Syria
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
10 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
17 / 100
Not Free
Political rights and civil liberties in Syria are severely compromised by one of the world’s most repressive regimes and by other belligerent forces in an ongoing civil war. The regime prohibits genuine political opposition and harshly suppresses freedoms of speech and assembly. Corruption, enforced disappearances, military trials, and torture are rampant in government-controlled areas.
Research & Recommendations
Syria
Not Free
10
100
| PR Political Rights | -2 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 12 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
5
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Under longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, genuine political opposition was prohibited and freedoms of speech and assembly were harshly suppressed. Following the outbreak of a brutal civil war in 2011, political rights and civil liberties in Syria were even further compromised both by the regime and by other belligerent forces. A military offensive led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) prompted the Assad regime’s sudden collapse in December 2024. While ethnic and sectarian violence and other serious problems have persisted after new transitional authorities took power, there has been greater freedom for journalistic and civil society activities, and a more permissive environment for private expression.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
10
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
17
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 22,130,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
Yes
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
