Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries (in 1 000s, May 2013)

In the wake of the protracted internal armed conflict in Syria, growing numbers of refugees, predominantly women and children, have sought refuge in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Reception conditions vary considerably, and the unabated influx of refugees is putting tremendous strain on the socio-economic and political stability of Syria’s neighbouring countries. Refugees increasingly compete with the local population for housing, scarce public goods like water and electricity, food, healthcare and education. They face considerable income-expenditure gaps resulting from high rental costs, the depletion of savings and limited job opportunities.