A Brief Description The small Middle East mountainous country of Lebanon, first settled around 3000 BC by the Phoenicians, would eventually be absorbed into the Holy Roman Empire. Additionally invaded and conquered over the centuries by the Assyrians, Ayyubids, Babylonians, Byzantines, Mamluks and Ottomans, it was Turkey's defeat in World War I, and the subsequent influence of the French that transformed the country into the modern land we know today. Lebanon finally gained its independence in 1943, but was unfortunately ravaged by a 15-year civil war that thankfully ended in 1990. At that war's conclusion, the Lebanese government and people finally established a more equitable political system, and began in ernest to rebuild the damaged infrastructure of their country. Admittedly, some historic cultural and religious conflicts (rather common in the Middle East) do remain, and the country still struggles with needed reforms. Today, Lebanon is again finding its rightful place in the world, and the world is paying attention. The historic cities of Beirut and Tripoli, and the remarkable Phoenician history (with its well preserved ruins) draw increasing numbers of visitors. Recently, the country of Israel and Hezbollah forces within Lebanon are fighting a bloody war; one with thousands of civilians caught in the middle. On Monday, August 14th, 2006, a cease fire took effect, and hopefully, it will prevail until an international peace-keeping force is put in place. For more information on Lebanon, click here. Temple of Bacchus, Lebanon! Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Lebanon (long form) Lebanese Rupublic Population 3,826,000 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Beirut (1.2 million) Currency Lebanese Pound (LBP) Currency Converter here Languages Arabic (official), French, English, others Flag here National Day November 22 Religions Muslim (60%), Christian, others Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 33º 52' N, 35º 30' E Relative Location Lebanon is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and the countries of Syria and Israel. Land Statistics Coastline 140 miles (225 km) Land Areas (land) 3,950 sq miles (10,230 sq km) (water) 65 sq miles (170 sq km) (TOTAL) 4,015 sq miles (10,400 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms Lebanon is a mostly mountainous country, east and west, separated by the fertile Bekaa Valley. A narrow coastal strip of land fronts the Mediterranean The Lebanon Mountains are central and west, while the Anit-Lebanon Mountains stretch across its eastern border with Syria. Over a dozen minor rivers flow from the mountains, with the Litani the most significant, as it irrigates the heart of the fertile Bekaa Valley. Highest Point Qurnat as Sawda' -10,128 ft. (3,087 m) Lowest Point Mediterranean Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m) Land Divisions 6 governorates, including: Beyrouth, Beqaa, Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban and Nabatiye Maps Lebanon (large color) Map here Lebanon Outline Map here Lebanon CIA version here Lebanon Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Lebanon (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here! Lebanon.Com here Lebanon Daily Star (news) here Lebanon Embassy (Washington DC) here Lebanon Photos at TrekEarth.com here Lebanon Tourism here Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +2) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate Lebanon summers are long, dry and warm (often hot.) Winters are rather mild and cool, with significant rain fall. Colder winter temperatures and heavy snow are common in the mountains. Summer high temperatures (July - September) reach into the mid to low 80° f, with cooler temperatures in the higher elevation of the mountains. Winter lows below 50° f are uncommon. Hillside houses, Tripoli, Lebanon! Travel the World through Poster Art! Traveler Info Attractions Lebanon is a country of archaeological treasures, including the World Heritage Sites of Aanjar, Baalbeck, Byblos, Tyre, Ouadi Qadisha and Forest of the Cedars. The cities of Beirut and Tripoli, numerous ecotourism venues and ideal winter ski conditions in the mountains add to its attractive menu of attractions. Lebanon Tours and Travel Information Country Dialing Code 961 Electricity Lebanon uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

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This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/lebanon.html