Capital: Beirut
3.9 million inhabitants
-15% growth due to recent political events
50% under 25 years old
GDP: US$21.5 billion, real growth: -6.2%
GDP per capita: US$5,513
Weak economy, suffering from civil war and recent conflicts.
Economy of services. Solid real estate and tourism activities yet severely hampered by recent tensions.
Retail surface expected to almost double by 2010. Shift from street shopping to mall.