GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Governorates of Beirut (20 km²) and Mount Lebanon (1,984 km²) are the main urban areas of Lebanon. Mount Lebanon is divided into six districts: Baabda, Aley, Matn, Keserwan, Chouf and Jbeil.
Home of half of Lebanon’s population, Beirut and Mount Lebanon make up the center of the country’s most of social, economic, political and cultural activities. The majority of trade and industrial activities are also concentrated in the area.
The governorates include 10 per cent of Lebanon’s agricultural land. Whilst the area gives off an initial image of being affluent, there is nevertheless poverty in especially the suburbs of Beirut. Ouzaii on the southern seaside (Baabda) and Nabhaa in Sin el Fil (Metn) are particularly marginalized.
POPULATION OVERVIEW
Beirut and Mount Lebanon have a population of almost two million, with greater Beirut being a melting pot with all religious confessions represented. Mount Lebanon is predominantly Christian, but with large pockets of Druze and other religious groups living in the southern and eastern parts of the Governorate.
Only 109 Lebanese returnees have registered with the High Relief Committee in Beirut, whilst just over one thousand are registered in Mount Lebanon. Their priority needs have been identified as being health and food.
The number of registered Syrian refugees in Beirut and Mount Lebanon has surpassed the 300,000 mark. UNHCR through its partner TDH provide transport to vulnerable refugees that live in remote areas to ease their access to the registration centre.
It is likely that a large number of refugees registered in other locations have made secondary movements to especially greater Beirut for job opportunities.