Lebanon - LB - LBN - LBN - Middle East

Last updated: January 05, 2026
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Lebanon Images

  • A view of the Chouf Biosphere Reserve from the Beiteddine Palace. The Chouf, the largest reserve in Lebanon, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2005. The area is home to a quarter of Lebanon’s cedar forests, with some trees estimated to be 2,000 years old. The Beiteddine (“House of Faith”) Palace resides within the Chouf Biosphere. A symbol of Ottoman-appointed governor Emir Bashir’s power and the glory of his reign, construction began on the palace in 1788 and took 30 years to complete. The palace has one of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaic collections in the eastern Mediterranean, many excavated from the ancient city of Porphyrion.

    A view of the Chouf Biosphere Reserve from the Beiteddine Palace. The Chouf, the largest reserve in Lebanon, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2005. The area is home to a quarter of Lebanon’s cedar forests, with some trees estimated to be 2,000 years old. The Beiteddine (“House of Faith”) Palace resides within the Chouf Biosphere. A symbol of Ottoman-appointed governor Emir Bashir’s power and the glory of his reign, construction began on the palace in 1788 and took 30 years to complete. The palace has one of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaic collections in the eastern Mediterranean, many excavated from the ancient city of Porphyrion.

  • The Martyr’s Monument, located in Martyr’s Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, honors the 6 May 1916 hanging of a cross-confessional group of Lebanese patriots who spoke out against the rule of Ottoman General Jamal Pasha.

    The Martyr’s Monument, located in Martyr’s Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, honors the 6 May 1916 hanging of a cross-confessional group of Lebanese patriots who spoke out against the rule of Ottoman General Jamal Pasha.

  • A rainbow graces the skyline of Kaslik, a town in the Keserwan District of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate in Lebanon. The town is a blend of old and new, with many 18th-century limestone houses and historic churches existing alongside factories and industrial plants.

    A rainbow graces the skyline of Kaslik, a town in the Keserwan District of the Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate in Lebanon. The town is a blend of old and new, with many 18th-century limestone houses and historic churches existing alongside factories and industrial plants.

  • The Bekaa Valley is a fertile farming region in eastern Lebanon. This view of the valley is looking east toward Syria.

    The Bekaa Valley is a fertile farming region in eastern Lebanon. This view of the valley is looking east toward Syria.

  • Pigeon Rocks are iconic sea stacks just offshore from Raouche, Lebanon, a residential and commercial neighborhood outside Beirut. The rocks are both approximately 60 m (196 ft) high, rising out of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Pigeon Rocks are iconic sea stacks just offshore from Raouche, Lebanon, a residential and commercial neighborhood outside Beirut. The rocks are both approximately 60 m (196 ft) high, rising out of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • The ruins of the coastal town of Byblos, 40 km (24 mi) north of Beirut, Lebanon, reflect the many civilizations that have occupied the site since fishermen first settled it 8,000 years ago. The site includes Bronze Age temples, Byzantine churches, a Crusader citadel, and structures from Medieval and Ottoman times.

    The ruins of the coastal town of Byblos, 40 km (24 mi) north of Beirut, Lebanon, reflect the many civilizations that have occupied the site since fishermen first settled it 8,000 years ago. The site includes Bronze Age temples, Byzantine churches, a Crusader citadel, and structures from Medieval and Ottoman times.

  • The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a Marian shrine and a Christian pilgrimage site in Harissa, Lebanon. Erected in 1907 and dedicated in 1908, the bronze statue weighs 11.7 metric tons (13 tons) and stands 8.5 m (27 ft) tall, stretching her hands toward nearby Beirut. The statue’s stone pedestal is nearly 20 m high (66 ft) and houses the Our Lady of the Light Chapel.

    The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a Marian shrine and a Christian pilgrimage site in Harissa, Lebanon. Erected in 1907 and dedicated in 1908, the bronze statue weighs 11.7 metric tons (13 tons) and stands 8.5 m (27 ft) tall, stretching her hands toward nearby Beirut. The statue’s stone pedestal is nearly 20 m high (66 ft) and houses the Our Lady of the Light Chapel.

  • Located in Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the Temple of Jupiter is the largest Roman temple in the world and part of the Baalbek temple complex that also includes the Temple of Bacchus. Details of the temple's construction -- who commissioned or designed it, or exactly when it was constructed -- are unknown. Work probably began around 16 B.C. and was nearly complete by about A.D. 60.

    Located in Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the Temple of Jupiter is the largest Roman temple in the world and part of the Baalbek temple complex that also includes the Temple of Bacchus. Details of the temple's construction -- who commissioned or designed it, or exactly when it was constructed -- are unknown. Work probably began around 16 B.C. and was nearly complete by about A.D. 60.

  • Located in Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the Temple of Bacchus is part of the Baalbek temple complex that also includes the Temple of Jupiter. The Temple of Bacchus is one of the best preserved and grandest of the Roman temple ruins. Details of the temple’s construction -- who commissioned or designed it, or exactly when it was constructed -- are unknown. Work likely began around 16 B.C. and was nearly complete by about A.D. 60.

    Located in Baalbek in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the Temple of Bacchus is part of the Baalbek temple complex that also includes the Temple of Jupiter. The Temple of Bacchus is one of the best preserved and grandest of the Roman temple ruins. Details of the temple’s construction -- who commissioned or designed it, or exactly when it was constructed -- are unknown. Work likely began around 16 B.C. and was nearly complete by about A.D. 60.

  • A view of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The biosphere hosts Roman rock carvings dating back to the 2nd century A.D.; an Ottoman settlement with a water mill, farms, and an olive press; and a Byzantine church that includes a mosaic. The area is home to as many as 727 flora species (26 are endemic to Lebanon) and more than 137 bird species.

    A view of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The biosphere hosts Roman rock carvings dating back to the 2nd century A.D.; an Ottoman settlement with a water mill, farms, and an olive press; and a Byzantine church that includes a mosaic. The area is home to as many as 727 flora species (26 are endemic to Lebanon) and more than 137 bird species.

  • A view of the Chouf Biosphere Reserve from the Beiteddine Palace. The Chouf, the largest reserve in Lebanon, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2005. The area is home to a quarter of Lebanon’s cedar forests, with some trees estimated to be 2,000 years old. The Beiteddine (“House of Faith”) Palace resides within the Chouf Biosphere. A symbol of Ottoman-appointed governor Emir Bashir’s power and the glory of his reign, construction began on the palace in 1788 and took 30 years to complete. The palace has one of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaic collections in the eastern Mediterranean, many excavated from the ancient city of Porphyrion.

    A view of the Chouf Biosphere Reserve from the Beiteddine Palace. The Chouf, the largest reserve in Lebanon, was designated a UNESCO Biosphere in 2005. The area is home to a quarter of Lebanon’s cedar forests, with some trees estimated to be 2,000 years old. The Beiteddine (“House of Faith”) Palace resides within the Chouf Biosphere. A symbol of Ottoman-appointed governor Emir Bashir’s power and the glory of his reign, construction began on the palace in 1788 and took 30 years to complete. The palace has one of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaic collections in the eastern Mediterranean, many excavated from the ancient city of Porphyrion.

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    Lebanon Factbook Data

    Diplomatic representation from the US

    chief of mission: Ambassador Michel ISSA (since 17 November 2025)

    embassy: Awkar facing the Municipality
    P.O. Box 70-840 Antelias, Beirut

    mailing address: 6070 Beirut Place, Washington DC  20521-6070

    telephone: [961] (04) 543-600

    FAX: [961] (4) 544-019

    email address and website:
    BeirutACS@state.gov

    https://lb.usembassy.gov/

    Age structure

    0-14 years: 18.9% (male 519,352/female 495,591)

    15-64 years: 71.6% (male 1,939,311/female 1,900,574)

    65 years and over: 9.5% (2024 est.) (male 219,880/female 289,774)
    This is the population pyramid for Lebanon. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends. <br/><br/>For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
    This is the population pyramid for Lebanon. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

    For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

    Geographic coordinates

    33 50 N, 35 50 E

    Sex ratio

    at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

    0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

    15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

    65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

    total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

    Natural hazards

    earthquakes; dust storms, sandstorms

    Area - comparative

    about one-third the size of Maryland
    <p>about one-third the size of Maryland</p>

    about one-third the size of Maryland

    Military service age and obligation

    17-25 years of age for men and women for voluntary military service; no conscription (2024)

    note: women were allowed to volunteer for military service in the 1980s; as of 2023, they comprised about 5% of the active duty military

    Background

    As a result of its location at the crossroads of three continents, the area that is modern-day Lebanon is rich in cultural and religious diversity. This region was subject to various foreign conquerors for much of its history, including the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. From it the French demarcated the region of Lebanon in 1920, and it gained independence in 1943. Lebanon subsequently experienced periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its position as a regional center for finance and trade.

    The country's 1975-90 civil war, which resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities, was followed by years of social and political instability, and sectarianism remains a key element of Lebanese political life. The Israeli defense forces, which occupied parts of Lebanon during the civil war, did not completely withdraw until 2000. Neighboring Syria influenced Lebanon's foreign and domestic policies while its military occupied Lebanon from 1976 until 2005, but its influence diminished significantly after 2005. Over 1.5 million Syrian refugees fled to Lebanon after the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. Hizballah -- a major Lebanese political party, militia, and US-designated foreign terrorist organization -- and Israel continued attacks and counterattacks against each other after Syria's withdrawal and fought a brief war in 2006. After HAMAS attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, the intensity and frequency of these cross-border attacks increased substantially into a cycle of hostilities, mostly limited to the border areas as of January 2024. Lebanon's borders with Syria and Israel remain unresolved.

    Lebanon's prosperity has significantly diminished since the beginning of the country's economic crisis in 2019, which has crippled its economy, shut down its previously lucrative banking sector, reduced the value of its currency, and caused many Lebanese to emigrate in search of better prospects.

    Environmental issues

    deforestation; soil deterioration, erosion; desertification; species loss; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills; waste-water management

    International environmental agreements

    party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

    signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

    Military expenditures

    2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
    3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
    3% of GDP (2020 est.)
    4.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
    5.1% of GDP (2018 est.)

    Exports - commodities

    jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, gold (2023)

    note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

    Exports - partners

    UAE 26%, Egypt 7%, Turkey 5%, Iraq 5%, USA 4% (2023)

    note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

    Administrative divisions

    8 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Aakkar, Baalbek-Hermel, Beqaa (Bekaa), Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord (North Lebanon), Liban-Sud (South Lebanon), Mont-Liban (Mount Lebanon), Nabatiye

    Agricultural products

    potatoes, milk, tomatoes, apples, oranges, olives, cucumbers/gherkins, chicken, lemons/limes, wheat (2023)

    note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

    Military and security forces

    Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army Command (includes Presidential Guard Brigade, Land Border Regiments), Naval Forces, Air Forces

    Ministry of Interior: General Directorate of Internal Security Forces (law enforcement; includes Mobile Gendarmerie), General Directorate for Public Security (border control, some domestic security duties) (2025)

    note: the commander of the LAF is also the head of the Army; the LAF patrols external borders, while official border checkpoints are under the authority of Directorate for General Security

    Budget

    revenues: $12.73 billion (2021 est.)

    expenditures: $11.853 billion (2021 est.)

    note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

    Capital

    name: Beirut

    geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E

    time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

    daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

    etymology: derived from the Phoenician or Hebrew word be'erot, meaning "the wells," which were the only source of water in the region

    Imports - commodities

    refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2023)

    note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

    Climate

    Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows

    Coastline

    225 km

    Constitution

    history: drafted 15 May 1926, adopted 23 May 1926

    amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic and introduced as a government bill to the National Assembly or proposed by at least 10 members of the Assembly and agreed upon by two thirds of its members; if proposed by the National Assembly, review and approval by two-thirds majority of the Cabinet is required; if approved, the proposal is next submitted to the Cabinet for drafting as an amendment; Cabinet approval requires at least two-thirds majority, followed by submission to the National Assembly for discussion and vote; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of a required two-thirds quorum of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president

    Exchange rates

    Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar -

    Exchange rates:
    89,500 (2024 est.)
    13,875.625 (2023 est.)
    1,507.5 (2022 est.)
    1,507.5 (2021 est.)
    1,507.5 (2020 est.)

    Executive branch

    chief of state: President Joseph AOUN (since 9 January 2025)

    head of government: Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM (since 8 February 2025)

    cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and the National Assembly

    election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by a qualified majority of two-thirds of Parliament members in the first round and, if needed, a two-thirds quorum of members by simple-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms); prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly

    most recent election date: 9 January 2025

    election results:
    2025:     Joseph AOUN elected president in second round; National Assembly vote - 99 of 128

    2016:     Michel AWN elected president in second round; National Assembly vote - Michel AWN (FPM) 83; the president elected in its 46th attempt on 31 October 2016

    expected date of next election: 2031

    Flag

    description: three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white (middle, double-width), and red (bottom), with a green cedar tree centered on the white band

    meaning: red stands for blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, the snow of the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree is the national symbol and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

    Independence

    22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

    Industries

    banking, tourism, real estate and construction, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating

    Judicial branch

    highest court(s): Court of Cassation or Supreme Court (organized into 8 chambers, each with a presiding judge and 2 associate judges); Constitutional Council (consists of 10 members)

    judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by Supreme Judicial Council, a 10-member body headed by the chief justice, and includes other judicial officials; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Council members appointed - 5 by the Council of Ministers and 5 by parliament; members serve 5-year terms

    subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; specialized tribunals, religious courts; military courts

    Land boundaries

    total: 484 km

    border countries (2): Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km

    Land use

    agricultural land: 65.9% (2023 est.)

    arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.)

    permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.)

    permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.)

    forest: 13.8% (2023 est.)

    other: 20.3% (2023 est.)

    Legal system

    mixed system of civil law based on the French civil code, Ottoman legal tradition, and religious laws covering personal status, marriage, divorce, and other family relations of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities

    Legislative branch

    legislature name: National Assembly (Majlis Al-Nuwwab)

    legislative structure: unicameral

    number of seats: 128 (all directly elected)

    electoral system: proportional representation

    scope of elections: full renewal

    term in office: 4 years

    most recent election date: 5/15/2022

    parties elected and seats per party: Strong Republic (19); Strong Lebanon (18); Development and Liberation (15); Loyalty to the Resistance (15); Independent Deputies (9); Democratic Gathering (8); Independents (20); Other (24)

    percentage of women in chamber: 6.3%

    expected date of next election: May 2026

    note 1: Lebanon’s constitution states that the Parliament cannot conduct regular business until it elects a president when the position is vacant 

    note 2:     seats are apportioned evenly between Christians and Muslims

    Literacy

    total population: 92% (2019 est.)

    male: 94.8% (2019 est.)

    female: 89.5% (2019 est.)

    Maritime claims

    territorial sea: 12 nm

    International organization participation

    ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

    National holiday

    Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

    Nationality

    noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

    adjective: Lebanese

    Natural resources

    limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land

    Geography - note

    smallest country in continental Asia; Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary

    Economic overview

    lower middle-income Middle Eastern economy; hyperinflation and sharp poverty increases; banks have ceased lending; economic contraction, destroyed infrastructure, and reduced consumer demand resulting from Israel-Hezbollah conflict

    Political parties

    Al-Ahbash (Association of Islamic Charitable Projects) or AICP
    Amal Movement ("Hope Movement")
    Azm Movement
    Ba’th Arab Socialist Party of Lebanon
    Free Patriotic Movement or FPM
    Future Movement Bloc or FM
    Hizballah
    Islamic Action Front or IAF
    Kata'ib Party
    Lebanese Democratic Party
    Lebanese Forces or LF
    Marada Movement
    Progressive Socialist Party or PSP
    Social Democrat Hunshaqian Party
    Syrian Social Nationalist Party or SSNP
    Tashnaq or Armenian Revolutionary Federation

    Railways

    total: 401 km (2017)

    standard gauge: 319 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge

    narrow gauge: 82 km (2017) 1.050-m gauge

    note: rail system is still unusable due to damage sustained from fighting in the 1980s and in 2006

    Suffrage

    21 years of age; authorized for all men and women regardless of religion; excludes persons convicted of felonies and other crimes or those imprisoned; excludes all military and security service personnel regardless of rank

    Terrain

    narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains

    Government type

    parliamentary democratic republic

    Country name

    conventional long form: Lebanese Republic

    conventional short form: Lebanon

    local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

    local short form: Lubnan

    former: Greater Lebanon

    etymology: derives from the Semitic root lbn, meaning "white," and probably refers to the country's snow-capped mountains

    Location

    Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria

    Map references

    Middle East

    Irrigated land

    1,040 sq km (2012)

    Diplomatic representation in the US

    chief of mission: Ambassador Nada HAMADEH (since 5 September 2025)

    chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

    telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300

    FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324

    email address and website:
    info@lebanonembassyus.org

    http://www.lebanonembassyus.org/

    consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles

    Internet users

    percent of population: 84% (2023 est.)

    Internet country code

    .lb

    Refugees and internally displaced persons

    refugees: 765,390 (2024 est.)

    IDPs: 984,514 (2024 est.)

    stateless persons: 40,000 (2024 est.)

    GDP (official exchange rate)

    $20.079 billion (2023 est.)

    note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

    Total renewable water resources

    4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

    School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

    total: 11 years (2023 est.)

    male: 12 years

    female: 11 years (2014)

    Urbanization

    urban population: 89.4% of total population (2023)

    rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

    Broadcast media

    7 TV stations, 1 of which is state-owned; more than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and cable TV services available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations (2019)

    Drinking water source

    improved:

    total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.)

    unimproved:

    total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)

    National anthem(s)

    title: "Kulluna lil-watan" (All of Us, For Our Country!)

    lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA

    history: adopted 1927
    This is an audio of the National Anthem for Lebanon. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

    Major urban areas - population

    2.421 million BEIRUT (capital) (2023)

    International law organization participation

    has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

    Physician density

    2.68 physicians/1,000 population (2020)

    Hospital bed density

    2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)

    National symbol(s)

    cedar tree

    GDP - composition, by end use

    household consumption: 136% (2023 est.)

    government consumption: 5.2% (2023 est.)

    investment in fixed capital: 1.9% (2023 est.)

    investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)

    exports of goods and services: 30.6% (2023 est.)

    imports of goods and services: -73.7% (2023 est.)

    note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

    Dependency ratios

    total dependency ratio: 50.3 (2024 est.)

    youth dependency ratio: 39 (2024 est.)

    elderly dependency ratio: 11.3 (2024 est.)

    potential support ratio: 8.8 (2024 est.)

    Citizenship

    citizenship by birth: no

    citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Lebanon

    dual citizenship recognized: yes

    residency requirement for naturalization: unknown

    Population distribution

    the majority of people live on or near the Mediterranean coast, particularly in and around the capital of Beirut

    Electricity access

    electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

    Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

    OD

    Sanitation facility access

    improved:

    total: 100% of population (2022 est.)

    unimproved:

    total: 0% of population (2022 est.)

    Ethnic groups

    Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

    note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify as Arab but rather as descendants of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians

    Religions

    Muslim 67.8% (31.9% Sunni, 31.2% Shia, smaller percentages of Alawites and Ismailis), Christian 32.4% (Maronite Catholics are the largest Christian group), Druze 4.5%, very small numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Hindus (2020 est.)

    note: data represent the religious affiliation of the citizen population (data do not include Lebanon's sizable Syrian and Palestinian refugee populations); 18 religious sects recognized

    Languages

    Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

    major-language sample(s):
    كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

    The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)

    The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
    Arabic audio sample
    French audio sample

    Imports - partners

    Switzerland 12%, China 11%, Greece 9%, Turkey 8%, Italy 6% (2023)

    note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

    Elevation

    highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

    lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

    mean elevation: 1,250 m

    Health expenditure

    10.1% of GDP (2021)

    15.5% of national budget (2022 est.)

    Military - note

    the primary responsibilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are defense against external attack, border security, protecting the country’s territorial waters, and assisting with internal security and development projects

    the LAF’s domestic security responsibilities include countering narcotics trafficking and smuggling, managing protests, conducting search and rescue, and intervening to prevent violence between rival political factions; in recent years, the military has faced a financial crisis as government debt and national economic difficulties have undercut its ability to train and fully pay and supply personnel; the UN, as well as individual countries such as France, Qatar, and the US have provided financial assistance 

    the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has operated in the southern part of the country since 1978; it has approximately 10,500 personnel assigned and includes a maritime task force; the terrorist group Hizballah maintains thousands of fighters and militia in Lebanon, primarily in the south (see Terrorist Organizations in References) (2025)

    Military and security service personnel strengths

    approximately 70,000 active Lebanese Armed Forces (2025)

    Terrorist group(s)

    Terrorist group(s): Abdallah Azzam Brigades; al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade; Asbat al-Ansar; HAMAS; Hizballah; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP); PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC)

    note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide

    Total water withdrawal

    municipal: 240 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

    industrial: 900 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

    agricultural: 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

    Waste and recycling

    municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.04 million tons (2024 est.)

    percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.)

    Average household expenditures

    on food: 37.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

    on alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

    National heritage

    total World Heritage Sites: 6 (all cultural)

    selected World Heritage Site locales: Anjar; Baalbek; Byblos; Tyre; Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab); Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli

    Child marriage

    women married by age 15: 1.4% (2016)

    women married by age 18: 6% (2016)

    Coal

    consumption: 166,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

    exports: 47 metric tons (2022 est.)

    imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

    Electricity generation sources

    fossil fuels: 52.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    solar: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    hydroelectricity: 15.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    biomass and waste: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

    Petroleum

    refined petroleum consumption: 115,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

    Currently married women (ages 15-49)

    52.4% (2019 est.)

    Remittances

    33.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
    30.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
    27.5% of GDP (2021 est.)

    note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

    Ports

    total ports: 5 (2024)

    large: 1

    medium: 1

    small: 0

    very small: 3

    ports with oil terminals: 3

    key ports: Bayrut, Sayda, Selaata, Sidon/zahrani Terminal, Tarabulus

    National color(s)

    red, white, green

    Particulate matter emissions

    23.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

    Methane emissions

    energy: 7.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)

    agriculture: 11.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    waste: 105.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    other: 0.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)

    Labor force

    1.939 million (2023 est.)

    note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

    Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

    total: 23.6% (2023 est.)

    male: 24.4% (2023 est.)

    female: 21.9% (2023 est.)

    note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

    Debt - external

    $41.936 billion (2023 est.)

    note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

    Maternal mortality ratio

    15 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

    Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

    $33.301 billion (2024 est.)
    $27.49 billion (2023 est.)
    $32.513 billion (2022 est.)

    note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

    Public debt

    146.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

    note: data cover central government debt and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment

    Unemployment rate

    11.6% (2023 est.)
    11.6% (2022 est.)
    12.7% (2021 est.)

    note: % of labor force seeking employment

    Population

    total: 5,364,482 (2024 est.)

    male: 2,678,543

    female: 2,685,939

    Carbon dioxide emissions

    17.484 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    from coal and metallurgical coke: 375,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    from petroleum and other liquids: 17.109 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

    Area

    total : 10,400 sq km

    land: 10,230 sq km

    water: 170 sq km

    Taxes and other revenues

    5.7% (of GDP) (2021 est.)

    note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

    Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

    $65.415 billion (2023 est.)
    $65.917 billion (2022 est.)
    $66.329 billion (2021 est.)

    note: data in 2021 dollars

    Airports

    8 (2025)

    Telephones - mobile cellular

    total subscriptions: 4.29 million (2021 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 77 (2021 est.)

    Inflation rate (consumer prices)

    45.2% (2024 est.)
    221.3% (2023 est.)
    171.2% (2022 est.)

    note: annual % change based on consumer prices

    Current account balance

    -$5.643 billion (2023 est.)
    -$7.265 billion (2022 est.)
    -$4.556 billion (2021 est.)

    note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

    Real GDP per capita

    $11,300 (2023 est.)
    $11,500 (2022 est.)
    $11,600 (2021 est.)

    note: data in 2021 dollars

    Broadband - fixed subscriptions

    total: 419,000 (2022 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2022 est.)

    Tobacco use

    total: 34.1% (2025 est.)

    male: 43.8% (2025 est.)

    female: 25.4% (2025 est.)

    Obesity - adult prevalence rate

    32% (2016)

    Energy consumption per capita

    43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

    Electricity

    installed generating capacity: 5.161 million kW (2023 est.)

    consumption: 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.)

    imports: 797 million kWh (2021 est.)

    transmission/distribution losses: 436.839 million kWh (2023 est.)

    Merchant marine

    total: 51 (2023)

    by type: bulk carrier 2, container ship 1, general cargo 30, oil tanker 1, other 17

    Children under the age of 5 years underweight

    5.1% (2023 est.)

    Imports

    $23.313 billion (2023 est.)
    $24.536 billion (2022 est.)
    $17.667 billion (2021 est.)

    note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

    Exports

    $11.77 billion (2023 est.)
    $12.445 billion (2022 est.)
    $9.684 billion (2021 est.)

    note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

    Heliports

    27 (2025)

    Telephones - fixed lines

    total subscriptions: 875,000 (2021 est.)

    subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2022 est.)

    Alcohol consumption per capita

    total: 1.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    beer: 0.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    wine: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    spirits: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

    Life expectancy at birth

    total population: 79.2 years (2024 est.)

    male: 77.8 years

    female: 80.7 years

    Real GDP growth rate

    -0.8% (2023 est.)
    -0.6% (2022 est.)
    -7% (2021 est.)

    note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

    Industrial production growth rate

    0.1% (2023 est.)

    note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

    GDP - composition, by sector of origin

    agriculture: 1% (2023 est.)

    industry: 2.1% (2023 est.)

    services: 42.4% (2023 est.)

    note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

    Education expenditure

    1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)

    8.6% national budget (2025 est.)

    National coat of arms

     Lebanon has had many coats of arms since declaring independence in 1943, but none were officially adopted. The current version is a variation of the national flag. Red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, purity, and mountain snow. The cedar tree is the national symbol, embodying eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity.

    Lebanon has had many coats of arms since declaring independence in 1943, but none were officially adopted. The current version is a variation of the national flag. Red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, purity, and mountain snow. The cedar tree is the national symbol, embodying eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity.
    Lebanon has had many coats of arms since declaring independence in 1943, but none were officially adopted. The current version is a variation of the national flag. Red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, purity, and mountain snow. The cedar tree is the national symbol, embodying eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity.

    Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

    the LAF's inventory is comprised of mostly older or secondhand equipment from an array of countries, such as France, Germany, Russia, and especially the US (2025)

    Gross reproduction rate

    1.07 (2025 est.)

    Net migration rate

    -18.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

    Median age

    total: 29.4 years (2025 est.)

    male: 35.6 years

    female: 36.9 years

    Total fertility rate

    2.2 children born/woman (2025 est.)

    Infant mortality rate

    total: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

    male: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births

    female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births

    Death rate

    6.23 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

    Birth rate

    16.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

    Population growth rate

    -0.77% (2025 est.)
    Sources: