Country Profile: Lebanon

Lebanon, a small yet culturally diverse country located at the crossroads of three continents, boasts a rich history shaped by various invasions and influences. It gained independence from French mandate rule in 1943, often balancing periods of turmoil with prosperity, particularly as a financial and trade hub. However, since 2019, Lebanon has faced a severe economic crisis that has drastically impacted its banking sector and led to significant emigration. The country continues to grapple with sectarian politics and regional conflicts, particularly involving its border with Israel and the presence of Syrian refugees.

Geography

Lebanon is situated in the Middle East, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, and Syria. The nation covers an area of approximately 10,400 square kilometers, characterized by a narrow coastal plain and mountain ranges that include the Lebanon Mountains. Its climate is Mediterranean, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

• 225 km of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
• 4 main land borders: Israel (81 km) and Syria (403 km).
• 10.2% of land designated as arable land (2022 est.).
• Home to 33.9% of the population living in agricultural areas (2022 est.).

People and Society

Lebanon has an estimated population of 5,364,482 (2024 est.), with a diverse demographic split predominantly between Arabs (95%) and Armenians (4%). The country is characterized by a rich tapestry of religious affiliations, with approximately 67.8% of the population being Muslim and 32.4% Christian. Urbanization is high, with around 89.4% of the population living in urban areas, particularly around the capital, Beirut.

• 36.3 years: median age of the population (2024 est.).
• 12.6 births/1,000 population: birth rate (2024 est.).
• 79.2 years: life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• Literacy rate stands at 93% overall (2018 est.).

Economy

Lebanon's economy is classified as lower middle-income, still reeling from hyperinflation and the devastation of its banking sector since 2019. The GDP in 2023 is estimated at $20.079 billion, with a per capita GDP of $11,300. The economy is primarily service-oriented, though agriculture contributes minimally.

• 221.3%: inflation rate in 2023 (est.).
• 11.6%: unemployment rate (2023 est.).
• 33.3%: remittances as a proportion of GDP (2023 est.).
• -0.8%: projected real GDP growth rate for 2023 (est.).

Government

Lebanon operates as a parliamentary democratic republic, with its capital in Beirut. The political landscape is fragmented along sectarian lines, and it has a mixed legal system influenced by civil law and religious laws. The legislative body, the National Assembly, consists of 128 members directly elected with equal representation for Christians and Muslims.

• President Joseph AOUN elected on 9 January 2025.
• Next National Assembly elections are expected in May 2026.
• Mixed legal system with civil, Ottoman, and religious laws.
• 8 governorates are present in the country.

Military and Security

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are responsible for national defense and internal security, with an active personnel count of approximately 70,000 as of 2025. However, financial constraints have hampered military capabilities. The country is also impacted by ongoing tensions with Israel and the presence of various militant groups.

• Military expenditure accounted for 2.9% of GDP in 2022 (est.).
• The LAF is tasked with border security and countering narcotics trafficking.
• The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operates in southern Lebanon since 1978.

Energy

Lebanon has achieved full electricity access, with a generating capacity of 5.161 million kW in 2023. The country relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, although renewable sources are gaining ground.

• 100% electrification of the population (2022 est.).
• 4.077 billion kWh: total electricity consumption in 2023.
• 52.6% of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels (2023 est.).
• Carbon dioxide emissions reached 17.484 million metric tonnes in 2023.

Environment

Lebanon faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and soil erosion. The government is a party to various international environmental agreements but struggles with effective implementation.

• 66.4% of land is used for agriculture (2022).
• Major urban areas with high pollution levels, particularly Beirut.
• 8% of municipal solid waste recycled annually (2014 est.).

Transportation

Lebanon possesses a mixed transport infrastructure, including roads, a rail system (though largely inoperative), and several airports. The road network is critical for domestic travel and trade.

• 8 airports are operational as of 2025.
• 401 km of railways, but largely unusable due to historical conflicts.
• The country has a merchant marine fleet of 51 vessels (2023).

Communications

Lebanon's communication sector has seen growth, particularly in mobile and internet usage. Approximately 84% of the population are internet users.

• 4.29 million mobile subscriptions in 2021.
• 875,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).
• 419,000 broadband fixed subscriptions as of 2022.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,364,482	2024 est.
Area	10,400 sq km
GDP (Official Exchange Rate)	$20.079 billion	2023 est.
Energy Consumption	4.077 billion kWh	2023 est.
Birth Rate	12.6 births/1,000 people	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	11.6%	2023 est.
Life Expectancy at Birth	79.2 years	2024 est.
Electricity Access	100%	2022 est.
Inflation Rate	221.3%	2023 est.
Military Expenditure	2.9% of GDP	2022 est.