Lebanon

World Book Index

Introduction

Lebanon, a country steeped in history and cultural richness, emerged from the shadows of World War I when France assumed a mandate over the northern region of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. In 1920, the French delineated the boundaries of Lebanon, which would later gain independence in 1943. This small yet strategically significant nation has faced numerous challenges, including unresolved border disputes with Syria and Israel, which continue to shape its geopolitical landscape and influence its domestic and foreign policies.

Neighboring countries

Israel - Syria

Geography

Area
Total: 10,400 sq km
Land: 10,230 sq km
Water: 170 sq km

Lebanon is a small country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by its diverse topography that includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, and fertile valleys. The total area of Lebanon is 10,400 sq km, with 10,230 sq km of land and 170 sq km of water. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate, featuring mild to cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The Lebanon Mountains, which run parallel to the coast, are known for their heavy winter snowfall, contributing to the region's water resources. Lebanon is also notable for its natural resources, including limestone, iron ore, and arable land, positioning it as a water-surplus state in a region often facing water scarcity.

People and Society

Population
Total: 5,364,482 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

Languages
Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian

Religions
Muslim 67.8% (31.9% Sunni, 31.2% Shia, smaller percentages of Alawites and Ismailis), Christian 32.4% (Maronite Catholics are the largest Christian group), Druze 4.5%, very small numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Hindus (2020 estimated)

Population growth rate
0.61% (2024 estimated)

Lebanon's population is estimated at 5,364,482 in 2024, reflecting a diverse society composed predominantly of Arabs (95%), with significant Armenian (4%) and other minority groups (1%). The official language is Arabic, but French, English, and Armenian are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's historical ties and cultural influences. The religious landscape is equally complex, with Muslims constituting 67.8% of the population, divided between Sunni and Shia sects, while Christians make up 32.4%, predominantly Maronite Catholics. The Druze community accounts for 4.5%, alongside very small numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Hindus. This rich tapestry of ethnicities and religions contributes to Lebanon's vibrant culture but also presents challenges in terms of social cohesion and political stability, particularly in light of its historical sectarian tensions. The population growth rate stands at 0.61%, indicating a gradual increase in demographic pressures.

Government

Government type
Parliamentary democratic republic

Capital
Name: Beirut

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Joseph AOUN (since 9 January 2025)
Head of government: Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM (since 8 February 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Nada HAMADEH (since 5 September 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa A. JOHNSON (since 6 February 2025)

Lebanon operates as a parliamentary democratic republic, with a political system that emphasizes the importance of sectarian representation. The capital city, Beirut, serves as the political and economic hub of the country. The executive branch is led by President Joseph AOUN, who has been in office since January 9, 2025, and Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM, who took office on February 8, 2025. The government structure is designed to ensure a balance of power among the various religious and ethnic groups, although this has often led to political gridlock and challenges in governance. Lebanon maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, represented by Ambassador Lisa A. JOHNSON since February 6, 2025, and its own ambassador to the US, Nada HAMADEH, who has been in position since September 5, 2025.

Economy

Economic overview
Lower middle-income Middle Eastern economy; hyperinflation and sharp poverty increases; banks have ceased lending; economic contraction, destroyed infrastructure, and reduced consumer demand resulting from Israel-Hezbollah conflict

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$65.415 billion (2023 estimated)
$65.917 billion (2022 estimated)
$66.329 billion (2021 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$11,300 (2023 estimated)
$11,500 (2022 estimated)
$11,600 (2021 estimated)

Exports
$11.77 billion (2023 estimated)
$12.445 billion (2022 estimated)
$9.684 billion (2021 estimated)

Exports - partners
UAE 26%, Egypt 7%, Turkey 5%, Iraq 5%, USA 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, gold (2023)

Imports
$23.313 billion (2023 estimated)
$24.536 billion (2022 estimated)
$17.667 billion (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
Switzerland 12%, China 11%, Greece 9%, Turkey 8%, Italy 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2023)

Lebanon's economy is classified as a lower middle-income economy, grappling with significant challenges such as hyperinflation and a sharp increase in poverty levels. The banking sector has largely ceased lending, exacerbating the economic contraction that has been further intensified by the destruction of infrastructure and reduced consumer demand, largely attributed to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. In terms of economic output, the Real GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $65.415 billion in 2023, a slight decrease from $65.917 billion in 2022 and $66.329 billion in 2021. The Real GDP per capita stands at $11,300 for 2023, reflecting the economic hardships faced by the population. Exports are estimated at $11.77 billion in 2023, with key partners including the UAE (26%), Egypt (7%), Turkey (5%), Iraq (5%), and the USA (4%). Major export commodities include jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, and gold. Conversely, imports are projected at $23.313 billion in 2023, with Switzerland (12%), China (11%), Greece (9%), Turkey (8%), and Italy (6%) being the primary sources. The country imports refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, and garments, highlighting its reliance on foreign goods amidst ongoing economic turmoil.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.752, ranking it 102nd out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 157th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 2.707. (more information)