Lebanon: economy

How big is Lebanon's economy?

Lebanon's nominal GDP was US$30.5 billion in 2024, up from US$25.9 billion in 2023, according to the Central Administration of Statistics. In Lebanese pounds it was LBP 2,728 trillion, 20.8% more than the LBP 2,258 trillion of 2023.

Nominal GDP is measured in current prices, so it rises with inflation as well as with output. Since prices in Lebanon have risen sharply since 2019, the dollar figure is easier to compare over time than the pound figure. CAS also reports gross national income of LBP 2,708 trillion (US$30.3 billion) and gross national disposable income, which includes transfers from abroad, of LBP 3,268 trillion (US$36.5 billion).

Official sources: CAS: Lebanon's GDP in 2024

What is Lebanon's GDP growth rate?

Lebanon's real GDP fell 5.2% in 2024, according to the Central Administration of Statistics, leaving output at 69% of its 2019 level. The IMF World Economic Outlook gives growth of 4.0% for 2025.

Real growth removes the effect of price changes, so it shows the change in the volume of goods and services produced. The CAS figure is the official national accounts estimate; the IMF figure for 2025 is the IMF's own estimate and may change when CAS publishes its 2025 accounts. The 69% comparison shows how far output remains below where it was before the crisis that began in 2019.

Official sources: CAS: Lebanon's GDP in 2024 · IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2026

What is the inflation rate in Lebanon?

Consumer prices in Lebanon were 16.66% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Central Administration of Statistics. Prices rose 1.40% from July to August.

The consumer price index tracks the prices of a fixed basket of goods and services bought by households. The year-on-year rate compares the same month a year apart and is the usual headline inflation measure; the monthly rate shows the most recent change. The IMF puts average inflation for 2025 at 14.6%. Monthly releases are listed in the CAS consumer price index section.

Official sources: CAS: consumer prices, August 2026 · CAS: consumer price index · IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2026

What is Lebanon's trade deficit?

Lebanon's trade deficit in goods and services was equal to 42% of GDP in 2024, according to the Central Administration of Statistics national accounts release for 2024.

The trade deficit is the amount by which imports exceed exports. A deficit this large means the country buys far more from abroad than it sells. It is financed partly by money sent home by Lebanese living abroad, which is why CAS's gross national disposable income (US$36.5 billion) is higher than GDP (US$30.5 billion). The figure is a share of nominal GDP for the whole year 2024.

Official sources: CAS: Lebanon's GDP in 2024

Is Lebanon's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Lebanon was -7.1% in 2024. The peak was 10.2% in 2009 and the low -21.4% in 2020. It is 20th highest of 20 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 2.6%. Worldwide: 184th of 186.

What is GDP per capita in Lebanon?

In 2024, GDP per person in Lebanon was $4,473, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at $9,175; its low point was 2023, at $3,478. It is 14th highest of 20 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is $5,913. Worldwide: 120th of 186.

What is Lebanon's GDP per capita at PPP?

According to the World Bank, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Lebanon was $11,917 in international dollars in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at $21,985 in international dollars; its low point was 2005, at $10,020 in international dollars. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was $18,384 in international dollars, and Lebanon placed 15th highest of 20. Worldwide: 116th of 183.

What share of Lebanon's economy is exports?

23.3% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in Lebanon for 2024, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 16.4% of GDP (2020) to 38.5% of GDP (2008). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 39.8% of GDP; Lebanon is 13th highest of 17. World rank, highest first: 117th of 162.

What is Lebanon's current account balance?

According to the IMF, the current account balance in Lebanon was -28.1% of GDP in 2023, which is a deficit. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at -5.1% of GDP; its low point was 2022, at -34.6% of GDP. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 2.5% of GDP, and Lebanon placed 18th highest of 18. Of 172 countries with 2023 data, 168th highest.

How much foreign investment does Lebanon receive?

The IMF puts net inflows of foreign direct investment in Lebanon at 6.8% of GDP in 2024. The peak was 14.9% of GDP in 2008 and the low 2.5% of GDP in 2022. It is 5th highest of 19 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6% of GDP. Worldwide: 31st of 182.

What interest rate do banks charge in Lebanon?

According to the IMF, the average bank lending rate in Lebanon was 10.5% in 2019. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.1% (2015) to 10.6% (2005). Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 8.0%; Lebanon is 3rd highest of 9. World rank, highest first: 49th of 114.