Country Profile: Lebanon
Lebanon is a small country located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Syria, known for its rich cultural and religious diversity. It has a population of approximately 5.36 million, with significant urban concentration in cities like Beirut. The economy, once robust due to Lebanon's financial services and trade, has faced severe challenges since 2019, resulting in hyperinflation and increased poverty. Governed as a parliamentary democratic republic, Lebanon's political landscape is complex, heavily influenced by sectarian divisions and external pressures.
Geography
Lebanon is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Syria. It has a total area of 10,400 square kilometers, characterized by a narrow coastal plain and mountainous terrain. The country experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Notably, Lebanon has 225 kilometers of coastline and the El Beqaa Valley separating its two main mountain ranges.
- 10,400 sq km - Total area
- 225 km - Coastline
- 3,088 m - Highest point (Qornet es Saouda)
- 484 km - Total land boundaries
- 65.9% - Agricultural land use (2023 estimate)
People and Society
With an estimated population of 5.36 million in 2024, Lebanon is home to a diverse society predominantly composed of Arab (95%) and Armenian (4%) ethnic groups. Arabic is the official language, alongside French and English, reflecting the country’s historical ties. The population is religiously diverse, with approximately 67.8% Muslims and 32.4% Christians. Urbanization is high, with 89.4% of the population living in urban areas, particularly around Beirut.
- 5.36 million - Total population (2024 estimate)
- 92% - Literacy rate (2019 estimate)
- 79.2 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
- 18.9% - Population aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate)
- 36.3 years - Median age (2024 estimate)
Economy
Lebanon's economy is classified as lower middle-income, marked by hyperinflation and poverty increases. The country's GDP in purchasing power parity was approximately $65.4 billion in 2023, but economic contraction has resulted from ongoing crises. Key industries include banking, tourism, and agriculture, though the financial sector has been crippled in recent years. The unemployment rate hovers around 11.6%, with substantial emigration for better opportunities.
- $65.4 billion - Real GDP (PPP, 2023 estimate)
- 11.6% - Unemployment rate (2023 estimate)
- -0.8% - Real GDP growth rate (2023 estimate)
- $20.08 billion - GDP (official exchange rate, 2023 estimate)
- 33.3% - Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023 estimate)
Government
Lebanon is a parliamentary democratic republic with a complex governance structure influenced by its sectarian demographics. The capital city is Beirut, and the political system is characterized by a mixed legal framework combining civil law and religious laws. The government faces significant challenges, including political instability and economic crisis, but conducts regular elections, with the most recent presidential election occurring in January 2025.
- President Joseph AOUN - Chief of state (since 2025)
- Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM - Head of government (since 2025)
- 128 - Seats in the National Assembly
- 21 years - Voting age
- Independence - Achieved on 22 November 1943
Military and Security
Lebanon's military is composed primarily of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which is tasked with national defense and internal security. The LAF consists of approximately 70,000 active personnel. Military spending has fluctuated and is estimated at 2.9% of GDP. The country faces ongoing security challenges, including cross-border conflicts and the presence of various armed groups.
- 70,000 - Active military personnel (2025 estimate)
- 2.9% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2022 estimate)
- 17-25 years - Age range for voluntary military service
- UNIFIL - Peacekeeping presence since 1978
Energy
Lebanon has achieved full electrification for its population, with installed electricity generation capacity at 5.161 million kW. The energy mix includes a significant portion of renewable sources, primarily solar. The country continues to face challenges related to energy supply and infrastructure.
- 100% - Electrification rate (2022 estimate)
- 5.161 million kW - Installed generating capacity (2023 estimate)
- 4.077 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)
- 52.6% - Total capacity from fossil fuels (2023 estimate)
Environment
Lebanon grapples with numerous environmental issues, including deforestation, air and water pollution, and waste management challenges. The country's rich biodiversity is threatened by urbanization and industrial activities, necessitating stronger environmental regulations and practices.
- 15% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate)
- 17.484 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023 estimate)
- 4.503 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2022 estimate)
Transportation
Lebanon’s transportation infrastructure includes several airports, heliports, and a merchant marine fleet. However, its rail system remains largely unusable due to damage from historical conflicts. The major ports, such as Bayrut and Tripoli, play a critical role in trade.
- 8 - Number of airports (2025 estimate)
- 51 - Total merchant marine vessels (2023 estimate)
- 401 km - Total railway length (2017 estimate)
Communications
Lebanon has a well-established telecommunications network, with a high percentage of internet usage among its population. The country has multiple television and radio stations, both state-owned and private.
- 84% - Internet penetration rate (2023 estimate)
- 4.29 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021 estimate)
- 875,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021 estimate)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,364,482 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 10,400 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $65.415 billion | 2023 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 11.6% | 2023 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 79.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electric Capacity | 5.161 million kW | 2023 estimate |
| CO2 Emissions | 17.484 million metric tons | 2023 estimate |
| Total Area of Agricultural Land | 65.9% | 2023 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 92% | 2019 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 2.9% | Of GDP (2022 estimate) |
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