Country Profile: Lebanon

Lebanon, located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Asia, and Europe, is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity, shaped by a tumultuous history of foreign influence and conflict. The population, estimated at over 5.3 million in 2024, is predominantly Arab, with significant religious plurality, including Muslims and Christians. Lebanon's economy, once prosperous and a center for finance and trade, is now grappling with hyperinflation and crippling poverty exacerbated by years of political instability since the civil war and ongoing economic crises beginning in 2019. The country's governance operates as a parliamentary democratic republic, reflecting a complex political landscape influenced by sectarian affiliations.

Geography

Lebanon is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Syria, covering an area of approximately 10,400 square kilometers. The terrain features a narrow coastal plain with mountains, including the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges. The country has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, and experiences natural hazards such as earthquakes and sandstorms.

Elevation: Highest point at 3,088 m (Qornet es Saouda)
Coastline length: 225 km
Population distribution: Majority live near the Mediterranean coast, especially Beirut.
Natural resources: Includes limestone, iron ore, and arable land.
Irrigated land: Approximately 1,040 sq km (2012).

People and Society

Lebanon has an estimated population of 5,364,482 in 2024, with a near-equal gender distribution. The population largely identifies as Arab (95%), with a notable Armenian minority. The country recognizes 18 different religious sects, with Muslims making up the majority (67.8%) and Christians 32.4%. Lebanon is marked by urbanization, with about 89.4% of its population living in urban areas.

Median age: 29.4 years (2025 est.)
Literacy rate: 92% (2019 est.)
Life expectancy: 79.2 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate: 16.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Urban population: Approximately 2.421 million in Beirut (2023).

Economy

The economy of Lebanon is categorized as lower middle-income, facing hyperinflation and increasing poverty rates since the onset of its financial crisis in 2019. In 2023, the GDP (PPP) was about $65.415 billion, with a negative growth rate of -0.8%. The economy is heavily reliant on the services sector, which constituted roughly 42.4% of GDP in 2023.

Unemployment rate: 11.6% (2023 est.)
Gross domestic product per capita: Approximately $11,300 (2023 est.)
Remittances: Accounted for 33.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exports: Totaled $11.77 billion (2023 est.)
Imports: Reached $23.313 billion (2023 est.)

Government

Lebanon operates as a parliamentary democratic republic. The President and Prime Minister play significant roles in governance, with the latest presidential election occurring in January 2025. The government structure is complicated by sectarian power-sharing arrangements. The National Assembly, with 128 seats, employs a proportional representation electoral system.

Independence: Achieved on 22 November 1943.
Suffrage: Legal voting age is 21 years.
Legislative term: Members serve for 4 years.
Administrative divisions: The country is divided into 8 governorates.

Military and Security

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are responsible for national defense and internal security, with approximately 70,000 active personnel as of 2025. Military expenditures account for around 2.9% of GDP. The LAF faces challenges from various internal and external threats, including the militant group Hizballah.

Military service age: Voluntary from 18 to 25 years.
Military equipment: Comprised largely of older systems from various countries including the US and France.
UN Peacekeeping: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has a significant presence.

Energy

Lebanon has achieved 100% electrification of its population as of 2022. The country's energy generation heavily relies on fossil fuels, though it has started integrating renewable energy sources like solar.

Electricity consumption: Approximately 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.).
Installed generating capacity: About 5.161 million kW (2023 est.).
Energy consumption per capita: 43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Lebanon faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and waste management issues. The urbanization rate has been marked by a decline, and the country participates in various international environmental agreements.

Carbon dioxide emissions: Estimated at 17.484 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Total renewable water resources: Approximately 4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Municipal solid waste generated: Estimated 2.04 million tons annually (2024 est.).

Transportation

Lebanon's transportation infrastructure includes air, rail, and maritime systems, though the rail network remains non-operational due to past conflicts. The country has multiple airports and a growing merchant marine sector.

Airports: 8 operating airports (2025).
Merchant marine: 51 vessels in total (2023).
Road network: Significant but often damaged by conflict-related issues.

Communications

Lebanon has a well-established communication infrastructure with high mobile and internet penetration rates, where around 84% of the population were internet users in 2023.

Fixed-line subscriptions: Approximately 875,000 (2021).
Mobile subscriptions: About 4.29 million (2021).
Broadcast media: Includes 7 TV stations and over 30 radio stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,364,482	2024 estimate
Area	10,400 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$65.415 billion	2023 estimate
Energy consumption	4.077 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Birth rate	16.73 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment rate	11.6%	2023 estimate
Life expectancy	79.2 years	2024 estimate