Everything you need to know about Lebanon: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Lebanon: Multi-ethnic Mediterranean Country and ?Switzerland of East'

Until the end of the first WW Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire after which it came under the French protectorate till 1943 when France granted Lebanon its independence. The country is home to diverse ethnicities like Christians, Shi and Sunni Muslims, Palestinian migrants and others. This has resulted in a unique political system whereby all the important communities have equal representation. Syria, which has historic roots with the Lebanese people still exerts considerable influence on Lebanon. Following a UN resolution the Syrian forces finally withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 after 26 years. Lebanon was once a booming Mediterranean economy and tourist hotspot and consequently was called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ owing to the numerous beautiful resorts and scenic beauty of the country.

Lebanon Facts and Figures:

· National Name: Al-Joumhouriya al-Lubnaniya
· Capital: Beirut
· Total area: 10,400 sq km
· Population: 3,971,941 (2208 est.)
· Currency: Lebanese Pound
· Languages: Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
· Ethnicity/ Races: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
· Religion: Islam 60% (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite/Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite, Melkite, Syrian, Armenian, and Roman Catholic; Greek, Armenian, and Syrian Orthodox; Chaldean; Assyrian; Copt; Protestant), other 1%
· GDP (Per Capita): $10,700 (2007 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 70 years, Female: 74 years
· Literacy: 87% (2003 est.)

Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate with cool winters along the coasts and snowfall in the elevated uplands and warm and dry summers. Lebanon receives high rainfall except the northeastern region where the high mountain peaks block the rain bearing winds.

Lebanon Culture and Cuisine:
The Phoenician culture flourished in Lebanon more than 2,000 years back and later on the Islamic influence spread to the Lebanese shores. Lebanon is also home to a significant number of Christian population owing to the French occupation till 1943. The French influence can also be seen in the tolerant societal attitude towards men-women relations and more westernised people as compared to other Mediterranean countries. The Lebanese cuisine is similar to Syrian, Egyptian and other cuisines. Kibbe, a meat pie made from lamb and burghul wheat, is the national dish of the Lebanese people, whereas the national drink is Arak, a strong anise-flavoured liquid.

Lebanon Economy:
Despite having the largest agricultural tract among the Mediterranean countries only 12% Lebanese are involved in the agricultural sector and the major agricultural produce include apples, peaches, oranges and lemons. Even the Lebanese industrial sector has really not taken off owing to total dependence on imports for essential commodities like oil. The biggest economic driver is the thriving tourism industry and the financial sector that offers strict financial secrecy much like Switzerland and some other countries.

Lebanon Tourist Attractions:
Lebanon is a tourist haven and its capital Beirut is famous for many architecturally historic buildings. Anjar in the Beqaa valley is the only Umayyad city in Lebanon and consists of some well-preserved ruins. The ancient Lebanese city of Ballbeck is a World Heritage Site with numerous architectural attractions. The Lebanese capital of Beirut is a mystic combination of modernity and tradition both of which are found in opulence.

Other Places to See in Lebanon include:

· Beiteddine
· Byblos
· Deir El Qamar
· Qadisha Valley
· Sidon
· Arz Al Rab