Lebanon
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 5
Currency
💱 Lebanese pound
Languages
🗣️ Arabic, French
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Lebanese Republic
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Lebanese
Independence
November 22, 1943 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.lb
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+961
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Beirut
ISO Alpha-2
LB
ISO Alpha-3
LBN
UN Code
422
Geographic Coordinates
33.83333333,35.83333333
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
10,452#169 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
5,895,466#116 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
564.37
Highest Point (m)
3,088 meters (Qurnat as Sawda)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Mediterranean Sea)
Land Use
Approximately 21% arable land
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,000 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
225 km
Climate
Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters; hot, dry summers
Natural Resources
Limestone, iron ore, salt, water
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Israel, Syria
Major Rivers
Litani River, Orontes River
Major Lakes
There are no major natural lakes in Lebanon.
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
8 governorates (mohafazat)
Legal System
Based on French civil law, Ottoman-influenced religious courts for personal status matters.
Chief of State
President
Head of Government
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Elections for Parliament occur every four years.
Judicial Branch
Several courts, including courts of first instance, appeal courts, and a Court of Cassation.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (Chamber of Deputies)
Major Political Parties
Various, reflecting sectarian and political divisions; include Future Movement, Free Patriotic Movement, Hezbollah, Lebanese Forces.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Lebanese pound
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
25.97#122 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
69.19#121 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4,473.27#143 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.05
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.63
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
35.73
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
14.6#14 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
1,837,294
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
10.99#33 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1999)Checked September 29, 2026
128.64
Budget
The Lebanese budget is significantly impacted by economic challenges; specific details fluctuate considerably.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.06#127 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
15.3#105 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign currency reserves are low due to economic crisis.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online from various financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Key sectors include services, industry, and agriculture, although precise contribution percentages are currently difficult to determine.
Major Industries
Major industries include banking, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, though all are impacted by the economic situation.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include China, Italy, and Greece.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
92.01#95 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
16
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6
Net Migration Rate
Lebanon currently experiences net emigration.
Median Age
The median age in Lebanon is approximately 32 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
90.96#31 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
77.9#70 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Lebanon is relatively low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.57
Ethnic Groups
The population is primarily composed of Lebanese, with small numbers of Armenian and Palestinian refugees.
Religions
Lebanon has a diverse religious landscape, with significant populations of Muslims (Shia and Sunni), Christians (various denominations), and Druze.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Arabic, French
Education
Education System
The Lebanese education system comprises public and private schools. Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 14. French and English are commonly used as languages of instruction alongside Arabic.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (1985)Checked September 29, 2026
10.3
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education varies, often impacted by economic instability. It has fluctuated over time as a percentage of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University, Saint Joseph University of Beirut.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Lebanese culture is a rich blend of Eastern and Western influences. It emphasizes hospitality, family, and a strong sense of national identity. Art, music, and cuisine are central to its cultural expression.
National Holidays
Independence Day, New Year's Day, Labor Day, Easter, Christmas, and various religious holidays.
Popular Music
Popular music includes Arabic pop, classical Arabic music, and Western influences. Fairuz is a highly celebrated singer.
Traditional Food
Popular dishes include mezze, hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and man'ouche.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Other sports include basketball and various water sports. Skiing is also practiced.
Major Festivals
Beirut International Film Festival, Baalbek International Festival, and various religious and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Famous People
Khalil Gibran (writer, artist), Fairuz (singer), Shakira (singer, though of Lebanese descent), Elie Saab (fashion designer).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Byblos, Tyre, Baalbek, and Tripoli are historical cities with significant cultural heritage.
UNESCO Sites
Tyre, Baalbek, Byblos, Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God, and Rachid Karami International Fair.
Annual Tourist Visits
Variable depending on the security situation, but historically significant, with millions of annual visitors before the crises.
Tourism Overview
Tourism has historically been a significant part of the economy, although it has been impacted by political instability. Focuses on historical sites, beaches, and cultural experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions
Byblos, Baalbek, Jeita Grotto, Roman ruins, and Beirut city attractions.
Famous Cities
Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, and Baalbek.
National Parks
Limited national parks and protected areas.
Protected Areas
Several protected areas, including nature reserves and forests, but conservation efforts face challenges.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality. Generally, visas are required for entry.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories often recommend caution due to security concerns, political instability, and regional conflicts.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Lebanon's healthcare quality index varies depending on the specific facility.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the type of care received.
Number of Hospitals
Lebanon has a network of hospitals across the country, but the precise number fluctuates.
Universal Healthcare
Lebanon has a mixed healthcare system. Public healthcare is available but often underfunded, while private healthcare is more accessible and of higher quality. A significant portion of the population relies on private insurance.
Medical Services Overview
Lebanon offers both public and private healthcare services.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available in urban areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
140
Emergency Number (Fire)
175
Crime Rate
Moderate. Petty crime and property theft are concerns, particularly in urban areas.
Safety Index
Moderate. Political instability and regional conflicts contribute to security concerns.
Military Expenditure
Significant as a percentage of GDP, due to regional instability.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services face resource constraints and infrastructure challenges. Response times can be slow.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), including Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent power outages. Access is not universal.
Water Access
Access to potable water is variable, with significant issues in supply and distribution. Water scarcity is a concern.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation infrastructure is lacking, particularly in rural areas. Sewage treatment is limited.
Railways
Lebanon's railway system is largely defunct; some lines exist but are not in regular use.
Roadways
Road network is limited, with congestion in urban areas. Significant portions are in need of repair.
Transportation System
The transportation system relies heavily on private vehicles, taxis, and buses. Public transportation is limited.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), Rene Mouawad Air Base (KYE)
Ports
Key ports include Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon. Beirut is the main port, handling most of the country's imports and exports.
Public Transit
Public transit is limited and underdeveloped. Buses and shared taxis (service taxis) are the primary modes of transport.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
80.63#107 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile penetration.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in Beirut, focused on software and digital services.
Innovation Index
Relatively low innovation index compared to developed countries.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple private and state-owned TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations, broadcasting in various languages.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.9#117 of 202
Air Quality Index
Poor air quality, especially in urban areas due to traffic, industry, and power generation.
Water Pollution Level
High levels of water pollution from untreated sewage, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff, impacting coastal areas and rivers.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage; primarily solar projects are increasing, but significant reliance on fossil fuels remains.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, inadequate waste management, coastal degradation, and loss of biodiversity.
Natural Hazards
Frequent earthquakes, sandstorms, and potential for droughts.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to open dumping, pollution, and health hazards. Garbage crisis a recurring issue.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and ozone layer protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Arab League
Major Treaties
Part of various treaties on trade, human rights, and other international topics.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access to a limited number of countries.