Lebanon
Lebanese Republic
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.65%
Lebanon is a Western Asia country of around 5.49 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 10,452 km², translating to a density of 525 people per km². Its capital is Beirut, and official languages include Arabic and French, while the Lebanese pound serves as the national currency.
Population
5,490,000
Area
10,452 km²
Density
525/km²
World Rank
#119
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 16.1 per thousand against deaths at 6 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 26.2% of residents under 15 and 10.1% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Beirut
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic, French
- Currencies
- Lebanese pound (ل.ل)
- Calling Code
- +961
- Top-Level Domain
- .lb
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,490,000
- Land Area
- 10,452 km²
- Population Density
- 525 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.65%
- Annual Growth
- -35,685 people
- Daily Growth
- -98 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- 33.83°, 35.83°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3.5k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 11%, well above the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 35.3 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
77.8 years
GDP per Capita
$3,478
Birth Rate
16.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
90.7%
Fertility Rate
2.24 births/woman
Infant Mortality
16.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
11.0%
Literacy Rate
92.0%
Internet Users
83.5%
Under 15
26.2%
Over 65
10.1%
Health Spending
5.6% GDP
Gini Index
35.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
1.4M
15-64 years
3.5M
65+ years
557K
Urbanization
Lebanon is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 90.7% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Beirut, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
5.0M
90.7%
510,570
9.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 77.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 16.0 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 92% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Lebanon
Lebanon has 7 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Lebanon's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Lebanon participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,490,000 |
| 2030 | 5,355,702 |
| 2035 | 5,206,383 |
| 2040 | 5,074,325 |
| 2045 | 4,956,600 |
| 2050 | 4,850,834 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Lebanon.
Largest Cities in Lebanon
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Lebanon by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lebanon?
The population of Lebanon is approximately 5.5 million as of 2026, making it #119 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Lebanon?
The capital of Lebanon is Beirut.
What languages are spoken in Lebanon?
The main languages spoken in Lebanon are Arabic, French.
How big is Lebanon?
Lebanon covers an area of 10,452 km² with a population density of 525 people per km².
Is Lebanon growing or shrinking?
Lebanon's population is declining at a rate of -0.65% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Lebanon?
The average life expectancy in Lebanon is 77.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Lebanon?
The GDP per capita of Lebanon is $3,478.