What is the capital of Lebanon?
Beirut sits on a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean at the midpoint of Lebanon's coast.
Beirut is the capital and seat of government of Lebanon, a role it has held since 1943. Lebanon itself has an estimated population of 5,849,421 (2025).
Beirut is also the largest city in Lebanon, which is the usual arrangement, though it is far from universal: see the countries where capital and largest city differ.
Beirut at a glance
| City population | 433,249 (2017 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan area | 2,400,000 (2025 estimate, Greater Beirut) |
| Country | 🇱🇧 Lebanon |
| Capital since | 1943 |
| Largest city in Lebanon | Beirut |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 (EET) |
| Currency | Lebanese pound (LBP) |
About Beirut
Beirut has been the capital of Lebanon since 1943, Beirut has been Lebanon's capital and main port since independence in 1943, and was the capital of the French Mandate before that.
Beirut has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Beirut is Lebanon's largest city, its main Mediterranean port and the centre of the country's economy.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Beirut.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Lebanon?
Is Beirut the largest city in Lebanon?
What is the population of Beirut?
Where is Beirut located?
When did Beirut become the capital of Lebanon?
What time zone is Beirut in?
What currency is used in Beirut?
Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Lebanon on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.