Nothing is simple in Lebanon: Guide to the 18 sects

Everyone knows Lebanon has a sectarian system – the president must be Christian, the prime minister Sunni and the speaker of Parliament Shiite – but nothing is ever even that simple in Lebanon. Did you know we actually have 18 official sects – with seats in Parliament reserved for almost all of them?

In addition to the Shiite and Sunni sects, there are two other Muslim sects, while Christians have 12 different sects that are officially recognized by the government.

Concentrated in southern Lebanon, northern and western parts of Beqaa, and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Shiites have 27 reserved seats in Parliament; the only sect eligible for speaker of the Parliament.

Concentrated in West Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon and Akkar countryside.

Sunnis have 27 reserved seats in Parliament; the only sect eligible for prime minister.

Concentrated in the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood in Tripoli and in 15 villages in Akkar.

Alawites have 2 reserved seats in Parliament.

Unlike the main body of Shiites, which accept Musa as the 7th Imam, the Ismailis recognize his brother, Ismail, instead.

The largest Christian group in Lebanon, concentrated in north Beirut, northern part of Mount Lebanon, southern part of North Governorate and South Governorate.

Maronites have 34 reserved seats in Parliament; the only sect eligible for the presidency.

The second largest Christian sect in Lebanon with a majority Greek Orthodox population in areas such as Ashrafieh, Douma, Dhour El Choueir, Mansourieh & Anfeh.

Greek Orthodox have 14 reserved seats in Parliament; the only sect eligible for deputy speaker of Parliament and deputy prime minister.

Greek Catholics are concentrated in central and eastern parts of the country including Beirut, Zahle, and the suburbs of Sidon.

Armenian Orthodox are concentrated in many areas across Lebanon, particularly Bourj Hammoud, Fanar, Jdeide, Zalka, Jal El Dib, Antelias and more .

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Posted by Hrach Kalsahakian on Friday, November 20, 2015

Armenian Orthodox have 5 reserved seats in Parliament.

Armenian Catholics have 1 reserved seat in Parliament.

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Posted by The Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon on Thursday, August 6, 2015

All together, the minority Christians from number 10 to number 15 ... have 1 shared seat in Parliament.

Including Protestant groups such as Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists.

Evangelicals have 1 reserved seat in Parliament.

Concentrated in the mountainous areas east & south of Beirut, including villages such as Falougha, Beit Mery, Brummana & many others.

Druze have 8 reserved seats in Parliament.

Traditionally centered around the synagogue in Beirut's Wadi Abu Jamil neighborhood, Lebanon's Jewish community has dwindled down to at most a few hundred members.