Lebanon: public finances

How much debt does Lebanon have?

Lebanon's gross public debt was LBP 4,147,356 billion at the end of 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance. Foreign-currency debt made up LBP 4,077,371 billion of this, mostly Eurobonds (LBP 3,869,567 billion), and domestic debt LBP 69,985 billion.

The ministry converts foreign debt at 89,500 pounds per US dollar. It puts debt at 152% of GDP in 2024 and 170% in 2023, figures it calls indicative, and they exclude any possible recapitalisation of the Banque du Liban. Arrears were LBP 1,910,070 billion. Reports are listed on the ministry's public debt page.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: general debt overview, 31 December 2024 · Ministry of Finance: public debt

What is Lebanon's debt-to-GDP ratio?

Lebanon's general government gross debt was 139.4% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook. The Ministry of Finance gives an indicative 152% for 2024.

The debt-to-GDP ratio compares what the government owes with the size of the economy in a year. It falls when the economy grows faster than the debt. The two figures are for different years and use different methods, so they should not be compared directly.

Official sources: IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2026 · Ministry of Finance: general debt overview, 31 December 2024

What is in Lebanon's 2026 budget?

Lebanon's 2026 budget sets spending and revenue at LBP 538,415.6 billion each, with a projected deficit of zero, according to the Ministry of Finance. Current spending is LBP 474,002 billion, including LBP 25,931 billion of debt service, and investment spending LBP 64,414 billion.

Military and security bodies receive 38.2% of the budget, the education ministry 13.2%, the health ministry 11.4%, public works 5.7% and telecommunications 4.9%. The budget includes about LBP 2,288 billion for parliamentary elections. These are planned amounts approved before the year began; actual spending and revenue may differ.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: quick overview of the 2026 budget

What is Lebanon's national debt?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 139.4% of GDP. The peak was 357.5% of GDP in 2021 and the low 131.1% of GDP in 2012. It is 3rd highest of 20 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 52.5% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 7th of 185.

What is Lebanon's budget deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Lebanon at 3.3% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: -5.2% of GDP; Lebanon is 3rd highest of 21. World rank, highest first: 14th of 188.

How much does Lebanon's government take in?

According to the IMF, general government revenue in Lebanon was 18.8% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.8% of GDP (2022) to 25.6% of GDP (2006). It is 15th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 26.3% of GDP. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 138th highest.

How big is Lebanon's government spending as a share of GDP?

According to the IMF, general government spending in Lebanon was 15.5% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 36.1% of GDP in 2006 and the low 10.9% of GDP in 2021. It is 20th highest of 21 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 28.7% of GDP. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 175th highest.

What is tax revenue in Lebanon?

In 2024, central government tax revenue in Lebanon was 11.1% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 5.7% of GDP (2021) to 16.9% of GDP (2009). It is 4th highest of 6 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 16.9% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 77th of 92.

What is Lebanon's military budget as a share of GDP?

In 2025, military spending in Lebanon was 2.5% of GDP, according to SIPRI. The peak was 5.1% of GDP in 2016 and the low 1.0% of GDP in 2022. It is 10th highest of 15 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 3.1% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 36th of 149.