Lebanon

Lebanon
Henri Pharaon · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Lebanese Republic
Native name	الجمهورية اللبنانية (Arabic), al-Jumhūrīyah al-Lubnānīyah
Capital	Beirut
Largest city	Beirut
Official languages	Arabic
Recognized languages	French
Ethnic groups	Lebanese ~95%
Religion	Islam (Sunni, Shia, Alawite), Christianity (Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Melkite, Protestant), Druze
Government type	Unitary parliamentary republic
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Vacant
Leader title2	Prime Minister
Leader name2	Najib Mikati
Leader title3	Speaker of the Parliament
Leader name3	Nabih Berri
Legislature	Parliament of Lebanon
Area km2	10,452
Area rank	161st
Population estimate	~5.5 million
Population estimate year	2023
GDP PPP	$78.9 billion
GDP PPP year	2023
GDP PPP per capita	$11,500
Currency	Lebanese pound
Time zone	EET
Utc offset	+2
Utc offset DST	+3
Drives on	right
Calling code	+961
Cctld	.lb

Lebanon. Officially known as the Lebanese Republic, it is a country in Western Asia, situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, with Cyprus lying west across the sea. Renowned for its cultural diversity and historical significance, the nation's capital and largest city is the vibrant coastal metropolis of Beirut.

History

The land that constitutes modern Lebanon has been inhabited for millennia, home to the ancient Phoenicians, renowned maritime traders who established city-states like Byblos, Sidon, and Tyre. It later fell under successive empires including the Assyrian Empire, Achaemenid Empire, Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire. Following the Arab conquest, the region became part of the Umayyad Caliphate and later the Ottoman Empire for four centuries. After World War I, the area of Mount Lebanon was administered by France under a League of Nations mandate, leading to the establishment of the modern state in 1943. The latter half of the 20th century was dominated by the devastating Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to 1990, which involved numerous internal factions and foreign interventions, including those by Syria and Israel. The post-war period has been marked by political instability, the 2006 Lebanon War, the spillover from the Syrian civil war, and a severe financial crisis beginning in 2019.

Geography

Lebanon is characterized by a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, beyond which rise the steep Mount Lebanon range. Parallel to the west, the Beqaa Valley forms a fertile agricultural plateau, bordered to the east by the Anti-Lebanon Mountains which form the border with Syria. The country's highest peak is Qurnat as Sawda' in the northern Mount Lebanon range. Major rivers include the Litani River, the longest entirely within its borders, and the Orontes River which flows north into Syria. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, supporting famous cedar forests, symbolized on the national flag.

Government and politics

Lebanon is a unitary parliamentary republic that operates under a unique confessionalist system, designed to share power among its numerous religious communities. The National Pact of 1943, an unwritten agreement, dictates that the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. The legislature, the Parliament of Lebanon, is elected by the people. The political landscape is dominated by powerful sectarian parties and alliances, such as the Free Patriotic Movement, Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, the Future Movement, and the Lebanese Forces. Foreign relations are heavily influenced by regional dynamics, particularly involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and ongoing tensions with Israel.

Economy

Historically a regional banking and services hub, Lebanon's economy has been in a state of profound crisis since 2019, with its currency collapsing and hyperinflation soaring. Prior to this, key sectors included banking, tourism, and real estate. The Beirut stock exchange, known as the Beirut Stock Exchange, was once active. Agriculture remains important in the Beqaa Valley, producing wines, fruits, and vegetables. The industrial sector includes food processing, jewelry, and cement. The country's infrastructure, including the Port of Beirut, was severely damaged in the 2020 Beirut explosion, exacerbating economic woes. Remittances from the large Lebanese diaspora have traditionally been a crucial source of foreign currency.

Demographics

The population is composed of various ethno-religious groups, with Lebanese people constituting the vast majority. There is also a significant population of Palestinian refugees and, more recently, over one million Syrian refugees. The official language is Arabic, with French widely used, a legacy of the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon. English is also increasingly common. Religious affiliation is deeply tied to political and social identity, with estimates dividing the population among Islam (including Sunni, Shia, and Alawites), various sects of Christianity (notably the Maronite Church, Greek Orthodox, and Melkite Catholic), and the Druze.

Culture

Lebanese culture is a rich fusion of Phoenician, Arab, Ottoman, and French influences. It is particularly famous for its culinary tradition, with dishes like kibbeh, tabbouleh, and falafel known worldwide. The capital, Beirut, is often called the "Paris of the Middle East" for its vibrant arts scene, nightlife, and historical sites such as the Roman baths and Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. Literature boasts figures like Khalil Gibran, while music spans from traditional Fairuz's classics to modern pop. The annual Baalbeck International Festival is a major cultural event held amidst the Roman ruins of Baalbek.