Lebanese diaspora

Lebanese diaspora refers to Lebanese migrants and their descendants who emigrated from Lebanon and now reside in other countries. There are more people of Lebanese origin (15,4 million) living outside Lebanon than within the country (6 million citizens). The Lebanese diaspora consists of Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Jews. The Christians trace their origin to several waves of emigration, starting with the exodus that followed the 1860 Lebanon conflict during the Ottoman Empire.

Under the current Lebanese nationality law, the Lebanese diaspora do not have an automatic right to return to Lebanon. Varying degrees of assimilation and a high degree of inter-ethnic marriages in the Lebanese diaspora communities, regardless of religious affiliation, have caused many of the Lebanese diaspora not to have passed fluency in Arabic to their children, although most still maintain a Lebanese national identity. Several factors have caused Lebanese emigration, including civil wars, attacks on Lebanese sovereignty and land by Israel and Syria, and political and economic crises.

The largest of the Lebanese diaspora reside in Brazil, 7 million people, followed by Argentina, with about 1.5 million.

Demographics

Although there are no reliable figures, the diaspora is estimated to be around 4 to 14 million people, far more than the internal population of Lebanon of around 4.6 million citizens in 2020. According to other estimates, the number of Lebanese living outside the country is thought to at least double the number of citizens living inside, which means at least 8 million people. Of the diaspora, 1.2 million are Lebanese citizens.

History

The Lebanese diaspora has always been a target to the Lebanese state to create institutional connection. In 1960, the World Lebanese Cultural Union was established under the authority of the President Fouad Chehab.

France has always been an important destination for the Lebanese diaspora, because Lebanon used to be administrated by the French after WWI and because the French language is massively spoken in Lebanon.

The Lebanese diaspora, while historically trade-related, has more recently been linked to the Lebanese Civil War, with many Lebanese emigrating to Western countries. Because of the economic opportunities, many Lebanese have also worked in the Arab World, most notably Arab states of the Persian Gulf such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Americas have long been a destination for Lebanese migration, with the Lebanese arriving in some countries at least as early as the nineteenth century. The largest concentration of Lebanese outside the Middle East is in Brazil, which has, according to some sources, at least 6 million Brazilians of Lebanese ancestry, making Brazil's population of Lebanese greater than the entire population of Lebanon. According to research conducted by IBGE in 2008, covering only the states of Amazonas, Paraíba, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso and Distrito Federal, 0.9% of white Brazilian respondents said they had family origins in the Middle East.IBGE
''IBGE: Características Étnico-Raciais da População''
.

Besides Brazil, there are also large Lebanese communities in Argentina, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, and in the European Union member states. In addition, sizable Lebanese populations also exist in the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, as well as West Africa, particularly Ivory Coast and Ghana.

A law which was passed in 2008 permitted Lebanese abroad to vote in the Lebanese elections beginning in 2013.

Lebanese diaspora in Africa

The Lebanese diaspora in Africa started in the late 19th century when the first migrants departed from Ottoman Mount Lebanon to find economic opportunities and escape political and sectarian tensions. During the early 20th century, there were two major migration waves: after World War I and during Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990 when thousands of people left the country to seek refuge abroad.

The number of Lebanese people in Africa is estimated to be about 450,000 with the majority of them residing in West and Central Africa in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Contemporary estimates of the Lebanese population in West Africa are less precise than those from the mid-twentieth century, primarily due to the challenges many African nations face in conducting comprehensive censuses. It is currently estimated—though with considerable uncertainty—that the Lebanese population in West Africa, including individuals of mixed descent, numbers between 170,000 and 200,000, approximately half of this population reside in the Ivory Coast and Senegal. Côte d’Ivoire is home to a Lebanese population estimated at around 100,000, making it one of the largest Lebanese diasporic groups on the continent. Lebanese migration also expanded into Central Africa—especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon—and to a lesser extent into Southern Africa, where communities formed in South Africa and Angola.

After their arrival, the Lebanese quickly recognized areas in colonial economies where European merchants often monopolized large-scale trade and left smaller and local markets relatively unattended. This allowed them to establish their businesses, often in challenging and underserved areas that European merchants had neglected. Over time, Lebanese migrants experienced economic progress as they went from small businesses to establishing bigger businesses in textiles, construction, and retail sectors.

Their role during colonial times was significant. They often served as intermediaries between European colonial powers and local African populations to distribute imported goods and export raw materials. During the colonial period, French consulates and embassies sought to register Lebanese emigrants and use them as a tool to extend French influence. Generally, they held a middle-tier status within the racial and social hierarchies imposed by colonial powers. This position enabled them to benefit economically, but it also generated a resentment that is growing in recent years among local populations, who at times viewed Lebanese traders as complicit in the broader colonial exploitation of African resources and labor.

Culturally, Lebanese in Africa have preserved their cultural heritage through religious institutions, schools and social organizations. Maronite and Orthodox churches, as well as mosques for Muslim Lebanese, played key roles in preserving traditions and community ties. For instance, the Maronite church of Notre Dame du Liban in Dakar, Sengal functions not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Lebanese national identity. Over generations, many Lebanese still maintain their distinct cultural identities. Younger generations, born and raised in Africa, have often blended Lebanese customs with local cultural elements to form a hybrid identity that represents their original heritage and their current environment.

Lebanese traders in Africa

Small villages in Burkina Faso, between Bobo-Dioulasso and Nouna, have Lebanese-owned shops—each village has at least one or two. Lebanese traders strategically send Lebanese newcomers to various shops across West-African cities to learn the local language and understand the workings of regional commerce. In the initial phase, these newcomers assist their employers—often relatives—in trading goods. The employer not only mentors the newcomer but also provides him financial support, usually through a small investment. Many of these shop owners eventually grow into prominent entrepreneurs with expansive trade networks that reach into rural areas.

However, not all West African countries offered the same flexibility in trade regulations. For example, under President Modibo Keïta, Mali adopted a centralized economic policy in which the state played a dominant role. The government tightly monitored economic planning and progress, leaving little room for entrepreneurial freedom.

Similarly, Guinea, under the leadership of Sékou Touré, implemented a strict socialist policy with a closed, anti-capitalist economy. Private enterprise was strongly supervised, and opportunities for private economic activities were limited. Lebanese traders had to deal with these restrictive economic policies. As a result, many relocated to other African countries with more favorable economic environments. Their financial stability and strong trade networks allowed them move to new places and keep doing business, even when the economic environment was challenging.

Lebanese traders in Africa were highly motivated and faced significant social pressure not to fail in their business ventures. Economic success in Africa gave them a higher social status in Lebanon. The recruitment of new traders often began in Lebanon and extended outward to various parts of Africa. This structured recruitment, along with pressure from the community and strong business drive helped Lebanese trade keep growing across Africa.

Business networks and economic impacts

Lebanese diaspora is often viewed as one of the most successful and influential diasporas in the world. Many Lebanese entrepreneurs and business people worldwide have proved very successful in all kinds of sectors and contexts. Lebanese abroad are considered "rich, educated and influential." Remittances from Lebanese abroad to family members within the country were estimated at $8.9 billion in 2014 and accounted for 18% of the country's economy. However, there remains a great untapped potential for further collaboration and cooperation between the diaspora and the Lebanese in their home country. Foreign direct investment is below 7% of the GDP, and almost half the Lebanese population is in tertiary education.

Throughout its history, the Lebanese diaspora used the Lebanese identity to create strong networks to help its members out. Over the course of time, immigration has indeed yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world. Lebanese migrants play an important role in assisting Lebanon and its people through financial support, touristic visits, starting businesses and trades.

In West Africa, dozens of Lebanese entrepreneurs have established diverse business concerns in Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and other countries, and are viewed as business dynasties contributing to the development of the local economies in the region.

Lebanese populations in the diaspora

The list below contains approximate figures for people of full or partial Lebanese descent by country of residence, largely taken from the iLoubnan diaspora map. Additional reliable cites have been provided where possible. Additional estimates have been included where they can be cited; where applicable, these are used in place of the iLoubnan figures. The figure below uses the data from the list and calculates the amount of Lebanese residents as a percentage of the total population of the respective country.

Note: An important percentage of Middle-Easterners in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Portugal and Spain are of Lebanese ancestry. They are denoted ** for this purpose.

Outreach to the Lebanese diaspora by the Lebanese government

The Lebanese government increasingly sees the diaspora as a critical resource for investment and new immigrants. A 2016 television ad tried to entice Lebanese in the United States to move to Lebanon to help improve the standard of living.

The Lebanese government launched the DiasporaID program in August 2017 to better connect Lebanese abroad to Lebanon itself. Funding for the project was provided by USAID with an objective of improving foreign investment in Lebanon.

On August 8, 2017, Lebanese President Michel Aoun advocated children of Lebanese in the diaspora take on Lebanese citizenship during a speech to the Maronite Diaspora Institution at Baabda Palace.

Notable persons of Lebanese descent

Notable persons of Lebanese descent

Famous scientists of Lebanese descent include: Peter Medawar (Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine), Elias Corey (Nobel Prize in Chemistry), Ardem Patapoutian (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Michael Atiyah (Fields Medalist, Mathematics), Michael DeBakey (medical innovator), Mona Nemer (Canada's Chief Science Advisor) and geneticists Huda Zoghbi, Anthony Atala and Joanne Chory. Famous writers include William Peter Blatty, Nelly Sfeir Gonzalez, film director Alex Garland, Nassim Nicholas Taleb and screenwriters and film producers Geoff Johns, Tony Thomas, Ronald Schwary, Tomas Langmann, Mario Kassar and Michael Tadross.

Prominent members of the Lebanese diaspora include Presidents and vice-presidents, e.g. Juan Lechin (Bolivia), Michel Temer (Brazil), Julio Teodoro Salem, Abdalá Bucaram, Alberto Dahik, Jamil Mahuad (all in Ecuador), Jacobo Majluta Azar, Luis Abinader (Dominican Republic), Julio Cesar Turbay (Colombia), Alberto Abdala (Uruguay) and Mario Abdo (former president of Paraguay). Other famous politicians include Ralph Nader, 2000, 2004 and 2008 US presidential candidate, Alex Azar former United States Secretary of Health, Spencer Abraham former United States Secretary of Energy, Mark Esper former United States Secretary of Defense, John Sununu former White House Chief of Staff, Darrell Issa US politician, George J. Mitchell US Politician and Peace Envoy, Charlie Crist Governor of Florida, Philip Habib US Politician and Peace Envoy, Victoria Reggie Kennedy American lawyer and diplomat, politician and author Jeanine Pirro, US Representative Donna Shalala, US Representative Ray Lahood, Governor of São Paulo State in Brazil Paulo Maluf, Edward Seaga Prime Minister of Jamaica and Benjamin Miguel Harb Bolivian politician and lawyer.

Notable military and astronauts include US army general John Abizaid, Navy Seal and Medal of Honor recipient Michael Monsoor as well as astronaut and Congressional Space Medal of Honor recipient Christa McAuliffe. Computer scientists include Richard Rashid, Tony Fadell and Jean Paoli.

Famous businessmen of Lebanese descent include Carlos Slim Helú, Carlos Ghosn, Nicolas Hayek, John J. Mack, Jacques Nasser, Debra Cafaro, Joseph J Jacobs, Joe Jamail, Swiss-Lebanese banker Salim Sfeir, Swiss-Brazilian banker Edmond Safra, Mauricio Gonzalez Sfeir, Lucie Salhany, Kevin O' Leary, Marcus Lemonis, Canadian industrial psychologist Gad Saad, and famous names in entertainment like Danny Thomas, Marlo Thomas, Salma Hayek, Shakira, Jenna Dewan, Terrence Malick, Tom Shadyac, Tony Shalhoub, Kathy Najimy, Tiffany, Jim Backus, Jane Wiedlin, Kristy McNichol, Zoe Saldana, James Stacy, Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Amy Yasbeck, Khrystyne Haje, Skandar Keynes, Jace Norman, Morena Baccarin, Barbara Mori, Omar Sharif, Ricardo Darin, Xavier Dolan, Damian Bichir, Paul Anka, Emilio Stefan, Drake's long time producers and Grammy winners Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib, Alfredo Bojalil, Oscar-winning composer Gabriel Yared, guitarists Dick Dale, Tommy Bolin and G. E. Smith, Armand Van Helden, Tyler Joseph, Jack Barakat, Bazzi, Thomas Rhett, Patrick Gemayel, comedian el Gran Sandy, Uruguayan actress Dahd Sfeir, Mika, models Yamila Diaz-Rahi, Daniella Sarahyba and Zaira Nara; Miss Universe Bolivia Lenka Nemer, and sportsmen like Doug Flutie, Rony Seikaly, Marcos Bagdhatis, Sammy Giammalva, professional tennis player and coach, Patrick Maroon, Johnny Manziel, surfers Kelly Slater and Maya Gabeira, winner of the Indy 500 Bobby Rahal, Carlos Alberto captain of Brazil 1970 world cup champion, FIFA World Cup record holder Mario Zagallo, Bolivian national goalkeeper Jose Issa, chess Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade and Olympic medalists Jordyn Wieber, Florencia Habif, Matt Abood, Thaisa Daher and Beatriz Haddad Maia, top-10 woman tennis professional.

Lebanese food in the diaspora

Lebanese cuisine has ingrained itself as a staple in a multitude of cultures, wherever people from the Lebanese diaspora emigrated. Examples include Brazil, Canada and the United States. The language of food can contribute to feelings of cultural belonging, as shown through literary analysis. It has served as both a source of identity and income for people of the Lebanese diaspora everywhere around the world.Helou, Anissa. 2018. ''Feast: Food of the Islamic World''. First edition. New York, NY: Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

See also

*Arab diaspora
* Constitution of Lebanon
*Dearborn, Michigan
* Driving licence in Lebanon
* Foreign relations of Lebanon
* History of Lebanon
* Lebanese Argentines
* Lebanese Brazilians
* Lebanese identity card
* Lebanese passport
*Levantine Arabic
* List of Lebanese diaspora
* List of Lebanon international footballers born outside Lebanon
*List of Lebanese people
* Little Syria, Manhattan
* Politics of Lebanon
* Vehicle registration plates of Lebanon
* Visa policy of Lebanon
* Visa requirements for Lebanese citizens

Notes

References

External links and further reading

Arab American National Museum
*Hage, Ghassan. (2021).
The Diasporic Condition: Ethnographic Explorations of the Lebanese in the World
'. University of Chicago Press.
* Kusumo, Fitra Ismu. ''Islam en América Latina. Tomo I: La expansión del Islam y su llegada a América Latina'' 'Islam in Latin America, Volume I: The Expansion of Islam and Its Arrival in Latin America'' Rumah Jade Production, 201

*Kusumo, Fitra Ismu. ''Islam en América Latina. Tomo II: Migración Árabe a América Latina y el caso de México'' 'Islam in Latin America. Volume II: Arab Migration to Latin America and the Case of Mexico'' Rumah Jade Production, 201

*Kusumo, Fitra Ismu. ''Islam en América Latina. Tomo III: El Islam hoy desde América Latina'' 'Islam in Latin America, Volume III: Islam Today from Latin America'' Kindle ed., Rumah Jade Production, 201
The Lebanese Demographic Reality
Lebanese Information Center, reviewed by Statistics Lebanon. 14 January 2013.
Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies
at North Carolina State University
*Verdeil, Éric, & Dewailly, B. (2019). International Migration and the Lebanese Diaspora. In E. Verdeil, G. Faour, & M. Hamzé (Eds.), ''Atlas of Lebanon'' (1–). Presses de l’Ifpo. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.ifpo.13224.

{{Overseas Asians

Lebanese diaspora,
Emigration by country
Emigration