Overview of Lebanon

Profile

Lebanon is one of the smallest sovereign states in Asia, yet it possesses a unique historical landscape woven by Mediterranean trade and mountain culture. The cedar of Lebanon is the national symbol, and the capital Beirut was called the "Paris of the Middle East." Exceptionally in the Arab world, religious pluralism is embedded in the legal system, and French and English are widely used alongside Arabic. Despite recent impacts from economic and currency crises and repeated conflicts, Phoenician ruins and rich food culture continue to attract travelers worldwide.

Official name: Lebanese Republic
Common name: Lebanon
Numeric code: 422
Alpha-3 code: LBN
Alpha-2 code: LB
Population: Approximately 5.5 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 526 people/km2
Primary languages: Arabic, French, English
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Druze
National anthem: كلّنا للوطن (Kulluna Lil-Watan / All of Us for the Homeland)
Calling code: +961
Internet TLD: .lb

History

From ancient Phoenician city-states through Roman, Ottoman, and French mandate rule to independence in 1943.

Settlement remains from about 7,000 years ago exist, and from around 3200 BC, it became the center of the Phoenicians, who gained fame through maritime trade. Subsequently, rule changed through Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Crusaders, and the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, "Greater Lebanon" was established as part of the French Mandate for Syria, gaining independence as a republic in 1943. The Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) collapsed state functions, but recovery began in the 1990s. Despite experiencing Syrian army withdrawal in 2005, conflict with Israel in 2006, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion, reconstruction continues under the confessional power-sharing system.

Geography & climate

The Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges run parallel, with the fertile Bekaa Valley between them, and the western side faces the Mediterranean Sea in an elongated territory.

Mediterranean climate

Area: Asia / 10452 km²
Capital: Beirut
Largest city: Beirut
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Syria, Israel

Natural resources

Limestone, Natural gas (Kana gas field), Water resources, Cedar of Lebanon, Gypsum, Salt, Copper, Iron ore, Fertile alluvial soil, Abundant sunlight

Politics

Government: Confessionalist Republic (Parliamentary system)

Economy

Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)

GDP (nominal): 23 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 87 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic, French, English

Time zone: Eastern European Time, Eastern European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arab Lebanese, Armenians, Kurds, Assyrians, Turks, Palestinians, Syrians, Jews

Life expectancy

Approximately 79 years (2022)

Literacy rate

Approximately 95% (UNESCO estimate)

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Rugby league, Volleyball, Skiing