Overview of Lebanon

Quick Overview

In less than a hundred kilometres wide, Lebanon unfolds four distinct regions, parallel to the coastline. From west to east, these are the narrow alluvial coastal plain interrupted by rocky promontories, Mount Lebanon peaking at 3,088 m, the high plain of the Bekaa Valley (average altitude: 800 m), and the Anti-Lebanon mountain range (< 2,659 m).

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: facing the Mediterranean, with Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.

• Latitude/longitude: 33°52' N, 35°29' E.

• Local time: Heure : 20238

• Capital: Beirut.

• Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

• Official language: Arabic.

• Currency: Lebanese pound.

• Population: 6,100,075 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 10,452 km².

• Density: 583 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Qurnat as Sawda (3,088 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 210 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Lebanon is fundamentally a destination rich in history, particularly ancient and medieval, with the added bonus of beautiful natural heritage where the sea and mountains are never far away. However, the country has also been experiencing decades of socio-political instability, which limits exploration without entirely preventing it.

Currently, Lebanon welcomes around 2 million visitors per year (1.964 million in 2018), many of whom have cultural or family ties to the country. Among these visitors, the largest groups come from France (over 100,000 per year), the United States, Jordan, Canada, Egypt, and Germany...

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for slightly experienced/seasoned travellers.

• By air: France-Beirut.

• Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after entry date + visa on arrival.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best period for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★/★★; Culture ★★★; Relaxation/holidays ★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 80/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $19,600 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +4.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: ()

• Population below poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 77.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -20.3 (2017)

• Population growth: -3.13% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 93.9% (2015)

• Urban population: 88.6% (2018)

• Press freedom: 100/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: hybrid regime (106/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook