GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
HISTORY
   Aanjar    Baalbeck    Beirut      Beiteddine
   Byblos    Cedars      Eshmoun    Sidon
   Tripoli    Tyre         Zahle
THE INDEPENDENCE
   Timeline: a Chronology of Key Events
THE LEBANESE NATIONAL ANTHEM
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
ECONOMY
   Major Sectors of the Economy
   Services        Commerce    Tourism    Financial Services
   Construction    Industry      Energy     Agriculture
BUSINESS
EDUCATION
   Did you know?
MEDIA
TECHNOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
TOURISM IN LEBANON
   Land and Climate            Language        General Attitudes    Accomodation
   Post and Communications    Credit Cards    Transportation        Health
   Local Time
A GUIDED VISIT TO LEBANON
   Aanjar                       Baalbeck    Beirut    Beiteddine
   Bsharri and The Cedars    Byblos       Jeita     Sidon
   Tripoli                       Tyre         Zahle
STATISTICAL DATA
   Geography    Demographics    Education    Infrastructure
   Economy


GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Lebanon is a small and beautiful country on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located at the meeting point of three continents and, as such, has been the crossroads of many civilizations whose traces may still be seen today. Its coastline is about 225 km in length and is, on average, 45 km wide. The total area of the country amounts to 10,452 square km. Along the coast are the five famous cities of Beirut, Byblos, Sidon (Saida), Tripoli, and Tyre. Beirut, the capital, is the largest, with about 1 million residents. Lebanon is bordered in the north and east by Syria and, in the south, by Israel.

Lebanon's beauty is illuminated by its geography: its narrow coastal plane and two parallel north/south mountains (the mountains of Lebanon and anti-Lebanon). The fertile Bekaa valley, with its Litani and Orontes Rivers, separates these mountains and nourishes the terrain. Residing majestically over the valley, Qournet Assaouda in the north of Mount Lebanon (altitude 3,083 meters) and Jabal al-Sheikh in the south of the anti-Lebanon range (altitude 2,814 meters) remain the highest peaks in the country.

This unparalleled natural splendor is enhanced by Lebanon's moderate, Mediterranean climate. Lebanon enjoys about 300 days per year of sunshine. The winter is mild on the coast and snowy in the mountains, while the summer is hot on the coast and mild on the mountains. It is possible during the spring months to ski in the mountains and swim on the coast in the same day!

Average Temperatures for Beirut (coastal) and Zahle (inland) in Centigrade

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Beirut	13	14	16	18	22	25	27	28	26	24	19	16
Zahle	7	9	10	13	20	24	24	25	23	19	11	8

HISTORY

Lebanon has a heritage almost as old as the earliest evidence of mankind. Its geographic position as a crossroads linking the Mediterranean Basin with the great Asian hinterland has conferred on it a cosmopolitan character and a multicultural legacy. Lebanon has an Arab culture colored by Western influences.

At different periods of its history, Lebanon has come under the domination of foreign rulers, including Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Although often conquered, the Lebanese take pride in their rebellions against despotic and repressive rulers. Moreover, despite foreign domination, Lebanon's mountainous terrain has provided it with a certain protective isolation, enabling it to survive with an identity all its own.

Its proximity to the sea has ensured that throughout its history Lebanon has held an important position as a trading center. This tradition of commerce began with the Phoenicians and continued through many centuries, remaining almost unaffected by foreign rule and the worst periods of internal strife.

The many civilizations have left their traces and markings in numerous cities:

Aanjar
Aanjar is a relatively new civilization compared to what is found at other historic sites in Lebanon. It is exclusively one period, that of the Umayyads, which goes back to the eighth century A.D. The Umayyads were the first hereditary dynasty of Islam. They are credited with the Arab conquest that created an Islamic empire stretching from the Indus Valley to Southern France. The empire prospered for about 100 years, until its rivals, the Abbasids, took advantage of the Umayyad’s decadence and defeated them two miles from the city.

Baalbeck
Baalbeck’s temples were built around the first millennium B.C. The enclosed court was built on the ancient tell. The more accurate history of Baalbeck first begins during the Hellenistic period (333-64 B.C.). The Greeks identified the god of Baalbeck with the sun god and enlarged the court. The temple was begun in the last quarter of the first century B.C., and was nearing completion in the last years of Nero’s reign. The Great Court Complex of the Temple of Jupiter was built in the second century A.D. The other addendum courts to the Jupiter Temple were added in the third century. The Baalbeck temples were officially closed in 313 A.D., when Byzantine Emperor Constantine officially closed them. Since then these monuments have gone through many transformations, falling under Arab domination, and the Omayyad, Abbasid, Toulounid, Fatimid and Ayyoubid dynasties. It was sacked by the Mongols in 1260, but later has enjoyed a period of calm and prosperity.

Beirut
Beirut’s history dates back over 5,000 years. Under the city’s downtown area lie remnants of Ottoman, Mamluke, Crusader, Abbassid, Omayyad, Byzantine, Roman, Persian, Phoenician and Canaanite Beirut. Its name first appeared in cuneiform as early as the 14th century B.C. In the first century B.C., it became a Roman colony, only to be destroyed later by a triple catastrophe of earthquake, tidal wave and fire in 551 A.D. Arab control then dominated until the Crusaders took over in 1110. Following the Crusaders were the Mamlukes and the Turks. After World War I there was a French mandate period, and in 1943 Lebanon gained its independence.

Beiteddine
This palace was built by Emir Bechir Chehab II in the early 19th century. The palace remained the emir’s residence until his forced exile in 1840, when the Ottomans used it as the government residence. It was declared a historic monument in 1934, and then began a restoration process. Since 1943, it has been the summer home of the president.

Byblos (Jbeil)
Although it is impossible to pinpoint the exact establishment of the city, scholars say the site goes back at least 7,000 years. After living for years as the home of fishing communities, Canaanite Byblos was slightly different in that it developed into the most important shipping center on the eastern Mediterranean. Trade with Egypt was immense, and instituted a period of wealth and prosperity. Around 1200 B.C. a wave of “Sea Peoples” from the north settled on the southern coast. They had the maritime skills and society we know as Phoenicia. About this time the groundwork for the modern alphabet was first being proposed in Byblos. Like all other cities in this area, Byblos was subject to conquest. The Persians were first, and were assimilated into Greek culture and customs, which were continued into the Roman times. During Roman rule, temples, baths and other public buildings were built. Following the Roman rule was the Byzantine Period, followed by Arab rule in 637A.D. In 1104, Byblos fell to the Crusaders, and then turned over to Mamluke and Ottoman rule.

Cedars (Al-Arz)
The cedar is a historical entity mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts and played a large role in the culture and religion in the Middle East. Exploitation of these forests dates back to the third millennium B.C., with coastal towns such as Byblos making money using it as timber. It continued with the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians. In ancient times, the cedars were used for roofs of temples, to construct tombs and other major buildings. Many forests were cleared for farmland in the Middle Ages. The Ottomans destroyed quite a bit of the forest in the 19th century, and during World War II much of the wood was used for building railroads.

Eshmoun
This historical site is traced back to the myth of the young hunter Eshmoun. The goddess Astarte fell in love with him, but to escape her advances he mutilated himself and died. He was brought back as a god, and is now seen as the god of healing. Sidon is the closest city and considered Eshmoun to be a very important god. A temple was erected in his honor during the reign of Eshmounazar II, and existed until the middle fourth century B.C., when it was destroyed. The site, although littered by debris and crumbling, remained popular until the end of the third century A.D.

Sidon (Saida)
There is evidence that Sidon was inhabited as early as Neolithic times. The city was built facing an island to protect it from inland attacks. During the Persian Empire the city provided the Persia with ships and seamen to fight the Egyptians and Greeks, which gave them a favored position within the Empire. During the Phoenician Era, glass manufacturing was Sidon’s most important enterprise along with purple dye. Sidon, like most states in Phoenicia, was subject to conquest. Alexander was one of many rulers who took the city. Under Alexander’s successors, the city enjoyed relative freedom. During the Roman reign in Sidon, theaters and other major monuments were built. After a turbulent Crusader age, which saw the city change hands numerous times, it finally fell under the control of Mamluke forces. Sidon flourished during the 15th and 17th centuries especially, due to its location and use as a port between France and Syria.

Tripoli (Trablos)
The real history of Tripoli began in the 9th century B.C., when the Phoenicians established it as a trading station. Under the Persians, it was the home to the confederation of Phoenician states that included Sidon and Tyre. During Alexander the Great’s rule the great the city was used as a naval shipyard mainly, and the Romans enhanced the city during their reign by building several monuments. The Crusaders who took over in 1109 destroyed the city. After many years the city was turned over to the Ottoman Turks in 1516, where it retained prosperity and commercial importance. The Ottoman rule saw great strides in the field of architecture there as well.

Tyre (Sour)
Tyre began to flourish in the first millennium B.C., although it was founded much earlier. The city was attacked numerous times, beginning with Nebuchadenezzar in the sixth century B.C. Alexander successfully took it in 332 B.C. for strategic reasons. By 64 B.C., Tyre was under Roman rule. The Romans built many monuments in the city, including an aqueduct, a triumphal arch and the largest hippodrome in antiquity. Much later it was taken by the Byzantine Empire, until Islamic armies took over in 634. The city continued to prosper as a trading post. After a brief stint with Crusader rule, it was taken over by Ottomans until after World War I, when it was integrated into Lebanon.

Zahle
Zahle was founded over 300 years ago. In the early 18th century the town was divided into three separate sections, each of which had its own governor. The city was the region’s first independent state later in the 19th century when it possessed its own flag and anthem. It became the center of agriculture and trade between Beirut, Damascus, and Baghdad due to its railway. Zahle has played a major role in the establishment of the country, as it is considered the birthplace of the Lebanese Army.

THE INDEPENDENCE

From 1516 to 1918 Lebanon was under the administrative rule and political sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire. In 1920, the territory defined by the present-day boundaries became a state called “Grand –Liban” (Great Lebanon) by decree of General Gouraud, head of the French troops in the Levant. The state remained under French Mandate until November 26, 1941. A constitution was adopted on May 25, 1926 establishing a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government. Effective political independence of the Republic occurred on November 22, 1943 (Independence Day). In 1945 Lebanon became a founding member of the League of Arab states, then of the United Nations. Departure of the foreign troops then on the Republic’s territory was completed on December 31, 1946.

Over the next 30 years, Lebanon became a melting pot with a diverse cultural heritage. The instability in surrounding countries caused Lebanon to experience large waves of immigration from neighboring countries and attracted thousands of skilled laborers, entrepreneurs and intellectuals. The economic force of the Republic has mainly revolved around its entrepreneurs. In addition, Lebanon’s democratic traditions, attachment to freedom of speech and expression and its educated population enabled the Republic to become the cultural, academic and medical center of the region.

Timeline: a Chronology of Key Events

September 1st, 1920 - After the League of Nations grants the mandate for Lebanon and Syria to France, the State of Greater Lebanon is proclaimed. It includes the former autonomous province of Mount Lebanon, plus the provinces of north Lebanon, south Lebanon and the Biqa, historically part of Syria.

May 23rd, 1926 - The Lebanese Representative Council approves a Constitution and the Lebanese Republic is declared.

1940 - Lebanon comes under the control of the Vichy French government.

1941 - After Lebanon is occupied by Free French and British troops in June 1941, independence is declared on November 26.

March 1943 - The foundations of the state are set out in an unwritten National Covenant which states that Lebanon is an independent Arab country with ties to the West but which cooperates with other Arab states while remaining neutral. The 1932 census which had shown that Christians were 54% of the population is used as the basis for the distribution of seats in the Chamber of Deputies (later to be called the National Assembly) on a ratio of 6 to 5 (later extended to other public offices). The President is to be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies a Shi'i Muslim.

December 1943 - France agrees to the transfer of power to the Lebanese government with effect from January 1, 1944.

THE LEBANESE NATIONAL ANTHEM
An-Nashid Al-Watani Al-Lubnani

All for the country, for the glory, for the flag
Kulluna lil-watan, lil'ula lil-'alam
From the beginning of centuries, our pencil and sword
Mil'u ayn az-zaman, saifuna wal-qalam
Our field and mountains are making the men
Sahluna wal-jabal, manbitun lir-rijal
Our word and work on the way of perfection
Qawluna wal-'amal fi sabil al-kamal
All for the country, for the glory for the flag
Kulluna lil-watan, lil'ula lil-'alam, Kulluna lil-watan

Young and old at the voice of the country
Shaykhuna wal-fata, 'Inda sawt al-watan
Lions of forest at the time of violation
Usdu ghaben mata, sawaratna al-fitan
Our east is its heart forever Lebanon
Sharquna qalbuhu, abadan Lubnan
Its God protects it all over the time
Sanahu rabbuhu, li-mada al-azman
All for the country, for the glory for the flag
Kulluna lil-watan, lil'ula lil-'alam, Kulluna lil-watan

Its sea, its land, are the pearl of the two orients
Bahruhu barruhu, durratu-sharqayn
Its symbol, its charity, fill up the two poles
Rifduhu birruhu, mali' al-qutbayn
Its name is its triumph since the time of our grandfathers
Ismuhu 'izzuhu, munzou kana al-judud
Its glory is its cedars, its symbol is for the end of epochs
Majduhu arzuhu, ramzuhu lil-khulud
All for the country, for the glory for the flag
Kulluna lil-watan, lil'ula lil-'alam, kulluna lil-watan

Click here to listen to the Lebanese National Anthem.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Due to its long history, natural beauty, and rich culture, the Republic of Lebanon has always occupied a special place in the world. Beginning with its independence on November 22, 1943, Lebanon has been and continues to be an integral player in the Middle East and throughout the international community. As an Arab country, Lebanon's official language is Arabic; however, English and French are widely spoken. Tolerance and the encouragement of diversity, as well as its strong political culture have confirmed Lebanon's world prominence. Lebanon is a founding member of the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations, and it has played a major role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Upon its independence in 1943, Lebanon adopted this flag, with the cedar as a symbol of its enduring strength.




As a democratic republic, Lebanon enjoys a parliamentary system of government with a President, a Prime Minister, and a cabinet chosen through an electoral process. The structure of the government is based on the constitutional principle of separation between the executive, the legislative, and the judicial branches. The President serves a six-year term while the 128 members of the Parliament, presided by a Speaker of the House, are elected by universal adult suffrage for a four-year term.

ECONOMY

Lebanon's economy and markets are best described at the dawn of the new millennium by a private and liberal economic activity and an openness to abroad with perfect capital and labor mobility. The private sector contributes to around 75% of aggregate demand, a well-diversified sector that covers the totality of economic sectors and is a major pillar for growth and recovery. The Lebanese economy is also a typical open economy with a large banking sector equivalent to more than 2.5 times its economic sector and providing an important support to aggregate demand.

Within this business environment, Lebanon is a country:
- that has today reconstructed its infrastructure, with 80% of the basic infrastructure rehabilitated using the best technologies,
- that has revised basically most of its business laws and regulations,
- that has a reputable banking sector with high financial standing, strictly regulated by the Central Bank,
- that has initiated a process of domestic capital market development and accessed frequently international markets,
- and that has recently launched in-depth growth-oriented measures aimed at stimulating the economy.

Major Sectors of the Economy

Lebanon's liberal economy is based on competition and private ownership. Services and banking sectors predominate, representing 70% of the country's gross national product. Agriculture constitutes 10% and the industrial sector constitutes the remaining 20%.

Services
The Lebanese economy is based primarily on the service sector, which accounts for approximately 60 per cent of GDP (down from approximately 70 per cent in the 1970's). Major subsectors are commerce, tourism and financial services. Other components include health care and higher education.

Commerce
The Port of Beirut plays an important role in Lebanon's commercial activities. After World War II, Beirut became the most important Arab port on the Eastern Mediterranean serving the Arab world. A free-port area for re-exports added to Beirut's success. During the conflict, the Port of Beirut virtually closed down and related commerce ground to a halt. Work has been completed on the reconstruction of the Duty Free Zone at the Port of Beirut to restore its pre-war capacity and a project for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Port of Beirut is underway.

Tourism
The strategic position of Lebanon, its mild climate and natural beauty, consisting of snow-capped mountains, valleys and the Mediterranean Sea, make it a natural tourist attraction. Apart from its privileged geographical and natural situation, Lebanon benefits from qualified and experienced human resources in the tourism industry. Prior to the outbreak of the conflict, tourism (including hotels and restaurants) contributed approximately 20 per cent to Lebanon's GDP. This is notable given that, at that time, the international tourism industry was not as developed as it is today. Significant private investment is currently being made in the modernization and expansion of this sector and international hotel companies have returned to Lebanon. Casino du Liban, which historically constituted a major tourist destination, reopened in 1996. Lebanon is the only country in the Arab world that offers skiing and related winter sports activities. The largest ski resort in the country has been expanded and modernized. The Government believes that, because of the return of peace and stability to the country and with the development of the necessary infrastructure, tourism will again contribute significantly to Lebanon's economy. Lebanon's tourism industry also relies on the large number of Lebanese living abroad, who return regularly to the country during the summer season.

Financial Services
From the 1950s to the start of the conflict in 1975, Beirut was the region's financial services center. At the onset of the oil boom starting in the 1960s, Lebanon-based banks were the main recipients of the region's petrodollars. Currently, the main financial services offered are commercial banking, investment banking and insurance. Despite the conflict and a crisis in the late 1980s involving a small number of banks, the commercial banking sector remains a centerpiece of the Republic's service-oriented economy. The Lebanese banking sector witnessed unprecedented growth during the period from 1992 to the present. Total deposits with commercial banks increased from U.S. $6.5 billion at the end of 1992 to U.S. $33.9 billion at the end of 1999. In addition, since 1996, Lebanese banks have been successfully accessing the international capital markets. Specifically, since 1996, several banks raised over U.S. $2 billion on the international debt markets and three banks raised approximately U.S. $300 million through the issuance of global depositary receipts on the international equity markets. The banking system is seen as having a key role by being the entry point for capital inflows for the region's development. At the same time the authorities are aiming at widening and deepening the financial sector by facilitating the establishment and evolution of, and providing a regulatory framework to, more diversified private financial institutions. Several investment banks, with capital raised offshore, have been established in Beirut and offer a variety of traditional investment banking services, including debt and equity raising and corporate finance advisory services. Several commercial banks have established investment banking subsidiaries offering similar services. As part of the Government's strategy of reestablishing Beirut as a regional financial services center, the Central Bank established in 1994 a central depositary, settlement and clearing agency, MIDCLEAR, which is a joint stock company organized under the laws of the Republic. The Government reopened the Beirut Stock Exchange in 1996.

Construction
Prior to the conflict, the property sector had always been important, with a substantial portion of the activity concentrated in Beirut, where the housing needs of the city's rapidly increasing urban population had to be met. Beirut saw an almost uninterrupted boom from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, when it expanded dramatically, eventually to house half of the country's population. Mountain towns and villages close to Beirut favored by tourists, such as Aley and Bhamdoun, also experienced a boom. The post-conflict era has witnessed a significant construction boom. Real estate prices have risen steeply, especially for prime property, but have recently stabilized. The boom has been fuelled by a mixture of local, expatriate and Gulf Arab funds. With respect to residential property, it has been concentrated mostly at the upper end of the housing market. As the stock market has resumed its operations only recently, land and construction have been viewed by many as attractive investment opportunities. Construction projects are financed mainly by equity investments. In 1995, construction activity accounted for 9.2 per cent of GDP, a significant increase from approximately 4.5 per cent in 1972. Since 1996, this activity has slowed, as witnessed by decreasing cement deliveries and number of construction permits.

Industry
In 1995, the industrial sector (mainly production of cement, furniture, paper, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, batteries, garments and processed foods) accounted for 17.3 per cent of GDP, an increase from 15.9 per cent of GDP in 1972. Virtually all industry is privately owned. Exchange rate and price stability coupled with the gradual fall in Lebanese Pound interest rates have contributed to a better environment for investment and growth in industry. Infrastructural bottlenecks resulting from the conflict are being addressed as improvements in roads, telephones and electricity supply are realized. IDAL is in the process of establishing free industrial zones in several areas around the country. The Government provides various incentives for the establishment of industrial facilities in Lebanon, including fiscal incentives in the form of reduced customs duties and tax exemptions. From 1993 to December, 1999, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) carried out 31 investment and financing projects in Lebanon in an aggregate amount of U.S. $316 million, with an additional U.S. $256 million raised by the IFC through loan participations. Investments during 1999 included loans to three companies for U.S. $50 million. As of December 31, 1999, U.S. $237 million representing IFC loans, loan participations and equity investments had been disbursed and remained outstanding.

Energy
Lebanon has no known fossil fuel resources. Apart from relatively modest hydroelectric resources and the import of 50-100 megawatts of electricity semi-annually from Syria, all energy needs are met with imports of petroleum products, which represented over 4.2 million TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent) in 1995. Two state-owned refineries (one in Tripoli and one in Zahrani) are currently non-operational. The power sector accounts for about one-third of fuel imports. Lebanon's energy sector is dominated by the state-owned Electricité du Liban (EDL). EDL is a vertically integrated utility with approximately 900,000 customers. Lebanon's energy production facilities include three thermal power stations, two gas turbine stations in each of Baalbek and Tyre and seven hydroelectric stations. In addition, two new combined cycle power plants have been constructed. Besides its own plants, EDL purchases power from four independent hydroelectric power producers and sells wholesale to four private distributors. EDL is also the majority shareholder in the previously private-owned Kadisha company, a thermal and hydro power producer and distributor to about 100,000 customers in North Lebanon. The power sector sustained severe physical damage to all its production transmission and distribution facilities during the conflict. EDL also incurred financial losses resulting from low tariffs, high technical and non-technical losses, including widespread illegal connections, and loss of control over its commercial operations. EDL has been regaining control over its operations. Following the rehabilitation of existing plants, tariffs were increased significantly, and, commencing in 1996, steps are being taken to address billing and collection weaknesses as well as non-technical losses. The program for the rehabilitation of the Republic's energy sector is further described under "Reconstruction—Electricity Generation". The Israeli attacks on power stations near Beirut in June 1999 and February 2000 resulted in damages estimated at approximately U.S. $40 million. Required repairs to the power stations as a result of the latest attacks have been substantially completed.

Agriculture
Approximately one third of the Republic is arable. The most fertile areas are located along the coastal strip and in the Bekaa valley. The diversity of the Republic's topography and climate enables cultivation of a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, industrial crops and cereals. In 1995, agriculture contributed approximately 12 per cent. to the Republic's GDP, as compared to approximately 9.9 per cent. in 1972. Food and agricultural exports, which include forestry products, provide about 10 per cent of merchandise export earnings.

BUSINESS

As the region's center of trade and business, Lebanon is a host to several foreign companies. Lebanon offers one of the most liberal investment climates in the Middle East. The government offers incentives to attract foreign and domestic investment, including low income tax rates for individuals and corporations.

EDUCATION

At the outset of the 19th century, professors, poets, journalists, and historians convened in Lebanese cultural institutions to revive old Arab traditions and extol the value of modern culture. Lebanon’s seven major universities and numerous specialized colleges were thus founded. For example, the American University in Beirut, founded in 1866, offers a liberal education that has trained many of the region's leaders, educators, and scientists. A Lebanese state university was founded in 1967 comprising faculties of law, medicine, arts, and science. Moreover, Lebanon's nation-wide network of elementary and secondary public and private schools lay a strong foundation for further university education and vocational training.

Because Lebanon is a country where three languages are commonly spoken, there are schools that teach in Arabic, French, and English. Lebanon provides a wide variety of schools from which parents can choose, depending on which language of instruction they prefer.

Did you know?
- The invention of the alphabet took place in the land of the Phoenicians known today as Lebanon.
- Lebanon was home to the first Roman School of Law of Berytus or old Beirut.
- Lebanon, which represents 1/40 of the total area of the Arabia Peninsula, produces 70% of the publications in the Arab world.

MEDIA

Lebanon enjoys a free press, including newspapers, television, and radio. A wide variety of independent news sources operate in Lebanon. The media presents information to the public in the three languages most commonly used in Lebanon – Arabic, English, and French.

TECHNOLOGY

Lebanon is at the forefront of the Internet and technology revolution with one of the highest amount of Internet users in the region.

The Internet and its benefits continue to grow in Lebanon. Lebanese retailers use the Internet in order to tap into the international market, expanding their customer base. Approximately 130,000 companies in Lebanon advertise or sell products on the Internet, the number of which is expected to reach 500,000 within the next few years. While the Lebanese used to be able to surf through American or European web sites, they are now visiting web sites created by Lebanese for Lebanese companies.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

A wide variety of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) are based in Lebanon. For example, the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) or the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Save the Children Foundation, and Greenpeace operate in Lebanon in order to establish sustainable economic development. A host of other influential regional and international, environmental, women’s, and human rights organizations have intensified their interaction with the Lebanese community and government, thereby enhancing regional and international peace, stability, and development.

TOURISM IN LEBANON

Land and Climate
Lebanon covers 10,452 spuare kilometers. A low coastal plain dominates the west but gives way to Lebanon mountains in the east. Nestled between the Lebanon mountains and the anti-Lebanon mountains on the Syrian Border is the fertile Bekaa valley. Lebanon is home not only to its more famous cedar, pine, and cypress treees but also to olive, citrus, apple and banana trees. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and long warm summers. In Beirut the average daily high temperature is 14 C in winter and 32 C in summer. It is cooler in the mountains in the summer. Snow falls in winter at the higher elevations and can last year-round.

Language
Arabic is the official language in Lebanon and is spoken by all. It is common for people to speak more than one language, even three or four, thus; French and English are widely spoken among the Lebanese. Foreign newspapers and magazines are available, and the prolific local press publishes in French and English as well as Arabic. Communication is definitely not a problem!

General Attitudes
Lebanon has been deeply influenced by its long association with the West. At the same time, traditional values and attitudes continue to be important, creating a unique society. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a background in international finance, Lebanon is striving to restore its former status as a modern and progressive country. Hospitality is prized tradition in Lebanon. People feel honored to have guests in their homes, and they also enjoy visiting others. Hosts usually serve coffee or tea to guests. Etiqette requires that such an offer be accepted. If invited to a meal, guests might bring flowers, a plant, a special dessert, or something for the home.

Accomodation
Lebanon has a good hotel capacity, including a number of outstanding luxury establishments. In Beirut, there are also many small, well-run hostels. Furnished apartments, which offer self-service facilities, are found throughout Greater Beirut and in other populated centers.

Post and Communications
A state-of-the-art telecommunications network has been built and expanded to all areas. Hotels as well as private business centers offer advanced business services, and internet cafes are popular in the major cities. Cellular phones are widely used and can be rented for a limited time. While there is still only a few public post boxes in Lebanon, the mail delivery service has improved with the recently privatized postal service known as LibanPost.

Credit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club International are recognized, along with local credit cards such as Investment Credit Card, Cashless Card and Link.

Transportation
Lebanon's transportation system is being rebuilt. New bridges and tunnels have been completed, as has a 15 kilometer highway in the south. A northern highway and a circular one around Beirut are being built, and a road between Beirut and Damascus, Syria is planned. Car rental agencies are found in all major cities. Public transportation is also available, buses and taxi-service taxis go to almost every town. Taxis are comfortable and reasonably priced. Most families own cars, and traffic can be heavy in urban areas.

Health
Good medical care is available especially in urban areas, and doctors generally speak French and English. Public facilities exist, but for high quality care, private clinics and hospitals are more recommended.

Local Time
Lebanese local time is GMT + 2 hours. Daylight Saving Time takes place on the last weekend of March and resets on the last weekend of October.

A GUIDED VISIT TO LEBANON

Aanjar

Altitude: 930 m
Distance from Beirut: 56 km

Getting there: From Beirut, take the Damascus Road. Upon reaching the Bekaa Valley, there is a sign-post to the left 10 km after Chtaura. The ruins can be seen from the main road.

Aanjar is a relatively new civilization compared to what is found at other historic sites in Lebanon. It is exclusively one period, that of the Umayyads, which goes back to the eighth century A.D. The Umayyads were the first hereditary dynasty of Islam. They are credited with the Arab conquest that created an Islamic empire stretching from the Indus Valley to Southern France. The empire prospered for about 100 years, until its rivals, the Abbasids, took advantage of the Umayyad’s decadence and defeated them two miles from the city.

Baalbeck

Altitude: 1050 m
Distance from Beirut: 86 km

Getting there: Take the main international Damascus Highway winding up Lebanon's mountains, pass villages like Aley, Bhamdoun, Sofar, Dahr el-Baidar, Chtaura, Zahle, Riyak and then to Baalbeck.

Baalbeck is nested in a plain between the parallel ranges of Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains. It is one of the world's greatest historical sites, the most gigantic complex of Roman temples ever built, its columns are the tallest ever erected, its stones the largest ever used. The Acropolis of Baalbeck is the largest and best preserved corpus of Roman architecture left to us. Its temples, dedicated to Jupiter, Venus and Bacchus (larger than Parthenon in Athens), were built in the second and third centuries A.D. The ruins present a majestic ensemble: two temples, two courtyards preceded by propylaea (ceremonial entrances), and huge blocks particularly the three which each measure between 19-20m. by 4.5m by 3.6m., and a boundary wall upon which Arab architecture has left its traces. Six immense columns (20m.) still soar upwards from the holy place where the Temple of Jupiter once stood.

Baal-Beck, or town of Baal (who was a Phoenician god) gave the name to the town that still is in use.

For a number of years, Baalbeck's flooflit mercurial columns presided over the annual renowned international festival which featured theater groups, orchestras, ballet troupes and performers from all parts of the world.

Beirut

Approaching Beirut either by sea or air promises an unforgettable sight. The mountains rising behind the city are bathed in sunlight 300 days of the year and in winter, when they glisten under a blanket of snow.

The destroyed town center is once again active. Its former reputation as a crossroads between three continents and gateway to the East has been restored and modernized. The new city planners hold computer-rendered plans that show an extended coastline, a new residential area, and a touristic recreational zones built around a central park.

Beirut’s history dates back over 5,000 years. Under the city’s downtown area lie remnants of Ottoman, Mamluke, Crusader, Abbassid, Omayyad, Byzantine, Roman, Persian, Phoenician and Canaanite Beirut. Its name first appeared in cuneiform as early as the 14th century B.C. In the first century B.C., it became a Roman colony, only to be destroyed later by a triple catastrophe of earthquake, tidal wave and fire in 551 A.D. Arab control then dominated until the Crusaders took over in 1110. Following the Crusaders were the Mamlukes and the Turks. After World War I there was a French mandate period, and in 1943 Lebanon gained its independence.

A tour of the old downtown should include the Omari Mosque, the Municipality Building, the Assaf and Amir Munzir Mosques, the Arcaded Maarad Street, the Parliament Building, the Roman columns on Nejmeh Square and the historic Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches opposite the Parliament.

Beirut's commercial and cultural life has been mended. The city has 80 banks, countless import-export firms, port and airport as well as a free exchange market.

The best way to see Beirut is on foot. A good place to rest is the area of Raouche, where Beirut's famous Pigeon Rocks stand tall and proud in the sparkling sea. Area restaurants serve local and foreign cuisine and cliff-side cafes offer a good range of snacks.

Sundays afford a special opprtunity to those who appreciate the best in horse racing. Beirut's race track run pure bred Arabians. Fans of this sport can change their dollars, sterlings, etc... on the spot to place bets.

Beiteddine

Altitude: 900 m
Distance from Beirut: 44 km

Getting there: Take Saida Road as far as Nahr el-Damour, then go up the mountains, on a wide, scenic road passing through Damour which is famous for its delicious bananas. Continue to Kfarhim, with its old and beautiful olive trees, then to Deir el-Qamar, the old historic ancient capital of the of the Emir Fakhredine and residence of the governors of Lebanon from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and finally to Beiteddine.

'Beiteddine' means 'house of faith'. Beiteddine is a palace built at the beginning of the 19th century, by Emir Bechir Chehab II, on a rocky spur dominating a steep, precipitous valley. A perfect example of classic Lebanese architecture of the time, it has decorated ceilings, colourful marble mosaic floors, luxurious Turkish Baths and harem suites, in a setting of beautifully groomed gardens, a guest house in which the French Poet "Lamartine" once dwelt, water jets and colonnades. The palace remained the emir’s residence until his forced exile in 1840, when the Ottomans used it as the government residence. It was declared a historic monument in 1934, and then began a restoration process. Since 1943, it has been the summer home of the president.A folkroric museum occupies one wing and in the palace's renovated stables is an exquisite display of mosaics from a ruined Byzantine church and other structures of the same period.

Just minutes from Beiteddine is a restored palace of the same period, Mir Amine Palace, that is now one of the most beautiful hotels in Lebanon. Make a quick detour to see the hotel, not forgetting to check out the bottom of the swimming pool which is tiled to look like a Persian carpet. The view from the hotel is breathtaking.

Bsharri and The Cedars (Al-Arz)

Altitude: 1850 m
Distance from Beirut: 130 km

Getting there: Take the autostrade to Chekka, south of Tripoli, and then turn up towards Amioun. From there the road passes along the side of the Kadisha Gorge through Kousba, Tourza, Hadet, Hasroun, Bazaoun and Bsharri. The journey from Beirut takes 2 1/2 hours.

Al-Arz (The Cedars), named after the ancient unique trees which form a forest in the heart of the village. Hundreds of young Cedar trees have been planted around the area over the last 30 years, but since they only grow at a rate of 1cm every year, it will be many generations before these saplings reach the impressive size of those in the heart of the forest. In addition to the Cedar forest, there are a number of sites of interest in the area. The town of Bsharri is best known as the birthplace and resting place of Gibran Khalil Gibran, Lebanon's most famous mystic, poet, artist and novelist. The Gibran Museum, a converted monastry, houses his paintings, drawings, and personal effects, as well as his casket. The town also has three churches and a waterfall.

The resort of the Cedars had its first ski lift installed by the government in 1953. The high altitude of Al-Arz means that it generally has a slightly longer season than the other resorts, sometimes beginning as early as November, and often lasting until mid or late April. The number of skiers on the slopes at weekends often reaches between two and three thousand.

Since it is a fair distance from Beirut, the resort boasts a number of excellent hotels, as well as about 300 chalets available for rental. The main pistes are equipped with four lifts, one of which is lit at night. There are great opportunities for cross-skiing, and snowboarding. There are also ski schools as well as creche facilities where activities are arranged at the Kid's Club for children aged between five and twelve years.

Byblos (Jbeil)

Altitude: 10 m
Distance from Beirut: 38 km

Getting there: From Beirut, take Tripoli Highway north along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, pass Dog River tunnel, Jounieh, Tabarja and then to Byblos (Jbeil).

The name 'Byblos' originated from 'biblion', that is book. The word 'bible' is derived from the Greek 'ta b blia', which means 'the books'. Byblos is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. According to Phoenician tradition, Byblos was founded by the god El who surrounded his city with a wall. The massive Early Bronze Age city walls (2800 B.C.) on the site reflect this early religious belief. Thus Byblos was considered, even by the abcient Phoenicians, to be a city of great antiquity.

Yet Byblos was inhabited even earlier. About 7000 years ago a small fishing community settled there. Several monocellular huts with crushed limestone floors can be seen today on the site.

Long before Greece and Rome, this ancient town was a powerful, independent city-state with its own kings, culture and flourishing trade. The kings of Byblos used hieroglyphics and adopted the Egyptian cartouche for their names and titles. Thus an alphabetic phonetic script was developed at Byblos, the precursor of our modern alphabet. The inscription on the sarcophagus of King Ahiram of Byblos (in the period 1200-1000 B.C.), presently in Beirut National Museum, is the earliest form of the Phoenician alphabet yet discovered.

One of the earliest attempts at city planning was conceived in Byblos. The city was surrounded by a massive wall, a narrow winding street led from the center, secondary lanes branched off taking irregular paths among the houses. In 2800 B.C. a large temple was built to Baalat Gebal, the 'Lady of Byblos', the city goddess. Another temple was erected in 2700 B.C. to a male god, called the 'Temple en L', this large construction faces that of Baalat Gebal.

During the Roman period large temples and civic buildings were built, a street colonnade surrounded the city. There are few remains of the Byzantine and Arab period. Byblos fell to the Crusaders in A.D. 1108. They came upon the large stones and granite columns of the Roman temples and public buildings and used them to build their castle and moat.

Excavations over the past fifty years have made Byblos one of the unique archeological sites in the world with a history that spans seven thousand years.

The four main places of interest to visit in Byblos are the Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries: the Egyptian temples, the earliest of which dates back to the 4th millenium: the Phoenician royal necropolis, and the Roman amphitheater.

Jeita

Altitude: Approximately 300 m
Distance from Beirut: 25 km

Getting there: From Beirut, take the Beirut-Jounieh Highway north as far as Nahr al-Kalb, then take the Faraya road for 3 km, where there is a sign-post for Jeita.

The 6200 meter long Jeita Caverns were discovered back in 1836. Delirious nature in the dephts of the earth. Venimous effervescences of stone. Enormous orchids of pinkish limestone. Mineral mushrooms in fantastic shapes. A petrified animal with a mad, grinning sneer. A journey to Lebanon is worth while for Grottoes of Jeita alone. Of course, there are plenty of grottoes with stalactites and stalagmites in the world, but it would appear that none of them even approach the astounding wealth or the extent of those of Jeita.

Over a distance of 650 meters, on two levels, the lower one in a boat and the upper one on foot, following perfectly made cement gangways, the tourist picks his winding way through darkly forbidding caverns. Sometimes he passes through vast halls the size of a cathedral - some of the grandiose naves seem to contain giant organs or the vast chandeliers of madmen - and sometimes through narrow corridors.

The lower grotto (subterranean river) is full of the noise of water, through which you pass in a boat managed by a mariner skilled at sliding through the maze of rocks. Here reigns a half-darkness which is suddenly penetrated either by a wide area illuminated like a church on feast days or by discreet lights picking out some opulent flower.

From the lower grotto, where you arrive by car, you can take the teleferic to the entrance to the upper grotto for an Alice's tour through wonderland.

The most striking and most spell-binding is the upper grotto (upper galleries), where there is only an occasional drop of cold water, the result of niggardly drippings which have gone on for thousands of years. The richness of the limestone deposits and the infinite variety of the crystals encourage the visitors to come again to this site permanently all year-round.

Sidon (Saida)

Altitude: 10 m
Distance from Beirut: 43 km

Getting there: From Beirut, take Khalde Highway South passing through Khalde, Damour, Naame, Saadiat, along the beautiful coast of the Mediterranean sea.

'Sidon' is said to mean "fishing", and even today fishermen moor their boats in the small picturesque port. Sidon was the third great Phoenician city-state, rivaling Byblos and Tyre as a naval power. In Darius' time, towards the end of the 6th century B.C., it was the capital of the fifth Persian satrapy and a showplace of buildings and gardens. The town was conquered by the Crusaders after a famous siege lasting 47 days, then retaken by Saladin 70 years later.

Sidon is known as the capital of the South. It is surrounded by beautiful orchards of oranges, lemon, banana and loquat trees. The city's northern harbour is graced by Castle of the Sea, erected in the early 13th Century by the crusading Knights of St. John of the Hospital of Jerusalem on an islet at the mouth of the harbour.

The shell of the Castle of St. Louis sits atop the Phoenician acropolis near Murex Hill, so named after the Murex shell from which the famous Phoenician purple dye was extracted. In the old town more recent buildings worth a visit are Khan as-Sabun, Khan el-Franj and the Great Mosque above the Egyptian Harbour which still retains the 13th Century walls of the fortress Church of the Hospitallers of St. John.

Tripoli (Trablos)

Altitude: 0 m
Distance from Beirut: 85 km

This bustling town is the north's major city and tourist site. Founded by the Phoenicians in 800 B.C., the name they gave the city has never been discovered. The city's apetite for trade was inherited by each succeeding occupier and today Tripoli is a major port town as well as the second largest city in Lebanon.

Although there is no lack of ancient ruins in the area, in Tripoli the sites of historical interest date from its Crusader and Islamic periods. Of most interest are the Great Mosque, formerly the Crusader cathedral of St. Mary, the Teylan Mosque built in 1336, and in the port area (Al-Mina) the tower of the Lions or Borj Es-Sba, a beautiful example of Mamluk military architecture.

Dominating the city is the Crusader castle of St. Gilles - rebuilt and enlarged by the Mamluks and the Turks. Begun in 1100, the castle in its present form reflects the changes made through the centuries.

Tripoli's historic souks still cater to the everyday needs of Tripolitanians and a Mamluk period Turkish bath is still open for business.

Tyre (Sour)

Altitude: 0 m
Distance from Beirut: 83 km

This phoenician city survived a 13-year siege by Nebuchadnezzar but fell before the military ingenuity of Alexander the Great who literally bridged the gap between the fortified island city and its mainland sector. By building a causway, Alexander was able to forward his siege machines and bring the city to its knees.

Tyre made a name for itself exporting purple-dyed textiles throughout the ancient world. The dye itself was extracted from the murex, a sea snail which continues to live along Tyre's beautiful coast, and was worth more than its weight in gold.

A walk through the quarter of Hay El-Ramel is reliving history. Here is Alexander's causeway, expanded by sand and landfill into todays isthmus with its modern buildings.

Three areas of ruins beckon the visitor. The first is located on what was the ancient walled island city. Colonnades, mosaic streets, Roman baths, and a rectangular arena occupy this seaside site. The ruins of a Crusader church dominate the second site. The third and most extensive area of ruins includes a Roman-Byzantine necropolis and the largest Roman hippodrome ever found. Uniquely built of stone, not brick, it hosted chariot races in its heyday.

Time should also be made for a walk through the narrow, quaint streets of the Christian quarter, the little fishing port with its pubs and fish restaurants, and energy permitting, the city's souks.

In biblical times it was in Qana (Cana) near Tyre that Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast.

In 1980, modern Tyre's impressive Roman and Phoenician remains prompted UNESCO to make the town one of its world heritage sites. Despite its location in the deep south 79 km from Beirut, where conflict often occurred during the war, Tyre has become a prosperous town notable for its many high-rise buildings. At the same time the inner city has retained its industrious maritime character and its old-style houses.

Zahle

Altitude: 1010 m
Distance from Beirut: 52 km

Getting there: From Beirut, take the Damascus road which passes through Bhamdoun, Sofar, Mdeirej, and Chtora and then to Zahle. It is about one and a half hours from Beirut.

Zahle, the capital of the Beqaa, is known as "Arouss El-Beqaa", the bride of the Beqaa, and is much appreciated for its healthy climate and good food. It is also the seat of government for the Beqaa. All amenities are available there, with hotels, good shopping and souvenir shops. Zahle's many beautiful old houses can be appreciated on a leisurely walk around the town. The main attraction, however, is the Bardaouni river, which flows out of Mount Sannine through a wooded gorge shut in between tall perpendicular rocks. Along this branch of the Litani river, there is one open-air restaurant after another. All are protected from the sun by awnings and leafy trees, while streams, fountains and pools cool the air.

Zahle is the town of the mezze which is a variety of more than thirty different dishes, and of arak, the aniseed alcohol. Here, one can enjoy a typically Lebanese passtime: the long leisurely lunch. The Bardaouni is just as popular in the evenings where dinners can become quite festive.

A walk in the hills overlooking Zahle leads you to Iron and Bronze age tombs. In Wadi El Arayesh are Byzantine and Roman sarcophagi.

STATISTICAL DATA

Geography
- Surface: 10,452 sq km
- Coast length: 210 km
- Maximum Altitude: 3,083 m
- Average temperature: 20.7 degrees Celsius
- Rainfall: 893 mm per year
- Number of rainy days per year: 78
- Humidity rate: 68%

Demographics
- Population: 4,300,000
- Population growth rate: 1.6%
- Population density: 306 per sq km
- Urban population: 87%
- Active labor force: 1,220,000
- Life expectancy at birth: 69 years
- Infant mortality rate: 40/1,000
- Human Development Index (UNDP): 0.79
- Age distribution
      . 0-14 years: 27.1%
      . 15-64 years: 66.1%
      . 65+ years: 6.8%
- Religions: Islam, Christianity

Education
- Languages: Arabic (Official), English, French, Armenian
- Adult literacy rate: 91%
      . Male: 92%
      . Female: 90%

Infrastructure
- Roads (paved): 7,200 km
- Airport: Beirut Int'l Airport
- Ports: Beirut (Principal), Tripoli (North), Jounieh (Keserwan), Saida (South)

Economy
- Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP), 1 LBP = 100 Piasters
- LBP/US$ exchange rate: 1,507.5
- GDP: $18,038,000,000
- GDP per capita: $4,008
- Minimum salary: 300,000 LBP ($199)
- Imports from main trade partners
      . Italy: 9.4%
      . Germany: 8.1%
      . France: 8.1%
      . China: 7.4%
      . USA: 6.0%
- Main imports
      . Mineral products: 16.6%
      . Electrical equipment: 12.2%
      . Chemical products: 10.0%
      . Vehicles: 9.7%
      . Food products: 6.7%
      . Metals and metal products: 6.6%
- Exports to main trade partners
      . Switzerland: 24.9%
      . Saudi Arabia: 6.8%
      . UAE: 6.8%
      . Syria: 4.6%
      . USA: 4.3%
- Main exports
      . Jewelry: 30.4%
      . Electrical equipment: 11.7%
      . Food products: 9.8%
      . Chemical products: 7.5%
      . Metals and metal products: 7.5%
      . Textiles and textile products: 4.3%