Lebanon
Lebanese Republic
Middle East Beirut
Population
5.36M
Area
10,400 km²
GDP
$20.08B
GDP Per Capita
$11,300
Pop. Density
516/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
ل.لLebanese pound(LBP)
Calling Code
+961
Timezone
UTC+02:00
Languages
Arabic, French
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Lebanese
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.
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.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↓8.8% since 2006$22B (2006)$20B (2023)
Population
↑22.2% since 20064.8M (2006)5.8M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 77.8 years2006: 75.7 years2023: 77.8 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography17
Location
Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria
Geographic coordinates
33 50 N, 35 50 E
Map references
Middle East
Area
total : 10,400 sq km
land: 10,230 sq km
water: 170 sq km
land: 10,230 sq km
water: 170 sq km
Area - comparative
about one-third the size of Maryland
Land boundaries
total: 484 km
border countries: Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km
border countries: Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km
Coastline
225 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate
Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows
Terrain
narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains
Elevation
highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,250 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
mean elevation: 1,250 m
Natural resources
limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land
Land use
agricultural land
65.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.)
forest
13.8% (2023 est.)
other
20.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1,040 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
the majority of people live on or near the Mediterranean coast, particularly in and around the capital of Beirut
Natural hazards
earthquakes; dust storms, sandstorms
Geography - note
smallest country in continental Asia; Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary
People & Society35
Population
total: 5,364,482 (2024 est.)
male: 2,678,543
female: 2,685,939
male: 2,678,543
female: 2,685,939
Nationality
noun: Lebanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Lebanese
adjective: Lebanese
Ethnic groups
Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
Languages
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.
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.
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.)
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)
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)
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.)
youth dependency ratio: 39 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 29.4 years (2025 est.)
male: 35.6 years
female: 36.9 years
male: 35.6 years
female: 36.9 years
Population growth rate
-0.77% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
16.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.23 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-18.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the majority of people live on or near the Mediterranean coast, particularly in and around the capital of Beirut
Urbanization
urban population: 89.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.421 million BEIRUT (capital) (2023)
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.)
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.)
Maternal mortality ratio
15 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 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
male: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 79.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 77.8 years
female: 80.7 years
male: 77.8 years
female: 80.7 years
Total fertility rate
2.2 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.07 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total: total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 10.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.68 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
32% (2016)
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.)
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.)
Tobacco use
total: 34.1% (2025 est.)
male: 43.8% (2025 est.)
female: 25.4% (2025 est.)
male: 43.8% (2025 est.)
female: 25.4% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5.1% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.4% (2019 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.4% (2016)
women married by age 18: 6% (2016)
women married by age 18: 6% (2016)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 8.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 8.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 92% (2019 est.)
male: 94.8% (2019 est.)
female: 89.5% (2019 est.)
male: 94.8% (2019 est.)
female: 89.5% (2019 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2014)
male: 12 years
female: 11 years (2014)
Government24
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
Government type
parliamentary democratic republic
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
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
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
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
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
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
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
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
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Lebanon
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: unknown
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
consulate(s) general
Detroit, New York, Los Angeles
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
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
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, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Independence
22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)
National holiday
Independence Day, 22 November (1943)
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
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
National symbol(s)
cedar tree
National color(s)
red, white, green
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.
National anthem(s)
title: "Kulluna lil-watan" (All of Us, For Our Country!)
lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA
history: adopted 1927
lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA
history: adopted 1927
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
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
Economy29
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
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $65.415 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $65.917 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $66.329 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $65.917 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $66.329 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2023: -0.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: -0.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2021: -7% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: -0.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2021: -7% (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $11,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $11,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $11,600 (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $11,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $11,600 (2021 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$20.079 billion (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 45.2% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 221.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 171.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 221.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 171.2% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1% (2023 est.)
industry: 2.1% (2023 est.)
services: 42.4% (2023 est.)
industry: 2.1% (2023 est.)
services: 42.4% (2023 est.)
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.)
Agricultural products
potatoes, milk, tomatoes, apples, oranges, olives, cucumbers/gherkins, chicken, lemons/limes, wheat (2023)
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
Industrial production growth rate
0.1% (2023 est.)
Labor force
1.939 million (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2023: 11.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 11.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2021: 12.7% (2021 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 11.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2021: 12.7% (2021 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 23.6% (2023 est.)
male: 24.4% (2023 est.)
female: 21.9% (2023 est.)
male: 24.4% (2023 est.)
female: 21.9% (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 37.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 33.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 30.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 27.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 30.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 27.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $12.73 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $11.853 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures: $11.853 billion (2021 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 146.8% of GDP (2017 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
5.7% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$5.643 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.265 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$4.556 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.265 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$4.556 billion (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.77 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $12.445 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $9.684 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $12.445 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $9.684 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
UAE 26%, Egypt 7%, Turkey 5%, Iraq 5%, USA 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, gold (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $23.313 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $24.536 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $17.667 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $24.536 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $17.667 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Switzerland 12%, China 11%, Greece 9%, Turkey 8%, Italy 6% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $33.301 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $27.49 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $32.513 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $27.49 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $32.513 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $41.936 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
89,500 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
13,875.625 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
1,507.5 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1,507.5 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
1,507.5 (2020 est.)
Energy6
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 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.)
consumption: 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 797 million kWh (2021 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 436.839 million kWh (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.)
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.)
Coal
consumption: 166,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 47 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 47 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 115,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 875,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 4.29 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 77 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 77 (2021 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)
Internet country code
.lb
Internet users
percent of population: 84% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 419,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2022 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OD
Airports
8 (2025)
Heliports
27 (2025)
Railways
total: 401 km (2017)
standard gauge: 319 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 82 km (2017) 1.050-m gauge
standard gauge: 319 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 82 km (2017) 1.050-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 51 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 2, container ship 1, general cargo 30, oil tanker 1, other 17
by type: bulk carrier 2, container ship 1, general cargo 30, oil tanker 1, other 17
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
Military & Security6
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)
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)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019: 4.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military Expenditures 2018: 5.1% of GDP (2018 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019: 4.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military Expenditures 2018: 5.1% of GDP (2018 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 70,000 active Lebanese Armed Forces (2025)
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)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2026)
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)
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)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 765,390 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 984,514 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 40,000 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 984,514 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 40,000 (2024 est.)