World Happiness Report for Lebanon 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Lebanon: 142
- Happiness Score Lebanon:2.707
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Lebanon. LB.
Lebanon is a country located in the Middle East with a parliamentary democratic political structure. It is known for its rich cultural history, including its diverse religious communities and culinary traditions. The country’s economy is significant due to its banking and tourism industries.
- Lebanon is home to the ancient city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- The country is famous for its cedar trees, which have been a symbol of Lebanon for centuries.
- Lebanon is known for its vibrant nightlife and music scene, particularly in the capital city of Beirut.
Lebanon – A Comprehensive Overview
History
Early History: The area of modern-day Lebanon has been inhabited since ancient times, with the Phoenicians establishing the first major civilization in the region around 3000 BC. Known for their maritime trading and the invention of the Phoenician alphabet, the Phoenician city-states flourished along the Mediterranean coast.
Kingdoms and Empires: Over the centuries, Lebanon fell under the control of various empires, including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. During the Hellenistic period, the region was part of the Seleucid Empire, and later, the Roman Empire. After the Arab conquests in the 7th century AD, Lebanon became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates.
Colonial Period: In the late 16th century, Lebanon came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The French established a semi-protectorate in the region in 1920 after the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire following World War I.
Independence and Modern Era: Lebanon gained independence from French mandate rule in 1943. The country experienced a brutal civil war from 1975 to 1990, which involved various religious and political factions. Since the end of the civil war, Lebanon has worked to rebuild its economy and infrastructure, but political instability and conflicts with neighboring countries have posed challenges.
Current Political Situation: Lebanon is a parliamentary republic with a multi-confessional system based on power-sharing among religious communities. The country held parliamentary elections in May 2022, with the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies making significant gains.
International Relations: Lebanon has close ties with Syria and Iran, and its relationship with Israel remains tense due to ongoing border disputes and the presence of Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group and political party in Lebanon.
Human Development and Economy: Lebanon has a service-based economy, with banking, tourism, and remittances from Lebanese expatriates playing significant roles. Despite its potential, economic growth has been hampered by political instability and the impact of the Syrian crisis.
Cultural Highlights: Lebanon is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its cuisine, music, and literature. The country has a diverse population with a mix of religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Arabic is the official language, but French and English are also widely spoken.
Current Challenges and Opportunities: Lebanon faces challenges such as political polarization, economic stagnation, the refugee crisis resulting from the Syrian conflict, and the influence of armed groups like Hezbollah. However, the country’s strategic location, educated workforce, and cultural diversity offer opportunities for economic growth and regional stability if political and sectarian tensions can be addressed.
Main facts
1. Location
Lebanon is a country located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It sits at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland. Lebanon shares borders with Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.
2. Map References
Lebanon is situated in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
3. Area – Comparative
Lebanon has an area of approximately 10,452 square kilometers (4,036 square miles), which is slightly larger than the state of Connecticut in the United States.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The total length of Lebanon’s land boundaries is 454 kilometers (282 miles). It shares borders with the following countries:
5. Coastline
Lebanon has a coastline of 225 kilometers (140 miles) along the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Maritime Claims
Lebanon claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
7. Climate
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers. The coastal areas have a subtropical climate, while the inland regions experience more extreme variations in temperature. The mountains also have a noticeable impact on the climate, with cooler temperatures and higher precipitation.
8. Terrain
Lebanon’s terrain is primarily mountainous, with a narrow coastal plain and two parallel mountain ranges: the Lebanon Mountains and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The country also has several fertile valleys, including the Bekaa Valley, which lies between the two mountain ranges.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Lebanon is Qurnat as Sawda’ at 3,088 meters (10,131 feet), located in the Lebanon Mountains. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Lebanon’s natural resources include limestone, salt, and water from the numerous rivers and springs. The country also has potential for offshore oil and gas reserves.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Lebanon include:
- Mediterranean Sea
- Litani River
- Hasbani River (shared with Syria)
- Qaraoun Reservoir
12. Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards affecting Lebanon are:
- Earthquakes (Lebanon is located in a seismically active region)
- Landslides
- Droughts
13. Geography – Notes
Lebanon’s geography is characterized by its diverse landscape, from the coastal plains to the rugged mountain ranges. The country’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and its strategic location have shaped its history and culture. Additionally, Lebanon’s water resources are crucial for its agricultural sector and serve as an essential source of freshwater for the region.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 13.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 24,796. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 64.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 33.85472135.862285.
- Capital: The capital of Lebanon is Beirut
- Major Cities:
City Population Beirut 1.85 million Tripoli 230,000 Sidon 200,000 Zahle 150,000 Tyre 135,000 - Population: 6,855,713
- Area(Km2): 10400
- Population Density( P/Km²):667. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:961
- Official Language(s):Lebanese Arabic (95%)
- Currency: LBP
Main Economic Indicators
Lebanon’s economy is a service-oriented economy, with the services sector accounting for about 73% of GDP. The main economic challenges include a high budget deficit, rising debt levels, and inadequate infrastructure. Notable economic policies include efforts to attract foreign direct investment and promote private sector growth.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.1% (2021 est.), 84.3% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Fitch: C (March 2023)
Moody’s: C (March 2023)
Standard & Poor’s: SD (March 2023)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 3.2%
Industry: 23.7%
Services: 73.1% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, sheep, goats
Industrial Products: Banking, tourism, food processing, wine, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products, wood and furniture products, oil refining, metal fabricating
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 2.051 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Current Account Balance
Current Account Balance: -$6.71 billion (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: Not available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $5.58 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Syria, Iraq
Main Commodities: Jewelry, base metals, chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit, tobacco
Imports: $19.43 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Italy, Greece, Germany, China, Turkey
Main Commodities: Petroleum products, cars, medicinal products, clothing, meat and live animals, consumer goods, paper, textile fabrics, tobacco, electrical machinery and equipment
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold: $10.73 billion (31 December 2021 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$53,367,042,272. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 15.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 32.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.74. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $2.15. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 6.23%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (noun): Lebanese
Nationality (adjective): Lebanese
2. Ethnic Groups
- Arab: 95%
- Armenian: 4%
- Other: 1%
3. Religions
- Muslim: 54% (27% Sunni, 27% Shia)
- Christian: 40.5% (includes 21% Maronite Catholics, 8% Greek Orthodox, 5% Greek Catholics, 6.5% other Christian)
- Druze: 5.6%
- Very small numbers of Jews, Baha’is, Buddhists, Hindus, and Mormons
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 25.07%
- 15-64 years: 66.37%
- 65 years and over: 8.56%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 50.7
Youth dependency ratio: 35.2
Elderly dependency ratio: 15.5
6. Median Age
Total: 30.1 years
Male: 29.3 years
Female: 31 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 32.0% (2016)
- Alcohol consumption: 1.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)
- Tobacco use: 38.5% of adults smoke tobacco (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 78.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 89.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:17.55. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.1. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 85%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 6,084,994. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):32.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The military of Lebanon consists of the following branches:
- Lebanese Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Internal Security Forces (national police)
- General Security Directorate
- State Security Directorate
There are no foreign legions or elite tactical units. The Internal Security Forces are responsible for maintaining internal security and order.
Military Expenditures
Lebanon’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 3.6%
- 2020: 3.4%
- 2019: 3.7%
- 2018: 4.1%
- 2017: 4.2%
Lebanon’s military spending ranks around the global median.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Lebanon is approximately 85,000, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 75,000
- Navy: 1,000
- Air Force: 1,000
The Internal Security Forces have an additional 25,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Lebanon’s military equipment includes:
- Tanks (M48A5, M60A3)
- Armored Personnel Carriers (M113, VAB)
- Artillery (M198, D-30)
- Attack Helicopters (Gazelle)
- Fighter Aircraft (Hawker Hunters)
Most equipment is imported from the United States, France, and other Western countries. There are no major future acquisitions or development programs announced.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The age range for voluntary military service in Lebanon is 17-25 years. There is no mandatory military service currently in effect.
Military Deployments
Lebanon contributes troops to the following international missions:
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) – 10,500 troops
- United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights – 28 troops
Strategic Military Notes
Lebanon’s defense strategy focuses on deterring aggression, protecting its borders, and maintaining internal security. The military plays a role in the country’s fragile sectarian balance of power.
Lebanon coordinates closely with the United States and other Western allies on security matters. It is not a member of any major defensive alliances.
- Armed Forces Size: 60000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.1
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 47.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.