Number of ATM machines increased to 1,207 machines in 2009, up from 1,140 machines a year earlier, according to figures released by the Central Bank.

Consolidated value of ATM- purchase transactions and cash withdrawals by residents and nonresidents rose 19 percent to $6.5 million.

ATM cash withdrawals by residents constituted the lion’s share of transactions at 71 percent or $4.6 million.

According to the figures, Beirut boasts the highest number of ATM machines (598 ATMs) or 50 percent of total ATMs. It is followed by Mount Lebanon (22 percent) and the North at (11 percent).