CapitalBeirut
Population5,364,482
Area10,400 km²
GDP per capita$11,300
LanguagesArabic , French, English, Armenian
CurrencyLebanese pounds
Life Expectancy79.2 yr
Governmentparliamentary democratic republic
Introduction
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.
Geography
Area
land
10,230 sq km
water
170 sq km
total
10,400 sq km
Climate
Mediterranean climate characterized by mild to cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains receive significant snowfall during winter months
Terrain
narrow coastal strip; the El Beqaa (Bekaa Valley) serves as a divider between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon Mountains
Land use
other
20.3% (2023 est.)
forest
13.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
65.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.)
Location
located in the Middle East, adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, situated between Israel and Syria
Coastline
225 km
Elevation
lowest point
Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point
Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m
mean elevation
1,250 m
Irrigated land
1,040 sq km (2012)
Map references
Middle East
Land boundaries
total
484 km
border countries
Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
Natural hazards
prone to earthquakes; experiences dust storms and sandstorms
Geography - note
the smallest nation on the Asian continent; the Nahr el Litani is the sole major river in the Near East that does not flow across an international border
Natural resources
composed of limestone, iron ore, and salt; classified as a water-surplus state within a generally water-deficit region, with arable land available
Area - comparative
approximately one-third the area of Maryland
Geographic coordinates
33 50 N, 35 50 E
Population distribution
the predominant population resides along or in proximity to the Mediterranean coastline, especially in and around Beirut, the capital city
People & Society
Literacy
male
94.8% (2019 est.)
female
89.5% (2019 est.)
total population
92% (2019 est.)
Languages
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.
Religions
Muslim 67.8% (comprising 31.9% Sunni, 31.2% Shia, with smaller proportions of Alawites and Ismailis), Christian 32.4% (with Maronite Catholics being the predominant Christian group), Druze 4.5%, and very limited numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Hindus (2020 est.)
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
total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.76 male(s)/female
Birth rate
16.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.23 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
35.6 years
total
29.4 years (2025 est.)
female
36.9 years
Population
male
2,678,543
total
5,364,482 (2024 est.)
female
2,685,939
Nationality
noun
Lebanese (singular and plural)
adjective
Lebanese
Tobacco use
male
43.8% (2025 est.)
total
34.1% (2025 est.)
female
25.4% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
89.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
-1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
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)
Ethnic groups
Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
Child marriage
women married by age 15
1.4% (2016)
women married by age 18
6% (2016)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
50.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
39 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
8.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
11.3 (2024 est.)
Physician density
2.68 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
10.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
15.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
-18.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.2 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total
total: 92.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 7.4% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP)
1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget)
8.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
7.3 deaths/1,000 live births
total
7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
6.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
-0.77% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.07 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the predominant population resides along or in proximity to the Mediterranean coastline, especially in the vicinity of the capital, Beirut
Life expectancy at birth
male
77.8 years
female
80.7 years
total population
79.2 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
15 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
0.38 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
1.14 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.)
Major urban areas - population
2.421 million BEIRUT (capital) (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
32% (2016)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.4% (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
5.1% (2023 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
12 years
total
11 years (2023 est.)
female
11 years (2014)
Environment
Climate
Mediterranean climate characterized by mild to cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains receive significant snowfall during the winter months
Land use
other
20.3% (2023 est.)
forest
13.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
65.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 13.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 13.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 39.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
89.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
-1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
0.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
105.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
7.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
11.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
2.04 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
15% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
deforestation; degradation of soil, erosion; desertification; loss of species; air pollution in Beirut caused by traffic emissions and industrial waste incineration; contamination of coastal waters due to untreated sewage and oil spills; management of wastewater
Total water withdrawal
municipal
240 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
900 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total 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.)
Particulate matter emissions
23.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
4.503 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
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 Alteration, Conservation of Marine Life
Government
Flag
description: features three horizontal stripes in red (top), white (middle, double-width), and red (bottom), with a green cedar tree positioned at the center of the white stripe
meaning: red symbolizes the blood shed for freedom, while white represents peace, the snow atop the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree serves as the national emblem, signifying eternity, stability, joy, and prosperity
Capital
name
Beirut
etymology
originates from the Phoenician or Hebrew term be'erot, which translates to "the wells," the sole water source in the area
time difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, commencing on the last Sunday in March and concluding on the last Sunday in October
geographic coordinates
33 52 N, 35 30 E
Suffrage
21 years of age; permitted for all individuals regardless of gender or religion; excludes those convicted of felonies and other offenses as well as individuals in custody; excludes all military and security personnel, irrespective of rank
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
Constitution
history
drafted 15 May 1926, adopted 23 May 1926
amendment process
introduced by the president of the republic as a government proposal to the National Assembly or by a minimum of 10 Assembly members, requiring the agreement of two-thirds of its members; if initiated by the National Assembly, it must undergo review and receive approval by a two-thirds majority of the Cabinet; upon approval, the proposal is forwarded to the Cabinet for drafting into an amendment; Cabinet endorsement necessitates a two-thirds majority, followed by submission to the National Assembly for debate and voting; a two-thirds majority vote from a required two-thirds quorum of Assembly members is necessary for passage, along with promulgation by the president
Country name
former
Greater Lebanon
etymology
stems from the Semitic root lbn, translating to "white," likely referencing the nation's snow-capped peaks
local long form
Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah
local short form
Lubnan
conventional long form
Lebanese Republic
conventional short form
Lebanon
Independence
22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)
Legal system
a hybrid legal system comprising civil law influenced by the French civil code, Ottoman legal traditions, and religious laws governing personal status, marriage, divorce, and family matters for Jewish, Islamic, and Christian communities
Government type
parliamentary democratic republic
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Court of Cassation or Supreme Court (comprised of 8 chambers, each led by a presiding judge and accompanied by 2 associate judges); Constitutional Council (composed of 10 members)
subordinate courts
Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; specialized tribunals; religious courts; military tribunals
judge selection and term of office
Judges of the Court of Cassation appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council, which is a 10-member body directed by the chief justice, including other judicial officials; judge tenure is not applicable; members of the Constitutional Council are appointed—5 by the Council of Ministers and 5 by parliament; they serve for 5 years
Executive branch
cabinet
Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and the National Assembly
chief of state
President Joseph AOUN (since 9 January 2025)
election results
2025: Joseph AOUN elected president in the second round; National Assembly vote - 99 out of 128
2016: Michel AWN elected president in the second round; National Assembly vote - Michel AWN (FPM) 83; the president was elected on the 46th attempt on 31 October 2016
head of government
Prime Minister Nawaf SALAM (since 8 February 2025)
most recent election date
9 January 2025
election/appointment process
the president is indirectly elected by a qualified majority of two-thirds of Parliament members in the first round and, if necessary, a two-thirds quorum of members via a simple-majority popular vote for a term of 6 years (eligible for non-consecutive terms); the prime minister is appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly
expected date of next election
2031
National holiday
Independence Day, 22 November (1943)
National color(s)
red, white, green
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
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
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
128 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
legislature name
National Assembly (Majlis Al-Nuwwab)
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
5/15/2022
expected date of next election
May 2026
percentage of women in chamber
6.3%
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)
National anthem(s)
title
"Kulluna lil-watan" (All of Us, For Our Country!)
history
adopted 1927
lyrics/music
Rachid NAKHLE/Wadih SABRA
National symbol(s)
cedar tree
National coat of arms
Lebanon has utilized various coats of arms since its independence in 1943, but none were officially recognized. The current design is a variation of the national flag. Red signifies the blood shed for liberation, while white represents peace, purity, and the snow of the mountains. The cedar tree serves as the national emblem, symbolizing eternity, stability, joy, and prosperity.
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
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 939-6324
chancery
2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 939-6300
chief of mission
Ambassador Nada HAMADEH (since 5 September 2025)
consulate(s) general
Detroit, New York, Los Angeles
email address and website
[email protected]
http://www.lebanonembassyus.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[961] (4) 544-019
embassy
Awkar facing the Municipality
P.O. Box 70-840 Antelias, Beirut
telephone
[961] (04) 543-600
mailing address
6070 Beirut Place, Washington DC 20521-6070
chief of mission
Ambassador Michel ISSA (since 17 November 2025)
email address and website
[email protected]
https://lb.usembassy.gov/
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)
International law organization participation
has not issued a declaration of jurisdiction to the ICJ; non-party state to the ICCt
Economy
Budget
revenues
$12.73 billion (2021 est.)
expenditures
$11.853 billion (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2021
$9.684 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$12.445 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$11.77 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$17.667 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$24.536 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$23.313 billion (2023 est.)
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
Labor force
1.939 million (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017
146.8% of GDP (2017 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
27.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
30.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
33.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Lebanese pounds (LBP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
1,507.5 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1,507.5 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
1,507.5 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
13,875.625 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
89,500 (2024 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023
$41.936 billion (2023 est.)
Economic overview
lower middle-income economy in the Middle East; marked hyperinflation and significant increases in poverty; banks have halted lending; economic contraction, damaged infrastructure, and diminished consumer demand have arisen due to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2021
12.7% (2021 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022
11.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
11.6% (2023 est.)
Exports - partners
UAE 26%, Egypt 7%, Turkey 5%, Iraq 5%, USA 4% (2023)
Imports - partners
Switzerland 12%, China 11%, Greece 9%, Turkey 8%, Italy 6% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2021
$11,600 (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022
$11,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$11,300 (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2021
-7% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022
-0.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
-0.8% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
potatoes, milk, tomatoes, apples, oranges, olives, cucumbers/gherkins, chicken, lemons/limes, wheat (2023)
Exports - commodities
jewelry, cars, diamonds, scrap iron, gold (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, cars, packaged medicine, garments (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2021
-$4.556 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022
-$7.265 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
-$5.643 billion (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
5.7% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$20.079 billion (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
136% (2023 est.)
government consumption
5.2% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
1.9% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
30.6% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-73.7% (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
37.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
0.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
171.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
221.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
45.2% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
0.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021
$66.329 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$65.917 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$65.415 billion (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
24.4% (2023 est.)
total
23.6% (2023 est.)
female
21.9% (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$32.513 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$27.49 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$33.301 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
2.1% (2023 est.)
services
42.4% (2023 est.)
agriculture
1% (2023 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
47 metric tons (2022 est.)
imports
164,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
166,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
115,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
imports
797 million kWh (2021 est.)
consumption
4.077 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
5.161 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
436.839 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
43.105 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
52.6% 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.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
84% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
There are 7 television stations, including 1 state-owned; over 30 radio stations, with 1 being state-owned; satellite and cable television services are offered; broadcasts from a minimum of 2 international channels can be received via partner stations (2019)
Internet country code
.lb
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
875,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
16 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
4.29 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
77 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
419,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
7 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
1
small
0
medium
1
key ports
Bayrut, Sayda, Selaata, Sidon/Zahrani Terminal, Tarabulus
very small
3
total ports
5 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
3
Airports
8 (2025)
Railways
total
401 km (2017)
narrow gauge
82 km (2017) 1.050-m gauge
standard gauge
319 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge
Heliports
27 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
51 (2023)
by type
bulk carrier 2, container vessel 1, general cargo ships 30, oil tanker 1, others 17
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OD
Military & Security
Military - note
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) primarily focus on defending against external threats, securing borders, safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters, and supporting internal security and development initiatives.
The LAF's internal security duties encompass combating narcotics trafficking and smuggling, overseeing demonstrations, executing search and rescue missions, and intervening to mitigate violence among competing political groups. In recent times, the military has encountered a financial crisis, as governmental debt and national economic challenges have hindered its capacity to train, adequately compensate, and equip personnel. The United Nations, along with individual nations like France, Qatar, and the United States, has offered financial aid.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been present in the southern region of the country since 1978, with around 10,500 personnel deployed, including a maritime task force. The militant organization Hizballah retains thousands of fighters and militia within Lebanon, predominantly in the southern area (see Terrorist Organizations in References) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2018
5.1% of GDP (2018 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019
4.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020
3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
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 responsibilities) (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Individuals aged 18-25 may voluntarily enlist in military service, with no conscription in place (2026)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The LAF's arsenal primarily consists of older or secondhand equipment sourced from various countries, including France, Germany, Russia, and notably the United States (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
The active personnel of the Lebanese Armed Forces is approximately 70,000 (2025)
Terrorism
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)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs
984,514 (2024 est.)
refugees
765,390 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
40,000 (2024 est.)
