Lebanon

Lebanese Republic
	;
Official language(s)	Arabic; Recognized: French
Capital	Beirut
Largest city	capital
Government	Unitary parliamentary republic
President	Vacant
Prime Minister	Najib Mikati
Legislature	Parliament of Lebanon
Formation
Area	10,452 km²
Population
GDP (nominal)
GDP (PPP)
Currency	Lebanese pound (LBP)
Time zone
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+961
ISO 3166 code
Internet TLD	.lb

Lebanon (Template:Lang-ar, Lubnān; Template:Lang-fr), officially the Lebanese Republic, is a country in the Levant region of the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, with a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The capital and largest city is Beirut.

With a population of about 5.4 million, Lebanon is notable for its cultural diversity, with 18 officially recognized religious sects. The country has been historically significant as part of ancient Phoenicia, a major maritime and trading civilization.

Etymology

The name Lebanon derives from the Semitic root lbn meaning "white," a reference to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Lebanon.

History

Ancient period

Lebanon was the center of Phoenicia, an ancient maritime civilization known for seafaring, trade, and the creation of the Phoenician alphabet, one of the world’s earliest scripts.

Roman and Byzantine era

The region became part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, noted for prosperous cities such as Baalbek.

Islamic and Ottoman rule

Following the Muslim conquests of the 7th century, Lebanon became part of successive Islamic caliphates. It later came under Ottoman rule from 1516 until the end of World War I.

French mandate and independence

After the Ottoman defeat in 1918, Lebanon was placed under a French mandate by the League of Nations. Lebanon gained independence on 22 November 1943.

Civil war and modern era

From 1975 to 1990, Lebanon experienced a devastating Lebanese Civil War, involving multiple militias and foreign interventions. The post-war Taif Agreement reshaped the political system. Lebanon has since faced political instability, sectarian tensions, economic crises, and conflicts with Israel, most notably in 2006.

Geography

Lebanon covers 10,452 km² and features a narrow coastal plain, the Lebanon Mountains, and the fertile Bekaa Valley. Its highest peak is Qurnat as Sawda’ (3,088 m). The country has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Politics

Lebanon is a parliamentary republic with a confessional political system in which key offices are divided among religious groups: the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament a Shia Muslim.

Economy

Historically known for banking and trade, Lebanon’s economy has faced severe challenges, particularly following the 2019 financial crisis, the 2020 Beirut explosion, and ongoing political instability. Despite this, Lebanon remains known for agriculture (notably wine and olive oil), services, and tourism.

Demographics

Lebanon is home to diverse religious and ethnic communities. Major groups include Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Druze, and others. Arabic is the official language, while French and English are also widely spoken.

Culture

Lebanon has a rich cultural heritage blending Arab, Mediterranean, and European influences. It is known for its literature, music, and cuisine, including dishes such as tabbouleh, hummus, and kibbeh. Beirut has historically been referred to as the “Paris of the Middle East.”

Tourism

Tourism has long been important to Lebanon, with attractions such as the ancient ruins of Baalbek, the coastal city of Byblos, and the nightlife of Beirut. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon include Byblos, Baalbek, and the Qadisha Valley.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Lebanon. The national team competes in Asian competitions. Basketball is also widely followed, with Lebanese clubs achieving success in regional tournaments.

References

External links