Syria

A Hunger and Refugee Crisis

After more than 15 years of conflict, millions of Syrians still face hunger. Ongoing economic challenges, displacement and damaged infrastructure continue to make recovery difficult for families across the country.

Make a difference in Syria

Fighting Hunger With Innovation

Iris Scans

Cash, vouchers and e-cards can be lost, stolen, or forged, putting recipients at risk. This technology allows Syrian refugees to safely purchase food from camp supermarkets using a scan of their eye instead.

Truck Convoys

WFP’s trucks reach hungry families in need, carrying hundreds of thousands of pounds of lifesaving food. The trucks carry large bags of food, nutritional supplements and other supplies to hard-to-reach communities.

Bakeries

Bread is a staple food and a powerful cultural symbol in Syria and a cornerstone of WFP’s response. By supplying fortified wheat flour to bakeries, WFP ensures affordable bread for families facing extreme hunger.

Greenhouses

Greenhouses are being rebuilt and farmers have been provided with tomato seeds and irrigation kits, as well as with food rations to get through the lean season before their tomato harvests are complete.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan

More than 340,000 Syrian refugees are registered with UNHCR in Jordan, and many continue to rely on humanitarian assistance as they work to rebuild their lives and secure their futures. Humanitarian needs remain high both inside Syria and across the region.

You can make a difference by learning about the crisis, raising awareness and joining the movement to end global hunger.

Hunger Stats

Syria remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. More than 15 million people need humanitarian assistance, and millions remain displaced despite increasing returns to communities across the country. After years of conflict, economic hardship and damaged infrastructure, families continue to face high levels of food insecurity as they work to rebuild their lives.

7.2M

7.2 million people are facing extreme hunger in Syria.

5.5M

5.5 million people are internally displaced.

5.8M

WFP supported 5.8 million people in 2025.

Syria Facts

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Population: 24.4 million

Background: Syria has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. Today, the country stands at a pivotal moment as communities work to rebuild and recover after years of conflict.

Geography & Climate: Syria’s landscape includes fertile river valleys, mountain ranges, deserts and a Mediterranean coastline. The country’s climate varies by region, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers along the coast, while inland areas experience hotter temperatures, lower rainfall and more arid conditions.

Economy: Syria’s economy was historically driven by agriculture, industry and trade. Years of conflict, economic instability and damage to critical infrastructure have weakened livelihoods across the country, leaving many households struggling to afford food and other basic necessities.

War and Disasters Drive Hunger

Dec 2024

In December 2024, armed opposition captured cities including Damascus and the government was overthrown. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, worsening an already dire food security situation. WFP immediately scaled up its emergency food assistance programs to reach 2.8 million displaced and food-insecure people across Syria.

Feb 6, 2023

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hits northwest Syria where 4.1 million people survive almost entirely on humanitarian aid. The region is largely inaccessible due to destroyed infrastructure and harsh winter weather. WFP is delivering hot and ready-to-eat meals to families affected by the earthquake.

Mar 2022

After 11 years of conflict, Syrian families are being forced to choose between buying food, fuel or medicine. Basic meals were already beyond their reach when war erupted in Ukraine, triggering a collateral wave of hunger and driving up food prices. Despite the challenges, WFP distributes lifesaving food to 5.6 million people every month. This assistance includes 1.3 million people in the northwest via the cross-border operation from Turkey.

Mar 2021

After a decade of conflict, the situation is the worst it’s ever been. 12.4 million Syrians are hungry, and 6.7 million people are displaced within their country’s borders. With the number of COVID-19 cases and food prices rising, families are struggling to survive each day. In January, WFP reached nearly 5 million people with lifesaving food, and ramped up support for vulnerable mothers and children.

Dec 2019

Escalating levels of conflict displaced nearly 1 million people across northwest Syria starting in early December. It was the largest wave of displacement in nearly nine years of conflict. More than 80% of the displaced were women and children. In February, WFP scaled up its work in the area to reach 626,000 people with monthly food rations and another 487,000 newly displaced people with ready-to-eat rations that can feed a family of five for one week.

Mar 1, 2011

Protests erupt in Syria and the government responds with suppression. Opposition groups form and the Syrian civil war begins.

How WFP Is Supporting Syrians

The World Food Programme (WFP) reaches Syria’s most vulnerable families with the food they need to overcome hunger. In 2025, WFP reached 5.8 million people with food assistance, nutrition support, school meals and programs that help communities rebuild their livelihoods.

Emergency Food

WFP does whatever it takes to reach people in Syria with lifesaving food assistance. WFP provides families with foods like rice, beans, oil and wheat to prevent them from slipping further into severe levels of hunger.

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Nutritional Support

WFP helps kids to get the best possible start in life and supports pregnant and nursing mothers to prevent and fight malnutrition. They provide over 300,000 children under 2 and women with nutrient-rich foods.

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School Meals

WFP provides 460,000 schoolchildren with fortified date bars, fresh meals and cash-based assistance. School meals are an essential safety net that provide children with the nutrition they need.

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Syria

A Hunger and Refugee Crisis

Fighting Hunger With Innovation

Iris Scans

Truck Convoys

Bakeries

Greenhouses

The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan

Hunger Stats

Syria Facts

War and Disasters Drive Hunger

How WFP Is Supporting Syrians

Latest News From Syria

WFP scales back food assistance in Syria amid funding shortfalls