This paper tests the relationship between economic growth and human development using annual data from Syria for the period 1970-2000. This period is chosen for two reasons; firstly because of its political and economic homogeneity which is conductive to arrive at accurate results and secondly because the significant changes in the Syrian government's policies in the fields of education and health like the opining for the first time of private universities and open learning programs and the involvement of the private sector in providing health services and health insurance.