Country Profile: Lebanon

Lebanon is a small country located at the crossroads of the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Syria, and Israel. It has a population of approximately 5.4 million, characterized by a rich tapestry of ethnic and religious diversity. Despite its historical significance as a financial and trade hub, Lebanon's economy has suffered severe setbacks since 2019, leading to widespread poverty and emigration. The governance system is a parliamentary democratic republic, but political instability and sectarianism continue to pose challenges.

Geography

Lebanon’s geographical landscape includes a narrow coastal plain, mountain ranges, and a climate characterized by Mediterranean conditions, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The country spans an area of about 10,400 square kilometers, with a coastline of 225 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea.

• 10,400 sq km: Total area of Lebanon
• 225 km: Length of the coastline
• 13.8% (2023 est.): Percentage of forested land
• 1,250 m: Mean elevation
• 65.9%: Agricultural land composition
• 484 km: Total land boundaries shared with Israel and Syria

People and Society

Lebanon has a diverse demographic profile with an estimated population of about 5.36 million as of 2024, predominantly Arab (95%) and a significant Christian minority (32.4%). The country exhibits a high urbanization rate with nearly 89.4% of the population living in urban areas, particularly in cities like Beirut.

• 5.36 million (2024 est.): Total population
• 89.4%: Urban population proportion
• 92% (2019 est.): Literacy rate
• 79.2 years (2024 est.): Life expectancy at birth
• 2.2 children/woman (2025 est.): Total fertility rate
• 18.9%: Percentage of population aged 0-14 years
• 67.8%: Muslim population percentage

Economy

Lebanon's economy is currently classified as lower middle-income and is facing a severe economic crisis with hyperinflation and increased poverty levels. The economy has contracted significantly, with banking services virtually paralyzed, and many citizens fleeing for better opportunities abroad.

• $65.415 billion (2023 est.): Real GDP (PPP)
• -0.8% (2023 est.): Real GDP growth rate
• 11.6% (2023 est.): Unemployment rate
• 42.4%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
• 33.3% of GDP (2023 est.): Remittances proportion
• 221.3% (2023 est.): Inflation rate
• $20.079 billion (2023 est.): GDP at official exchange rate

Government

Lebanon is governed as a parliamentary democratic republic with a unique political structure influenced by its sectarian diversity. The President and Prime Minister are key political figures, elected under established constitutional protocols.

• Joseph AOUN: President (since January 2025)
• Nawaf SALAM: Prime Minister (since February 2025)
• 128: Seats in the National Assembly
• 21 years: Minimum voting age
• 8: Administrative divisions (governorates)
• 22 November 1943: Independence Day

Military and Security

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) play a crucial role in national security, including border protection and internal stability. They face significant challenges due to financial crises impacting their operational effectiveness.

• 70,000: Active personnel in the Lebanese Armed Forces (2025)
• 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.): Military expenditures
• 18-25 years: Age for voluntary military service
• UNIFIL: Operates in southern Lebanon since 1978 for peacekeeping
• Primarily: LAF equipped with older or secondhand military technology
• No conscription: Voluntary military service only

Energy

Lebanon has achieved full electrification, yet the energy sector is marked by inefficiencies and a reliance on fossil fuels, with solar energy representing a growing part of the energy mix.

• 100% (2022 est.): Electrification of total population
• 5.161 million kW (2023 est.): Installed electricity generating capacity
• 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.): Total electricity consumption
• 52.6%: Fossil fuel contribution to total installed capacity (2023)
• 31%: Solar energy contribution to capacity (2023)
• 43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.): Energy consumption per capita

Environment

Lebanon faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and air and water pollution. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements to address these issues.

• 15% (2022 est.): Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled
• 240 million cubic meters (2022 est.): Municipal water withdrawal
• 4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.): Total renewable water resources
• 23.8 micrograms/m³: Airborne particulate matter (2019)
• 17.484 million metric tons (2023 est.): Total carbon dioxide emissions

Transportation

Lebanon's transportation infrastructure includes a mix of air, land, and sea transport, although challenges exist due to past conflicts affecting rail and some road systems.

• 8: Total airports (2025)
• 51: Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 5: Major ports, including Beirut
• 401 km: Length of railways (non-operational due to conflict damage)
• 27: Heliports (2025)

Communications

Lebanon has a burgeoning telecommunications sector, with widespread mobile and internet access, though infrastructure improvements are still needed.

• 4.29 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021)
• 84% (2023 est.): Internet usage rate
• 875,000: Fixed-line subscriptions (2021)
• 419,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,364,482	(2024 est.)
Area	10,400 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$65.415 billion	(2023 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.6%	(2023 est.)
Inflation Rate	221.3%	(2023 est.)
Life Expectancy	79.2 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	92%	(2019 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.9% of GDP	(2022 est.)
Electrification	100%	(2022 est.)
Urban Population	89.4%	(2023)