Form of government: Republic.
Area: 10,452 km².
Capital: Beirut.
Population: About 6 million.
Language: Arabic, French and English.
Religion: Christianity and Islam.
Currency: Lebanese pound – livre/lira (USD).
Airports: Beirut and Qlayaat.
Lebanon is divided into nine governorates (muhafazah).
Discover Lebanon’s 9 Governorates: Unique Tourist Attractions and Must-Visit Highlights
Lebanon is a compact country packed with incredible diversity. From vibrant coastal cities and ancient ruins to cedar forests, wine valleys, and mountain villages, each of its 9 governorates offers a completely different travel experience.
Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, cultural adventure, or nature escape, here’s a complete guide to what makes every region special.
By Anne drew Andrew and Drew – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
- Beirut Governorate (Capital: Beirut)
Area: ~18 km² | Population: ~419,000
Lebanon’s economic and financial heart. It drives services, banking, trade, tourism, and administration. - Mount Lebanon Governorate (Capital: Baabda)
Area: ~1,238 km² | Population: ~1,531,000 (largest)
A major population and economic hub with strong contributions to services, industry, real estate, and suburban commerce. - North Governorate (Capital: Tripoli)
Area: ~1,205 km² | Population: ~803,000
Features a historic port and diverse economy including trade, agriculture, and light industry. - South Governorate (Capital: Sidon)
Area: ~943 km² | Population: ~602,000
Key agricultural producer (citrus, bananas, olives) with growing tourism and border-area economic activity.
- Beqaa Governorate (Capital: Zahleh)
Area: ~1,271 km² | Population: ~540,000
Lebanon’s agricultural breadbasket — vital for grains, fruits, vegetables, grapes (wine), and livestock.’ - Akkar Governorate (Capital: Halba)
Area: ~776 km² | Population: ~432,000
Predominantly rural and agricultural, focusing on cereals, potatoes, and vegetables. New airport, Qlayaat Airport.
- Baalbek-Hermel Governorate (Capital: Baalbek)
Area: ~3,009 km² (largest) | Population: ~472,000
Significant for agriculture, tourism (historic Roman ruins), and livestock in the Bekaa region. - Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate (Capital: Jounieh)
Area: ~722 km² | Population: ~300,000
Coastal and mountainous with tourism, historic sites (e.g., Byblos), real estate, and services. - Nabatieh Governorate (Capital: Nabatieh)
Area: ~1,058 km² | Population: ~391,000
Strong in agriculture (olives, tobacco, fruits) and traditional industries.
Beirut Governorate. The Vibrant Capital
Best known for: Cosmopolitan energy, food scene, nightlife, and layered history.
Beirut perfectly blends old and new. Often called the “Paris of the Middle East,” it’s ideal for city lovers.
Beirut perfectly blends old and new. Often called the “Paris of the Middle East,” it’s ideal for city lovers.
Top attractions:
- Pigeon Rocks (Raouché) and the scenic Corniche promenade
- National Museum of Beirut
- Downtown Beirut, Zaitunay Bay & Souks
- Hamra Street for cafés and street life
- Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael for nightlife and restaurants
- Sursock Museum and contemporary art scene

