This publication is based on the results of a sociological survey conducted among Syrian citizens in October 2017 with the support of St. Petersburg State University, the Center for Russian-Arab cooperation and other structures. The authors of the survey aimed to develop an objective knowledge of public opinion in the Syrian Arab Republic after the onset of the crisis, as well as to assess the migration potential of the population. About 1,300 people, distributed in all 14 provinces answering the survey questions. This allows us to obtain a detailed picture of public opinion concerning such issues as attitude to the situation as a crisis, improvement or deterioration of life in recent years, understanding of the causes of the crisis, the most difficult problems, as well as information about the desire to leave their country.As a result of the survey, an accurately identifiable view of the crisis in the country is demonstrated, the opinion of which is supported by the vast majority of respondents. Most respond