Lebanon

The population of Lebanon is approximately 5.9M (2024).

The capital of Lebanon is Beirut.

Lebanon's GDP per capita is $3.4K (2023).

Life expectancy in Lebanon is 77.95 years (2024).

Lebanon covers 10,452 km² (4,036 sq mi).

Lebanon is very densely populated, with 562 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Lebanon's population is growing steadily at 0.6% per year, in line with global averages.

Based on GDP per capita, Lebanon falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $3.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Lebanon reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 people, below the global average.

Lebanon has 2 official languages: Arabic, French.

Lebanon uses the Lebanese pound (ل.ل) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Lebanon are April, May, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show Lebanon has a population of approximately 5.87 million people. This latest figure reflects an annual growth rate of 0.56% and places the nation at rank 115 globally. With a land area of 10,452 km² (4,036 sq mi), the population density is currently 573.9 people per km² (1,486.4 people per sq mi).

According to recent data, the GDP per capita in Lebanon is 3,399 USD. This value ranks the country 151 globally and 33 within the Asian region. The economy has recently experienced an annual GDP growth rate of -0.76% amid broader fiscal reforms, while the national unemployment rate is recorded at 10.985%.

Life expectancy in Lebanon is 77.9 years, which places the country at rank 70 globally. This relatively high ranking is supported by a historical legacy of medical excellence, though recent fiscal pressures have impacted the healthcare sector. The nation currently maintains a crude birth rate of 15.958 per 1,000 people.

The adult literacy rate in Lebanon is 92.01%, which earns the nation a global rank of 95. Education has historically been a priority, with a high concentration of universities and schools in urban areas. Currently, 90.7% of the total population lives in urban centers, ensuring broad access to educational facilities.

Recent estimates indicate that 80.6% of the Lebanese population uses the internet, which ranks the country 107 globally. This high level of connectivity supports the service-based economy and facilitates communication for the large Lebanese diaspora. High-speed access remains concentrated in the capital, Beirut, and other major metropolitan areas along the coast.

Arabic and French are the official and widely spoken languages of Lebanon, reflecting its diverse cultural history. The population is predominantly Arab at 95%, with Armenians making up 4% and other groups comprising 1%. This demographic diversity is mirrored in the country's complex religious landscape, which includes several Muslim and Christian denominations.

The estimated 2026 population of Lebanon is approximately 5.9 million people. This is based on projections from the latest official 2024 figure of 5,805,962 and an annual growth rate of 0.56%. The country continues to experience slow but steady growth despite various regional and economic challenges.

Lebanon holds a population rank of global 115 of 215, regional (Asia) 36 of 49, and subregional (Western Asia) 10 of 17. These rankings demonstrate that while Lebanon has a relatively small total population, it remains a significant demographic presence within the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The population density in Lebanon is estimated at 573.9 people per km² (1,486.4 people per sq mi). This high density ranks Lebanon 18th globally and 8th in Asia. Most of the population is concentrated in coastal cities due to the mountainous terrain in the interior regions.

Lebanon's annual population growth rate is 0.56%. This growth is driven by a crude birth rate of 15.958 per 1,000 people versus a crude death rate of 6.035 per 1,000 people. Net migration also plays a significant role in determining the total annual population change.

The fertility rate in Lebanon is 2.2 births per woman, which ranks 90th globally. This rate is just above the standard replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, suggesting that the population is capable of maintaining its current size through natural increase under stable conditions.

Approximately 90.7% of Lebanon's population lives in urban areas, making it the 31st most urbanized country in the world. The vast majority of the population resides in the capital, Beirut, and other major coastal hubs, which serve as the centers for commerce and industry.