The Economist named Syria its country of the year for 2025, citing what it described as the greatest improvement by any nation over the past year. The decision, published in the magazine’s December 18 issue, marks a striking reversal for a country long defined by war, repression and isolation.
The designation comes only years after the same publication repeatedly ranked Assad-ruled Damascus, among the world’s worst cities to live in, based on security, infrastructure and quality of life. Syria’s selection follows the collapse of Assad’s government in December 2024 and the formation of a transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The Economist said Syria stood out in a turbulent global year because of the scale of change after more than 13 years of conflict and dictatorship.
After the Fall of Assad
The magazine said the war in Syria killed over 500,000 people forcing over six million to flee the country. It also noted that Assad’s forces used chemical weapons and barrel bombs against civilians, contributing to Syria’s international isolation.
Assad and his inner circle fled the country on December 8, 2024, when revolutionary forces liberated the country. The Economist said that when it assessed Syria last year, fears dominated that the country could slide into chaos or that its new leadership would impose a rigid religious system.
“In reality, none of that happened,” the magazine wrote. It reported that women are not required to cover themselves or stay home, entertainment is permitted and alcohol remains legal. The publication said Sharaa maintained national unity, built relations with the US and Gulf states and benefited from eased Western sanctions that helped the economy begin to recover.
Cautious Optimism Amid Ongoing Risks
The Economist stressed that Syria’s challenges remain severe. It cited killings by local militias in coastal areas and Suwayda that left about 2,000 people dead. Still, the magazine said Syria in 2025 is “much happier and more peaceful” than it was a year earlier, with fear no longer dominating daily life. About 3 million Syrians have returned home, a development the publication described as a vote of confidence in the country’s direction. “Life is not easy, but it is fairly normal for most people,” The Economist said.
The selection came amid wars in Gaza and Sudan, noting that while other countries showed progress, including Canada, Moldova, South Korea and Brazil, none matched Syria’s scale of change. Argentina, The Economist’s country of the year for 2024, was a close competitor after sharp economic reforms cut inflation and poverty. Still, the magazine concluded that Syria’s turnaround, however incomplete, warranted recognition. The Economist selects its country of the year based on improvement rather than wealth or power. For 2025, it said, Syria best fit that measure.
