The Lebanese very many want to leave their country

A road blocked by burning tires during a demonstration against the continued deterioration of living conditions in Beirut on November 29, 2021. REUTERS - ISSAM ABDALLAH

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The multifaceted and unprecedented crisis that has hit the land of the Cedars for two years has caused a wave of departures abroad.

According to a poll published this Thursday, December 2 by the American firm of statistics and analysis Gallup, six in ten people dream of leaving Lebanon for good.

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With our correspondent in Beirut, 

Paul Khalifeh

63% of Lebanese surveyed between August 10 and 28 would like to leave their country for good.

The American institute indicates that the number of candidates for emigration has never exceeded 32%, in surveys carried out in the past.

Muslims, the study says, are the most likely to want to leave with 67% of candidates, 10% more than Christians.

The

living conditions

have deteriorated considerably over the past two years, pushing much of the Lebanese in despair.

80% of the population has fallen into poverty.

The depreciation of the pound destroyed purchasing power and led to skyrocketing prices.

Unemployment affects half of the working population and the already modest social safety nets hardly exist any more.

► To read also: Lebanon: demonstrators block roads, in a country simply at the end of the line

Brain drain

The American study also indicates that 53% of respondents could not buy food at least once in 2021, and 31% did not pay their rent.

A ministerial source told RFI that since the start of the crisis in October 2019, one million Lebanese, or one sixth of the population, have left the country.

Lebanon is emptying its senior staff, with the departure of tens of thousands of doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers.

►

To read also: "Lebanon is a failing state" [Interview]

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  • Lebanon

  • Economic crisis

  • Poverty