC+2 (Eastern European Time)
  • Government Type: Presidential republic
  • Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
  • Independence: April 17, 1946 (from League of Nations mandate)
  • Ethnic Groups: Arab 87%, Kurdish 9.7%, Armenian 2.5%, Other 0.8%
  • Religions: Muslim 87% (Sunni 74%, Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia 13%), Christian 10%, Druze 3%
  • Literacy Rate: 86% (2015 est.)
  • Transport: Damascus International Airport, limited functioning due to conflict, railway system partially operational
  • Communications: Limited telecommunications, 34% internet penetration, disrupted infrastructure
  • Energy: Natural gas 46%, Oil 28%, Hydroelectric 26%
  • Countries Using This Currency: Syria
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Syria (limited functionality), Economic Data: Syrian Central Bureau of Statistics (limited), World Bank estimates, IMF, Trade Data: Limited official data available, Demographic Data: Syrian Central Bureau of Statistics (pre-war data), Geographic Data: Syrian Meteorological Department, Historical Data: Central Bank archives (limited access)
  • Last Updated: 2025