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Economy of Lebanon vs Nauru compared: GDP & Debt

Updated on by Georank team

Lebanon has a GDP of $20.1B compared to $163M for Nauru, ranking 128/197 and 195/197 by economy size, respectively.

Lebanon has $38.7B in government debt (163.8% of GDP), compared to $28.3M (17.4% of GDP) in Nauru.

Lebanon vs Nauru GDP by year

Lebanon
Nauru
1x
Year GDP, current $
Lebanon Nauru
2024 - $162,588,621
2023 $20,078,620,357 $151,435,610
2022 $20,992,421,949 $152,373,434
2021 $23,131,941,557 $175,390,281
2020 $31,712,128,254 $124,685,688
2019 $51,605,959,131 $125,160,116
2018 $54,901,519,156 $130,995,566
2017 $53,027,680,686 $109,355,639
2016 $51,147,308,774 $97,541,943
2015 $49,929,337,837 $84,863,441
2014 $48,095,213,747 $99,149,244
2013 $46,880,103,081 $94,385,015
2012 $44,016,799,516 $101,055,723
2011 $39,927,125,962 $65,071,880
2010 $38,443,907,042 $47,562,845
2009 $35,399,582,929 $44,176,246
2008 $29,118,916,105 $37,602,265
2007 $24,827,355,015 $22,766,972
2006 $22,022,709,851 $29,200,359
2005 $21,497,336,499 $30,070,666
2004 $21,159,827,992 $30,587,566
2003 $20,082,918,740 $24,778,160
2002 $19,152,238,806 $21,017,424
2001 $17,649,751,244 $22,613,288
2000 $17,260,364,842 $26,930,980
1999 $17,391,056,369 $27,328,613
1998 $17,247,179,006 $29,664,451
1997 $15,751,867,489 $37,331,507
1996 $13,690,217,334 $37,458,801
1995 $11,718,795,529 $39,969,706
1994 $9,599,127,050 $39,742,511
1993 $7,941,744,492 $43,542,088
1992 $5,843,579,161 $51,133,123
1991 $4,690,415,093 $52,533,789
1990 $2,838,485,354 $55,572,376
1989 $2,717,998,688 $53,736,786
1988 $3,313,540,068 $45,931,134
1987 - $40,118,410
1986 - $39,939,391
1985 - $41,548,741
1984 - $47,363,231
1983 - $48,439,093
1982 - $52,877,742
1981 - $51,689,637
1980 - $46,947,124
1979 - $44,431,330
1978 - $41,754,147
1977 - $40,444,702
1976 - $40,287,427
1975 - $40,106,776
1974 - $35,994,511
1973 - $26,529,817
1972 - $21,734,269
1971 - $19,009,433
1970 - $17,570,366

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

GDP per capita in Lebanon vs Nauru by year

Lebanon
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
Nauru
GDP per capita

GDP per capita, PPP
1x
Year Current $
Lebanon Nauru
GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP GDP per capita GDP per capita, PPP
2024 - - $13,609 $14,173
2023 $3,478 $12,575 $12,752 $13,732
2022 $3,654 $12,293 $12,912 $13,245
2021 $4,045 $11,600 $14,979 $12,112
2020 $5,561 $16,260 $10,709 $10,811
2019 $8,906 $21,710 $10,802 $10,555
2018 $9,175 $21,985 $11,414 $9,657
2017 $8,608 $20,964 $9,657 $9,650
2016 $8,089 $18,941 $8,748 $10,281
2015 $7,714 $17,046 $7,747 $9,955
2014 $7,578 $16,140 $9,230 $9,726
2013 $8,162 $16,316 $8,975 $8,429
2012 $8,407 $16,121 $9,843 $8,153
2011 $7,835 $14,975 $6,444 $6,544
2010 $7,626 $14,704 $4,736 $5,620
2009 $7,091 $13,586 $4,411 $5,568
2008 $5,912 $12,416 $3,757 $5,863
2007 $5,125 $11,356 $2,272 $4,789
2006 $4,635 $10,312 $2,910 $5,975
2005 $4,602 $10,020 $2,992 $5,336
2004 $4,601 $9,609 $3,041 $5,169
2003 $4,438 $8,914 $2,463 $5,261
2002 $4,291 $8,586 $2,085 $5,132
2001 $4,010 $8,289 $2,232 $5,587
2000 $3,987 $7,938 $2,649 $5,838
1999 $4,087 $7,793 $2,683 $6,118
1998 $4,125 $7,861 $2,909 $6,450
1997 $3,834 $7,632 $3,661 $7,231
1996 $3,393 $7,560 $3,679 $7,818
1995 $2,959 $6,796 $3,932 $8,726
1994 $2,468 $6,367 $3,921 $9,308
1993 $2,079 $5,871 $4,310 $9,513
1992 $1,559 $5,279 $5,103 $11,167
1991 $1,278 $4,527 $5,333 $13,265
1990 $790 $2,990 $5,776 $16,215
1989 $771 - $5,723 -
1988 $959 - $5,012 -
1987 - - $4,485 -
1986 - - $4,569 -
1985 - - $4,859 -
1984 - - $5,654 -
1983 - - $5,896 -
1982 - - $6,577 -
1981 - - $6,594 -
1980 - - $6,138 -
1979 - - $5,950 -
1978 - - $5,721 -
1977 - - $5,646 -
1976 - - $5,703 -
1975 - - $5,740 -
1974 - - $5,199 -
1973 - - $3,864 -
1972 - - $3,191 -
1971 - - $2,811 -
1970 - - $2,619 -

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

Lebanon's GDP per capita is $3,478, ranking 135/197, compared to $13,609 in Nauru, ranking 74/197. Adjusted for purchasing power (GDP per capita PPP), Lebanon ranks 123rd at $12,575, while Nauru ranks 119th at $14,173.

Economic indicators

Lebanon Nauru
Gross domestic product
$20.1B
2023
$163M
2024
GDP rank
128/197
2023
195/197
2024
GDP growth
-0.76%
2022-2023
1.39%
2023-2024
GDP per capita
$3,478
2023
$13,609
2024
GDP per capita rank
135/197
2023
74/197
2024
GDP per capita, PPP
$12,575
2023
$14,173
2024
GDP per capita PPP rank
123/197
2023
119/197
2024
Government debt
$38.7B
2023
$28.3M
2024
Debt-to-GDP ratio
163.8%
2024
17.4%
2024
Government debt per person
$6,704
2023
$2,367
2024
Government debt per person rank
70/185
2023
113/185
2024
Average annual personal income after taxes
$3,560
2026
$8,783
2026
Market capitalization of domestic companies
$10.6B
2021
n/a
Number of billionaires
6
2025
n/a
Income share by richest 10%
25.1%
2022
25.3%
2012
Income share by poorest 10%
2.8%
2022
3.4%
2012
Government expenditure, % of GDP
16.5%
2024
122.1%
2024
Consumer prices inflation
45.2%
2023-2024
9.3%
2023-2024
Central bank interest rate
20%
2023
n/a
Unemployment rate
11.3%
2019
5.06%
2021
Population
5906622
12125

Spending and national debt comparison by year

Lebanon
Spending

Debt
Nauru
Spending

Debt
1x
Year % of GDP
Lebanon Nauru
Government spending Government debt Government spending Government debt
2024 16.5% 163.8% 122.1% 17.4%
2023 14.9% 192.8% 118.1% 20.5%
2022 13.4% 244.6% 134.8% 22.4%
2021 10.9% 358% 93% 20.5%
2020 23.2% 148.7% 109.4% 56.3%
2019 31.3% 172.1% 106% 59.6%
2018 32.3% 155.1% 90.8% 71.1%
2017 30.6% 150% 102.3% 78%
2016 28.3% 146.4% 96% 86.3%
2015 26.7% 140.8% 85.4% 113%
2014 28.8% 138.4% 61.3% 147.7%
2013 28.9% 135.4% 66% 166.9%
2012 30.2% 131.1% 46% 157.3%
2011 28.8% 134.4% 44.7% 236.8%
2010 29.2% 136.8% 73.8% 298.9%
2009 32.1% 144.5% 68% 295.6%
2008 34.3% 161.5% - -
2007 35.2% 169.3% - -
2006 36.1% 183.3% - -
2005 31.4% 178.9% - -
2004 33.3% 169.5% - -
2003 36.4% 171.3% - -
2002 36.8% 163.1% - -
2001 38.9% 163.1% - -
2000 42.8% 148.1% - -
1999 35.6% 130.2% - -
1998 34.7% 108.2% - -
1997 40.5% 100.2% - -
1996 43.6% 101.2% - -
1995 31.1% 79.6% - -
1994 47.3% 71.5% - -
1993 23% 50.5% - -
1992 36.1% 51.7% - -
1991 35.6% 67.1% - -
1990 40% 99.7% - -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20); International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1990–1999, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

In 2024, Lebanon's government spending was $2.99B, accounting for 16.5% of its GDP, while Nauru spent $199M, or 122.1% of GDP.

Debt-to-GDP ratio is 163.8% in Lebanon and 17.4% in Nauru, ranking 6/185 and 176/185, respectively.

Government deficit by year

Deficit/surplus
Lebanon

Nauru
1x
Year Deficit/surplus, % of GDP
Lebanon Nauru
2024 -0.19% 29.8%
2023 -1.7% 19.4%
2022 -7.77% 24.3%
2021 -2.67% 44.5%
2020 -7.37% 42.8%
2019 -10.5% 31%
2018 -11.3% 29.6%
2017 -8.65% 16.2%
2016 -8.88% 18.9%
2015 -7.48% 10.7%
2014 -6.22% 29.6%
2013 -8.82% 1.71%
2012 -8.43% 8.12%
2011 -5.94% 2.73%
2010 -7.47% 0.09%
2009 -8.1% 0.37%
2008 -9.86% -
2007 -10.9% -
2006 -10.6% -
2005 -8.57% -
2004 -9.83% -
2003 -14% -
2002 -16.2% -
2001 -21% -
2000 -23.9% -
1999 -16.7% -
1998 -17.3% -
1997 -24.5% -
1996 -25.7% -
1995 -13.6% -
1994 -29.1% -
1993 -7.19% -
1992 -24% -
1991 -19.5% -
1990 -30.2% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

In 2023, Lebanon's government deficit, the difference between spending and revenue, was $342M, equivalent to 1.7% of GDP. This compares to Nauru's surplus of $29.4M, or 19.4% of GDP.

Over the past 15 years, Lebanon recorded a fiscal deficit in 15 of those years, while Nauru ran a deficit in 0 years. On average, Lebanon posted an annual deficit equal to 7.42% of GDP, compared to surplus of 18.7% of GDP for Nauru.

Inflation comparison by year

Inflation
Lebanon

Nauru
1x
Year Consumer prices inflation
Lebanon Nauru
2024 45.2% 9.3%
2023 221.3% 4.8%
2022 171.2% 1.1%
2021 154.8% 2%
2020 84.9% 0.9%
2019 2.9% 4.1%
2018 6.1% 1.1%
2017 4.5% 4.5%
2016 -0.8% 8.1%
2015 -3.8% 9.8%
2014 1.1% 0.3%
2013 5.6% -1.1%
2012 6.6% 0.3%
2011 5% -3.4%
2010 4% -2%
2009 1.2% 22.4%
2008 10.7% 1%
2007 4.1% 5.6%
2006 4.1% 19.3%
2005 -1.4% 8.7%
2004 1.7% -
2003 1.3% -
2002 1.8% -
2001 -0.4% -
2000 -0.4% -
1999 0.2% -
1998 4.5% -
1997 7.7% -

Data sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) | World Economic Outlook (1997–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

Over the past 20 years, Lebanon has recorded an average annual inflation rate of 36.4%, compared with 4.84% in Nauru. In 2024, inflation was 45.2% in Lebanon and 9.3% in Nauru.

Top exports between countries

Lebanon
Export category Export value
Nauru
Export category Export value
Metals $6K

Balance of trade

Lebanon Nauru
Current account balance
-$5.64B
2023
$9.73M
2024
Current account balance ranking
168/190
2023
75/190
2024
Current account balance, % of GDP
-28.1%
2023
+5.98%
2024
Goods imports
$16.7B
2023
$92.7M
2024
Goods exports
$3.85B
2023
$25.5M
2024
Service imports
$6.63B
2023
$88.2M
2024
Service exports
$7.92B
2023
$64.6M
2024
Imports of goods and services, % of GDP
73.7%
2023
110.5%
2024
Exports of goods and services, % of GDP
30.6%
2023
55.3%
2024

Economic freedom indices

The indices of economic freedom below are issued by the Heritage Foundation. Higher scores indicate stronger economic health.

Lebanon Nauru
Economic freedom 43.1 60
Economic freedom ranking 183/197 97/197
Property rights 21.8 n/a
Government integrity 23.4 n/a
Judicial effectiveness 23.8 n/a
Tax burden 90.3 n/a
Government spending 93.3 n/a
Fiscal health 63.4 n/a
Business freedom 47.6 n/a
Labor freedom 48.4 n/a
Monetary freedom 0 n/a
Trade freedom 65.6 n/a
Investment freedom 20 n/a
Financial freedom 20 n/a

Other economic metrics

Lebanon Nauru
Services, % of GDP
42.4%
2023
n/a
Industry, % of GDP
2.09%
2023
n/a
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, % of GDP
0.97%
2023
n/a
GNI, Atlas method
$21.4B
2023
$244M
2024
GNI per capita, PPP
$12,420
2023
$21,970
2024
Total reserves including gold
$33.3B
2024
n/a
Total reserves ranking
54/177
2024
n/a
Net foreign direct investment
-$583M
2023
$4.51M
2024
Net inflows of foreign direct investment
$1.84B
2024
-$5.85M
2024
Net outflows of foreign direct investment
$391M
2024
-$1.34M
2024
Servicing debt to the IMF, % of GNI
22%
2023
n/a
Poverty at national poverty lines
27.4%
2012
n/a
Gross capital formation, % of GDP
1.9%
2023
n/a

GDP per capita map

1x

Data sources: World Bank | Economy & Growth (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06); U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08).

GeoRank.org/economy/lebanon/nauru | CC BY

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Data sources:

  1. World Bank | Economy & Growth (1970–2024, retrieved 2026-04-06)
  2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Fiscal Monitor (1990–2024, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  3. U.S. Census Bureau (1985–2024, retrieved 2026-02-08)
  4. The Heritage Foundation | Economic Freedom Index (2026, retrieved 2026-03-09)
  5. International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Public Finances in Modern History (1990–1999, retrieved 2026-02-20)
  6. United Nations | World Population Prospects (2026, retrieved 2026-03-10)
  7. LivingCost (2026, retrieved 2025-10-14)
  8. TradeMap (2023, retrieved 2026-02-08)

Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) — you’re free to copy, share, remix, adapt, and use even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and clearly indicate if you made changes. Other sources may be subject to different license terms.

The current account balance is the sum of net trade in goods and services, net earnings from cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. It reflects a country's economic transactions with the rest of the world and is a fundamental component of the balance of payments. A surplus indicates that a country exports more than it imports, while a deficit shows the opposite.

Gross National Income (GNI) measures a country's total income. It encompasses income earned by residents, businesses, and foreign sources, defined as employee compensation and investment profits. GNI adds product taxes not included elsewhere and subtracts subsidies. It accounts for income from residents working abroad but excludes earnings from foreigners within the country.

A negative value for Net Foreign Direct Investment indicates a country is a net receiver of investments, as foreign inflows exceed outflows after Balance of Payments adjustments. A positive value indicates a net provider, with outflows exceeding inflows. Inflows are credits (increasing foreign claims on domestic assets), while outflows are debits (increasing domestic assets abroad).

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net inflows) shows how much capital foreign investors bring into a country after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of overseas companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in the reporting country. A positive number means more capital entered the country than was withdrawn, while a negative number means foreign investors pulled out more than they invested.

Foreign direct investment (FDI, net outflows) shows how much capital residents of a country invest abroad after accounting for any funds that flow back in the opposite direction. It represents the net value of domestic companies establishing, expanding, or financing businesses in other countries. A positive number means more capital was invested abroad than withdrawn, while a negative number means residents pulled back more than they invested.

Principal and interest payments to the IMF in currency, goods, or services on long-term debt expressed as a share of GNI.

Formerly gross domestic investment, gross capital formation measures the share of a country’s economic output invested in fixed assets, including buildings, machinery, and infrastructure. It indicates how much of the economy is devoted to building productive capacity.