Lebanon is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Beirut. It has a population of approximately 5,805,962 and covers an area of about 10,450 km². Its official currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP).
What stands out
People & place
556 /km² across 10,450 km²
Lebanon has a recorded population of 5,805,962 and a reported surface area of 10,450 km².
Economic snapshot
$20.08 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $20.08 billion and GDP per capita at $3,478 for 2023. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It is known for its ancient history, diverse society, and strategic position.
Lebanon features a narrow coastal plain, a rugged mountain range (the Mount Lebanon range), and fertile valleys. The climate varies from Mediterranean along the coast to semi-arid in the north and south. Major cities include Beirut, Lebanon's capital, Tripoli, and Byblos.
Lebanese culture blends Arabic heritage with French and Western influences. The country is renowned for its music, poetry, cuisine, and hospitality. Arabic is the official language, but French and English are widely spoken. Religious diversity includes Maronite Catholics, Sunni and Shia Muslims, and other minorities.
Lebanon's history spans thousands of years, from the Phoenician civilization that produced maritime trade and the alphabet, through Roman and Ottoman rule, to its independence from France in 1943. The country experienced a civil war from 1975 to 1990, and it continues to play an important role in regional politics.
Key facts
Population: approximately 6.8 million
Capital: Beirut
Area: 10,452 km2
Official language: Arabic (French and English widely used)
Time zone: UTC+2 (UTC+3 in daylight saving)
Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Byblos, Baalbek, and others
Major industries: services, tourism, shipping, and agriculture
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Lebanon has a recorded population of approximately 5,805,962 people.
How big is Lebanon?
Lebanon covers an area of about 10,450 km².
What is the population density of Lebanon?
Lebanon has a population density of roughly 556 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Lebanon?
Lebanon has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $20.08 billion as of 2023.
What is the GDP per capita of Lebanon?
Lebanon has a GDP per capita of approximately $3,478.
What currency is used in Lebanon?
Lebanon uses the Lebanese pound (LBP), with the symbol £.
Where is Lebanon located?
Lebanon is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Lebanon?
The native name of Lebanon is لبنان.
What are people from Lebanon called?
People from Lebanon are referred to as Lebanese.
What is the phone calling code for Lebanon?
The international dialing code for Lebanon is +961.
What is the internet domain for Lebanon?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Lebanon is .lb.
What time zone is Lebanon in?
Lebanon uses the Asia/Beirut time zone.
What is Lebanon known for?
Lebanon is a small country in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It is known for its ancient history, diverse society, and strategic position.
Western Asia