Country Profile: Lebanon

Lebanon, a small yet culturally rich country in the Middle East, lies at the crossroads of three continents, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Syria. Its population of approximately 5.4 million is characterized by a mosaic of ethnicities and religions, with significant Arab and Armenian communities. The economy has suffered greatly since the onset of a severe crisis in 2019, marked by hyperinflation and stagnant growth, largely impacting its once-thriving banking and trade sectors. Lebanon operates as a parliamentary democratic republic where political life is heavily influenced by sectarian dynamics.

Geography

Lebanon is located in the Middle East along the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Israel to the south and Syria to the north and east. The country encompasses an area of 10,400 sq km, with a diverse terrain that includes a narrow coastal plain and mountainous regions. The climate is Mediterranean, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The majority of the population resides along the coast, particularly in and around the capital, Beirut.

Area: 10,400 sq km
Coastline: 225 km
Natural resources: Limestone, iron ore, and water-surplus state
Elevation: Highest point at Qornet es Saouda (3,088 m)
Climate: Mediterranean with heavy winter snows in the Lebanon Mountains

People and Society

Lebanon has an estimated population of 5.36 million as of 2024. The society is diverse, with 95% identifying as Arab and a notable Armenian minority. Arabic is the official language, while French and English are also widely spoken. The religious landscape is varied, with approximately 67.8% Muslim, 32.4% Christian, and 4.5% Druze. Urbanization is significant, with around 89.4% of the population living in urban areas.

Population: 5,364,482 (2024 est.)
Urban population: 89.4%
Literacy rate: 92% (2019 est.)
Life expectancy: 79.2 years (2024 est.)
Major urban area: Beirut with 2.421 million residents (2023)

Economy

Lebanon's economy has transitioned to a lower middle-income status, grappling with hyperinflation and significant poverty rates since the economic crisis began in 2019. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $65.415 billion for 2023, with a real GDP growth rate of -0.8%. Key economic sectors include services, agriculture, and industry, though the banking sector has faced severe challenges. A large portion of household income is spent on basic needs, reflecting the country’s economic struggles.

GDP (PPP): $65.415 billion (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate: 11.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate: 221.3% (2023 est.)
Remittances: 33.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Public debt: 146.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

Government

Lebanon is a parliamentary democratic republic with a mixed legal system incorporating civil and religious laws. The government structure is characterized by a president, currently Joseph Aoun, and a prime minister, Nawaf Salam. Political representation is heavily influenced by sectarian divisions, with a National Assembly of 128 directly elected members, ensuring equal representation for Christian and Muslim communities.

Capital: Beirut
Government type: Parliamentary democratic republic
Current president: Joseph Aoun (since January 2025)
Next presidential election: Expected in 2031
National holiday: Independence Day on 22 November (1943)

Military and Security

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is responsible for the country's defense and internal security, supported by various security agencies. The military faces challenges due to economic constraints but plays a crucial role in border security and civil order. Military expenditures amount to 2.9% of GDP, with around 70,000 active personnel. The presence of non-state actors like Hizballah complicates the security landscape.

Active personnel: Approximately 70,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military service age: 18-25 years, voluntary
UNIFIL presence: Established since 1978 in southern Lebanon
Military equipment: Mostly older or secondhand

Energy

Lebanon has achieved 100% electricity access, though it struggles with generating capacity and distribution losses. The primary sources of electricity include fossil fuels, solar, and hydroelectric power, with consumption estimated at 4.077 billion kWh in 2023. The country is working towards improving its energy infrastructure to meet the demands of its population.

Installed generating capacity: 5.161 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil fuels: 52.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Per capita energy consumption: 43.105 million Btu (2023 est.)

Environment

Lebanon faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Beirut. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, indicating a commitment to addressing these issues. Urbanization impacts land use, with approximately 65.9% of its land designated for agriculture.

Urban population: 89.4% (2023)
Deforestation issues: Significant deforestation concerns
Municipal waste: 2.04 million tons annually (2024 est.)
Renewable water resources: 4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total agricultural land: 65.9% (2023 est.)

Transportation

Lebanon has a modest transportation infrastructure, featuring several airports and a limited railway system that remains largely unusable due to past conflicts. The civil aviation sector is developing, and several ports facilitate maritime trade. The transportation systems are under pressure to improve amid ongoing economic challenges.

Airports: 8 (2025)
Railways: 401 km (2017)
Merchant marine: 51 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 5 (2024)
Heliports: 27 (2025)

Communications

Lebanon's communication sector is relatively advanced, with a significant mobile and internet penetration rate. Approximately 84% of the population uses the internet, and fixed-line subscriptions have been recorded at 875,000. The media landscape includes multiple TV and radio stations, maintaining a dynamic information environment.

Internet users: 84% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile subscriptions: 4.29 million (2021 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 875,000 (2021 est.)
Broadcast media: 7 TV stations and over 30 radio stations
Broadband subscriptions: 419,000 (2022 est.)

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.
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	43.105 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Electricity Access	100%	Total population
Urban Population	89.4%	2023
Military Expenditures	2.9% of GDP	2022 est.