User:George/Sandbox2

Demographics
The population of Lebanon was estimated to be 4,017,095 in July 2010, however no official census has been taken since 1932, reflecting the political sensitivity in Lebanon over confessional balance between different religious groups.

Religion
The main religious groups of Lebanon are Muslims (56%), Christians (39%), and Druze (5%). Over the past 60 years, there has been a steady decline in the number of Christians as compared to Muslims, due to higher emigration rates among Christians, and a higher birth rate among the Muslim population. The most recent study conducted by Statistics Lebanon, a Beirut-based research firm, found that approximately 28% of the population was Sunni, 28% Shi'a, 22% Maronite, 8% Greek Orthodox, 5% Druze, and 4% Greek Catholic. There are 18 state-recognized religious sects.

The Shi'a community is estimated to be 28% of Lebanon's total population, and is often described as being the largest of Lebanon's Muslim communities, or the largest of the 18 recognized religious sects in Lebanon. Shi'a residents primarily live in West Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. They tend to be less educated and poorer than most other segments of Lebanese society.

The Sunni community is estimated to be 28% of Lebanon's total population. Sunni residents primarily live in West Beirut, the southern coast of Lebanon, and northern Lebanon.

The Maronite community is estimated to be approximately 22% of Lebanon's total population. Maronite residents tend to live in East Beirut and the mountains of Lebanon. They are the largest Christian community in Lebanon. Maronites tend to be wealthier and better educated than most other segments of Lebanese society.