Beirut, the capital and largest city of Lebanon, is situated on the Mediterranean coast at the foot of the Lebanon Mountains. As of 2017, the city had a population of approximately 433,249, with the Greater Beirut area housing about 3.5 million residents.

The city has a rich history, having been inhabited for over 5,000 years. It has served as a significant cultural and economic hub in the Middle East, often referred to as the "Paris of the East." Beirut's architecture reflects a blend of modern structures and historical buildings from the Ottoman and French colonial periods.

In recent years, Beirut has faced several challenges. In August 2020, a massive explosion at the Port of Beirut caused widespread destruction, resulting in over 200 deaths and leaving thousands homeless. The city has also been affected by political instability and economic crises, leading to significant hardships for its residents.

Despite these challenges, Beirut's cultural scene remains vibrant. Art galleries and cultural institutions continue to showcase Lebanese and regional artists, offering a glimmer of hope and resilience amid the city's struggles.

Beirut's economy has been severely impacted by recent conflicts, with many businesses facing closures and economic activities coming to a standstill. The World Bank has forecasted a significant 6.6% drop in Lebanon's GDP due to the ongoing crises.

• Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
• Beirut's population in Greater Beirut is about 3.5 million, nearly half of Lebanon's total population, making it the largest urban area in Lebanon.
• Beirut has been significantly impacted by political instability, wars, and economic crises, especially after the 2020 Port explosion, leaving over 200 dead and thousands homeless.
• Despite ongoing challenges, Beirut’s cultural scene remains active, with numerous galleries and art exhibitions showcasing Lebanese and regional artists, symbolising resilience.
• Beirut's economy is service-oriented, primarily based on banking, tourism, and trade, making it a financial hub for the Middle East.
• The city’s banking system is a key pillar of its economy, with Lebanese banks holding foreign capital and a large share of regional investments.
• Beirut’s climate is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, making it a popular destination year-round for tourists.
• The city’s historic architecture includes Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman, and French influences, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage through centuries of occupation and development.
• Beirut Central District underwent significant reconstruction after the Lebanese Civil War, turning into a modern financial and commercial hub, though facing ongoing criticism for urban policies.
• Beirut has a diverse religious population, with significant communities of Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Christians, and Armenians, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities.

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is administered by the Beirut Governorate, which is one of Lebanon's eight governorates. The city is also a municipality, and its administration is led by a mayor and a local council. The governor of Beirut, as of 2021, is Marwan Abboud, while the mayor is Abdallah Darwish. The municipal council is responsible for managing the city's public services, infrastructure, and urban development.

Beirut is the seat of the Lebanese government, housing the Lebanese Parliament and many ministries. It is also home to numerous embassies and international organisations. The city’s administration operates under Lebanon’s system of sectarian power-sharing, where political representation is divided among different religious communities. This system ensures that the city's various religious groups are represented in political and governmental structures.

Beirut's administration faces significant challenges, particularly in urban planning, waste management, and infrastructure development. The 2020 Port explosion highlighted gaps in government oversight and the lack of proper disaster preparedness. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to rebuild and modernise Beirut’s infrastructure, with both public and private sector involvement in the reconstruction process.

Beirut is the economic and financial hub of Lebanon, with a service-oriented economy. The city’s economy relies heavily on sectors such as banking, tourism, trade, and real estate. Beirut is home to Lebanon's central bank, Banque du Liban, and hosts several major international banks, making it a significant financial centre in the region.

The city’s banking sector is particularly prominent, with Lebanese banks known for attracting foreign deposits due to their high interest rates and banking secrecy laws. This sector plays a critical role in Lebanon's economy, despite facing challenges from ongoing economic crises.

Tourism is another key contributor to Beirut’s economy. Known as the "Paris of the East," Beirut has historically attracted visitors for its vibrant cultural scene, nightlife, and Mediterranean beaches. However, the city’s tourism industry has suffered from political instability, war, and recent crises, including the 2020 explosion in the Port of Beirut.

Trade is also vital to Beirut’s economy, with its port being one of the busiest in the Eastern Mediterranean. The city is a gateway for imports and exports to Lebanon and the surrounding region. Despite economic difficulties, Beirut continues to be a key player in Lebanon’s overall economic activity.

Beirut's infrastructure is a mix of modern and historical elements, with ongoing development and challenges. The city is served by Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon's main international gateway, which handles millions of passengers annually. The airport underwent significant renovations in recent years to improve capacity and facilities.

The Port of Beirut is a key part of the city’s infrastructure, acting as the main maritime gateway for Lebanon. It handles about 70% of the country’s imports and exports, supporting trade and logistics in the region. However, the port was heavily damaged in the 2020 explosion, which has significantly impacted Lebanon’s supply chains and the city’s infrastructure.

Beirut’s road network connects the city to other parts of Lebanon, including key highways that link it to Syria and other neighbouring countries. The city faces challenges such as heavy traffic congestion and a lack of modern public transportation. While efforts to improve public transport have been made, with the introduction of bus services and a bike-sharing program, the system remains underdeveloped.

Electricity and water supply are critical concerns for Beirut. Frequent power cuts and water shortages have led to the development of private generators, while efforts to address the issues are ongoing. Beirut’s infrastructure recovery from the 2020 explosion is a key focus for the government and international partners.