Religious Beliefs In Lebanon

The Western Asian country of Lebanon occupies an area of 10,452 square km and hosts a population of 6,006,668 people. The country’s strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea coast has influenced its religious demographics and culture since the ancient times. Islam is the dominant religion in Lebanon. 54% of the population is represented by followers of Islam. Christianity is the second largest religion, accounting for about 40.5% of the total population of Lebanon. The remaining population adheres to the Druze religion or other religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, the Baha’i faith, etc.

The Largest Religion In Lebanon

Both Sunni and Shia Islam is practiced in Lebanon. The Sunnites and Shiites represent nearly an equal proportion of the Muslim population of the country. Twelvers, Ismailis, and Alawites are the Shia groups with a significant number of adherents in the country. Sufism also has an influence on the Islam practiced in the nation. Lebanese Sunnites are primarily found in the larger cities of the country like Tripoli and the capital city of Beirut. They also live in some rural areas and the western section of the Beqaa Valley. Shiites are found in larger concentrations in Southern Lebanon and south Beirut. They are also found in large numbers in the Hermel and Baalbek districts of the country.

The Druze Religion Of Lebanon

The Druze is the religion of a small percentage of the Lebanese people. The adherents of this faith trace their origins to the Near East. They are described as an esoteric ethnoreligious group who identify themselves as Muwahhideen or Unitarians. Lebanon’s Druze community primarily resides in the mountainous regions near Beirut.

Christianity In Lebanon

Lebanese Christians belong to different Christian groups like Protestants, Orthodox, Melkites, and Maronites. The religion has a long history in the country. Lebanon is also the Middle-East country with the highest proportion of Christians in the population.

Religious Freedom And Tolerance In Lebanon

Lebanon is the most religiously diverse country in the Middle East region. It is a secular state where freedom of religion is provided to the citizens of the country. Thus, the people have the right to select and practice a religion of their choice. In the Lebanese society, the religious authorities representing an individual's faith, often handle family matters like marriages and divorces.