World · permanent entity record · LE

Lebanon

Thirty-second orientation

Lebanon at a glance

Capital: Beirut; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 5,849,421; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 10,400 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Lebanese (singular and plural); adjective: Lebanese; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: parliamentary democratic republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Lebanon through time

1945-10-24
Admitted to the United Nations
Lebanon became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	5,849,421World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 5,364,482 (2024 est.) male: 2,678,543 female: 2,685,939CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-08

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $26.0 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $4,473; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 77.9 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 91.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 80.6%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Beirut; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 10,400 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 5,849,421; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Lebanese pounds (LBP); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Lebanese (singular and plural); adjective: Lebanese; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: parliamentary democratic republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1945-10-24; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Middle East.”
Coastline: 225 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
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 est.) note: data represent the religious affiliation of the citizen population (data do not include Lebanon's sizable Syrian and Palestinian refugee populations); 18 religious sects recognized; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, white, green; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: cedar tree; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Qornet es Saouda · 10,131 ft (3,088 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-08Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-08 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: As a result of its location at the crossroads of three continents, the area that is modern-day Lebanon is rich in cultural and religious diversity. This region was subject to various foreign conquerors for much of its history, including the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. From it the French demarcated the region of Lebanon in 1920, and it gained independence in 1943. Lebanon subsequently experienced periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its position as a regional center for finance and trade. The country's 1975-90 civil war, which resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities, was followed by years of social and political instability, and sectarianism remains a key element of Lebanese political life. The Israeli defense forces, which occupied parts of Lebanon during the civil war, did not completely withdraw until 2000. Neighboring Syria influenced Lebanon's foreign and domestic policies while its military occupied Lebanon from 1976 until 2005, but its influence diminished significantly after 2005. Over 1.5 million Syrian refugees fled to Lebanon after the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. Hizballah -- a major Lebanese political party, militia, and US-designated foreign terrorist organization -- and Israel continued attacks and counterattacks against each other after Syria's withdrawal and fought a brief war in 2006. After HAMAS attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, the intensity and frequency of these cross-border attacks increased substantially into a cycle of hostilities, mostly limited to the border areas as of January 2024. Lebanon's borders with Syria and Israel remain unresolved. Lebanon's prosperity has significantly diminished since the beginning of the country's economic crisis in 2019, which has crippled its economy, shut down its previously lucrative banking sector, reduced the value of its currency, and caused many Lebanese to emigrate in search of better prospects.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Geographic coordinates: 33 50 N, 35 50 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Map references: Middle East; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Area: total : 10,400 sq km land: 10,230 sq km water: 170 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Area - comparative: about one-third the size of Maryland; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Land boundaries: total: 484 km border countries (2): Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Coastline: 225 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Terrain: narrow coastal plain; El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Elevation: highest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,250 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Natural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, arable land; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 65.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.) forest: 13.8% (2023 est.) other: 20.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Irrigated land: 1,040 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Population distribution: the majority of people live on or near the Mediterranean coast, particularly in and around the capital of Beirut; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Natural hazards: earthquakes; dust storms, sandstorms; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Geography - note: smallest country in continental Asia; Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

People and Society35 fields

Population: total: 5,364,482 (2024 est.) male: 2,678,543 female: 2,685,939; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Nationality: noun: Lebanese (singular and plural) adjective: Lebanese; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Ethnic groups: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1% note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify as Arab but rather as descendants of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
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 est.) note: data represent the religious affiliation of the citizen population (data do not include Lebanon's sizable Syrian and Palestinian refugee populations); 18 religious sects recognized; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.9% (male 519,352/female 495,591) 15-64 years: 71.6% (male 1,939,311/female 1,900,574) 65 years and over: 9.5% (2024 est.) (male 219,880/female 289,774); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 50.3 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 39 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 11.3 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 8.8 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Median age: total: 29.4 years (2025 est.) male: 35.6 years female: 36.9 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Population growth rate: -0.77% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Birth rate: 16.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Death rate: 6.23 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Net migration rate: -18.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Population distribution: the majority of people live on or near the Mediterranean coast, particularly in and around the capital of Beirut; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 89.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Major urban areas - population: 2.421 million BEIRUT (capital) (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 15 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.2 years (2024 est.) male: 77.8 years female: 80.7 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.07 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Drinking water source: total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Health expenditure: 10.1% of GDP (2021) 15.5% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Physician density: 2.68 physicians/1,000 population (2020); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Sanitation facility access: total: 100% of population (2022 est.) total: 0% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 32% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 1.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Tobacco use: total: 34.1% (2025 est.) male: 43.8% (2025 est.) female: 25.4% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 5.1% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 52.4% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 1.4% (2016) women married by age 18: 6% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Education expenditure: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 8.6% national budget (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Literacy: total population: 92% (2019 est.) male: 94.8% (2019 est.) female: 89.5% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 11 years (2023 est.) male: 12 years female: 11 years (2014); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Environment11 fields

Environmental issues: deforestation; soil deterioration, erosion; desertification; species loss; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills; waste-water management; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 65.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.) forest: 13.8% (2023 est.) other: 20.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 89.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 17.484 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 375,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 17.109 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 23.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Methane emissions: energy: 7.9 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 11.8 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 105.3 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 0.7 kt (2019-2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.04 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 240 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 900 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Total renewable water resources: 4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Government24 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Lebanese Republic conventional short form: Lebanon local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah local short form: Lubnan former: Greater Lebanon etymology: derives from the Semitic root lbn, meaning "white," and probably refers to the country's snow-capped mountains; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Government type: parliamentary democratic republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Capital: name: Beirut geographic coordinates: 33 52 N, 35 30 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: derived from the Phoenician or Hebrew word be'erot, meaning "the wells," which were the only source of water in the region; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Administrative divisions: 8 governorates (mohafazat, singular - mohafazah); Aakkar, Baalbek-Hermel, Beqaa (Bekaa), Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord (North Lebanon), Liban-Sud (South Lebanon), Mont-Liban (Mount Lebanon), Nabatiye; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Legal system: mixed system of civil law based on the French civil code, Ottoman legal tradition, and religious laws covering personal status, marriage, divorce, and other family relations of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Constitution: history: drafted 15 May 1926, adopted 23 May 1926 amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic and introduced as a government bill to the National Assembly or proposed by at least 10 members of the Assembly and agreed upon by two thirds of its members; if proposed by the National Assembly, review and approval by two-thirds majority of the Cabinet is required; if approved, the proposal is next submitted to the Cabinet for drafting as an amendment; Cabinet approval requires at least two-thirds majority, followed by submission to the National Assembly for discussion and vote; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of a required two-thirds quorum of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Lebanon dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: unknown; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Suffrage: 21 years of age; authorized for all men and women regardless of religion; excludes persons convicted of felonies and other crimes or those imprisoned; excludes all military and security service personnel regardless of rank; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph AOUN (since 9 January 2025) head of government: Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM (since 8 February 2025) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and the National Assembly election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by a qualified majority of two-thirds of Parliament members in the first round and, if needed, a two-thirds quorum of members by simple-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms); prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly most recent election date: 9 January 2025 election results: 2025: Joseph AOUN elected president in second round; National Assembly vote - 99 of 128 2016: Michel AWN elected president in second round; National Assembly vote - Michel AWN (FPM) 83; the president elected in its 46th attempt on 31 October 2016 expected date of next election: 2031; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: National Assembly (Majlis Al-Nuwwab) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 128 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 5/15/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Strong Republic (19); Strong Lebanon (18); Development and Liberation (15); Loyalty to the Resistance (15); Independent Deputies (9); Democratic Gathering (8); Independents (20); Other (24) percentage of women in chamber: 6.3% expected date of next election: May 2026 note 1: Lebanon’s constitution states that the Parliament cannot conduct regular business until it elects a president when the position is vacant note 2: seats are apportioned evenly between Christians and Muslims; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Court of Cassation or Supreme Court (organized into 8 chambers, each with a presiding judge and 2 associate judges); Constitutional Council (consists of 10 members) judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by Supreme Judicial Council, a 10-member body headed by the chief justice, and includes other judicial officials; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Council members appointed - 5 by the Council of Ministers and 5 by parliament; members serve 5-year terms subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; specialized tribunals, religious courts; military courts; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Political parties: Al-Ahbash (Association of Islamic Charitable Projects) or AICP Amal Movement ("Hope Movement") Azm Movement Ba’th Arab Socialist Party of Lebanon Free Patriotic Movement or FPM Future Movement Bloc or FM Hizballah Islamic Action Front or IAF Kata'ib Party Lebanese Democratic Party Lebanese Forces or LF Marada Movement Progressive Socialist Party or PSP Social Democrat Hunshaqian Party Syrian Social Nationalist Party or SSNP Tashnaq or Armenian Revolutionary Federation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nada HAMADEH (since 5 September 2025) chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300 FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324 email address and website: info@lebanonembassyus.org http://www.lebanonembassyus.org/ consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, Los Angeles; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michel ISSA (since 17 November 2025) embassy: Awkar facing the Municipality P.O. Box 70-840 Antelias, Beirut mailing address: 6070 Beirut Place, Washington DC 20521-6070 telephone: [961] (04) 543-600 FAX: [961] (4) 544-019 email address and website: BeirutACS@state.gov https://lb.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Independence: 22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 22 November (1943); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Flag: description: three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white (middle, double-width), and red (bottom), with a green cedar tree centered on the white band meaning: red stands for blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, the snow of the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree is the national symbol and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National symbol(s): cedar tree; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National color(s): red, white, green; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National coat of arms: Lebanon has had many coats of arms since declaring independence in 1943, but none were officially adopted. The current version is a variation of the national flag. Red stands for the blood shed for liberation, and white for peace, purity, and mountain snow. The cedar tree is the national symbol, embodying eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Kulluna lil-watan" (All of Us, For Our Country!) lyrics/music: Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA history: adopted 1927; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 6 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Anjar; Baalbek; Byblos; Tyre; Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab); Rachid Karami International Fair-Tripoli; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Economy29 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $65.415 billion (2023 est.) $65.917 billion (2022 est.) $66.329 billion (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Real GDP growth rate: -0.8% (2023 est.) -0.6% (2022 est.) -7% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Real GDP per capita: $11,300 (2023 est.) $11,500 (2022 est.) $11,600 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $20.079 billion (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 45.2% (2024 est.) 221.3% (2023 est.) 171.2% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1% (2023 est.) industry: 2.1% (2023 est.) services: 42.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 136% (2023 est.) government consumption: 5.2% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 1.9% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.6% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -73.7% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Agricultural products: potatoes, milk, tomatoes, apples, oranges, olives, cucumbers/gherkins, chicken, lemons/limes, wheat (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Industries: banking, tourism, real estate and construction, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 0.1% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Labor force: 1.939 million (2023 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Unemployment rate: 11.6% (2023 est.) 11.6% (2022 est.) 12.7% (2021 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 23.6% (2023 est.) male: 24.4% (2023 est.) female: 21.9% (2023 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 37.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Remittances: 33.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 30.7% of GDP (2022 est.) 27.5% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Budget: revenues: $12.73 billion (2021 est.) expenditures: $11.853 billion (2021 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Public debt: 146.8% of GDP (2017 est.) note: data cover central government debt and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 5.7% (of GDP) (2021 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Current account balance: -$5.643 billion (2023 est.) -$7.265 billion (2022 est.) -$4.556 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Exports: $11.77 billion (2023 est.) $12.445 billion (2022 est.) $9.684 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Exports - partners: UAE 26%, Egypt 7%, Turkey 5%, Iraq 5%, USA 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Exports - commodities: jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, gold (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Imports: $23.313 billion (2023 est.) $24.536 billion (2022 est.) $17.667 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Imports - partners: Switzerland 12%, China 11%, Greece 9%, Turkey 8%, Italy 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $33.301 billion (2024 est.) $27.49 billion (2023 est.) $32.513 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Debt - external: $41.936 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Exchange rates: Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar - 89,500 (2024 est.) 13,875.625 (2023 est.) 1,507.5 (2022 est.) 1,507.5 (2021 est.) 1,507.5 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 5.161 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 797 million kWh (2021 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 436.839 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 52.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 15.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Coal: consumption: 166,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 47 metric tons (2022 est.) imports: 164,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 115,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 875,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4.29 million (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 77 (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Broadcast media: 7 TV stations, 1 of which is state-owned; more than 30 radio stations, 1 of which is state-owned; satellite and cable TV services available; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible through partner stations (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Internet country code: .lb; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 84% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 419,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: OD; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Airports: 8 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Heliports: 27 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Railways: total: 401 km (2017) standard gauge: 319 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 82 km (2017) 1.050-m gauge note: rail system is still unusable due to damage sustained from fighting in the 1980s and in 2006; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Merchant marine: total: 51 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 2, container ship 1, general cargo 30, oil tanker 1, other 17; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Ports: total ports: 5 (2024) large: 1 medium: 1 small: 0 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Bayrut, Sayda, Selaata, Sidon/zahrani Terminal, Tarabulus; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF): Army Command (includes Presidential Guard Brigade, Land Border Regiments), Naval Forces, Air Forces Ministry of Interior: General Directorate of Internal Security Forces (law enforcement; includes Mobile Gendarmerie), General Directorate for Public Security (border control, some domestic security duties) (2025) note: the commander of the LAF is also the head of the Army; the LAF patrols external borders, while official border checkpoints are under the authority of Directorate for General Security; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Military expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2022 est.) 3.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 3% of GDP (2020 est.) 4.7% of GDP (2019 est.) 5.1% of GDP (2018 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 70,000 active Lebanese Armed Forces (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the LAF's inventory is comprised of mostly older or secondhand equipment from an array of countries, such as France, Germany, Russia, and especially the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2026); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source
Military - note: the primary responsibilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are defense against external attack, border security, protecting the country’s territorial waters, and assisting with internal security and development projects the LAF’s domestic security responsibilities include countering narcotics trafficking and smuggling, managing protests, conducting search and rescue, and intervening to prevent violence between rival political factions; in recent years, the military has faced a financial crisis as government debt and national economic difficulties have undercut its ability to train and fully pay and supply personnel; the UN, as well as individual countries such as France, Qatar, and the US have provided financial assistance the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has operated in the southern part of the country since 1978; it has approximately 10,500 personnel assigned and includes a maritime task force; the terrorist group Hizballah maintains thousands of fighters and militia in Lebanon, primarily in the south (see Terrorist Organizations in References) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Terrorism1 fields

Terrorist group(s): Abdallah Azzam Brigades; al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade; Asbat al-Ansar; HAMAS; Hizballah; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP); PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 765,390 (2024 est.) IDPs: 984,514 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 40,000 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-08 · source

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Lebanon at a glance

Lebanon through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile