As of 2024, the top 1% in Lebanon earned 19.88% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 11.36%. Lebanon’s income inequality has remained relatively stable since 1980, when the top 1% share was 20.41%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Lebanon in 2024
In 2024, income in Lebanon was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 19.88% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 11.36% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Lebanon | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 19.88% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 49.44% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 11.36% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Lebanon?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Lebanon’s top 1% has remained relatively stable over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 20.41% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 0.53 percentage points to 19.88%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Lebanon has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 51.11% while the bottom 50% received 12.18%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 49.44% and 11.36% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 20.41% | 51.11% | 12.18% | 38.93 pp |
| 1986 | 20.41% | 51.11% | 12.18% | 38.93 pp |
| 1992 | 20.41% | 51.11% | 12.18% | 38.93 pp |
| 1998 | 20.41% | 51.11% | 12.18% | 38.93 pp |
| 2004 | 20.41% | 51.11% | 12.18% | 38.93 pp |
| 2010 | 21.04% | 55.29% | 10.64% | 44.65 pp |
| 2016 | 21.15% | 54.57% | 10.68% | 43.89 pp |
| 2022 | 20.24% | 50.93% | 11.18% | 39.75 pp |
How Lebanon Compares Globally
Lebanon vs Middle East Average
Compared to other countries in Middle East, Lebanon’s top 1% income share of 19.88% is slightly lower than the regional average of 21.66%. The bottom 50% in Lebanon receives 11.36% of income, compared to the Middle East average of 11.98%.
Where Lebanon Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Lebanon ranks 48th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Lebanon ranks 145th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Lebanon include Thailand's income inequality, Oman, Turkmenistan's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Lebanon?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Lebanon earned 19.88% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Lebanon?
Income inequality in Lebanon has remained relatively stable since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 20.41% in 1980 to 19.88% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Lebanon?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Lebanon received 11.36% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 49.44%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.