Lebanese expatriates… their distribution abroad and their participation in Lebanese elections

Lebanese Diaspora: Distribution, Migration Trends, and Electoral Participation

The Lebanese diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with estimates ranging between 12 million and 18 million people—far exceeding Lebanon’s resident population of approximately 4 million. As emigration continues to rise and the number of residents declines, the role of Lebanese expatriates in shaping Lebanon’s future becomes increasingly significant.

Global Distribution of Lebanese Expatriates

Lebanese communities are spread across six continents, with the largest populations found in Latin America, North America, and the Middle East.

🌍 Estimated Number of Lebanese Expatriates by Country:

• Brazil: 13 million
• United States: 3.5 million
• Argentina: 1.5 million
• Colombia: 700,000
• Canada: 600,000
• Australia: 500,000
• Mexico: 400,000
• Venezuela: 340,000
• France: 250,000
• Saudi Arabia: 135,000
• Gulf States (excluding KSA): 100,000
• Ecuador: 100,000
• Chile: 90,000
• United Kingdom: 90,000
• Uruguay: 70,000
• Ivory Coast: 60,000
• Germany: 50,000
• New Zealand: 50,000
• Other countries: 100,000

Rising Emigration from Lebanon (2018–2021)

The latest International Information statistics reveal a sharp increase in Lebanese emigration in recent years.

📌 Lebanese emigration statistics:

• 2020: 17,721 people left Lebanon.
• 2021 (January–November): 77,777 emigrated, a fourfold increase from 2020.
• 2018–2021 total emigration: 195,433 Lebanese left the country.

This exodus highlights deepening economic, political, and social crises, which have forced many Lebanese—especially young professionals and skilled workers—to seek opportunities abroad.

Lebanese Expatriate Participation in Elections

While 225,000 Lebanese are officially registered abroad, only 128,000–130,000 participated in the last parliamentary elections, representing about 63% turnout across 58 countries.

📊 Voter Turnout by Region:

• 🏛 Middle East & Iran: 59% turnout (out of 30,929 registered voters).
• 🌎 North America: 10% turnout
• 🌍 Latin America: 9.67% turnout
• 🇪🇺 Europe: 56.15% turnout (highest participation).
• 🌍 Africa: 52.48% turnout

📌 Highest Voter Turnout by Country:

• 🇸🇾 Syria: 83.79% (1,018 voters).
• 🇮🇷 Iran: 73.83%
• 🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai): Over 71% turnout—one of the most striking electoral scenes.
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 49% turnout.
• 🇺🇸 United States: 15,685 voters participated.
• 🇦🇺 Australia (Oceania): 11,876 voters participated.

These figures suggest high engagement in some regions (Middle East, Europe, Africa) and low engagement in others (North & Latin America).

Do Lebanese Expatriates Feel Disconnected from Lebanon’s Reality?

The low voter turnout in North America and Latin America raises an important question:

🛑 Do Lebanese expatriates feel detached from Lebanon’s political situation, or do they believe their votes won’t create real change?

Possible Reasons for Low Electoral Participation:

Disconnection from daily struggles in Lebanon – Many Lebanese abroad, particularly those in third or fourth generations, may no longer feel strongly connected to Lebanon’s political crises.
Lack of confidence in political change – Expatriates might see elections as ineffective due to sectarian politics, corruption, and electoral manipulation.
Voting logistics – Some expatriates may find it challenging to vote, whether due to distance from polling stations or lack of clear election procedures.
Political disillusionment – Many Lebanese in North & Latin America left the country decades ago and may no longer engage in Lebanese politics.

Why Some Lebanese Expatriates Are Highly Engaged:

Stronger cultural and familial ties – Expatriates in Middle Eastern and European countries maintain closer connections with Lebanon.
Direct impact on family and finances – Those sending remittances to Lebanon are more invested in the country’s political and economic stability.
Sectarian and ideological mobilization – In some cases, political parties actively encourage voting among Lebanese communities abroad.

The Future of Lebanese Expatriate Involvement

As Lebanon continues to experience waves of emigration, the Lebanese diaspora will play an even greater role in shaping the country’s future. However, engaging expatriates in Lebanon’s democratic process remains a challenge.

📢 Key Considerations for Increasing Expatriate Participation:
Strengthening emotional and political ties between Lebanon and its expatriates.
Improving election logistics to make voting easier for Lebanese abroad.
Restoring trust in the electoral system by addressing corruption and political stagnation.
Encouraging long-term investment in Lebanon, giving expatriates a stake in the country’s future.

Lebanon’s global diaspora is a powerful force—both politically and economically. If properly engaged, it could be a key driver of reform, stability, and national progress.

🚀 The challenge now is to transform this potential into real influence.