Lebanon

By Max TahaInternational Students Club

Introduction

Lebanon is a small country located along the Eastern

shore of the Mediterranean Sea

Historically famous for its fragrant cedar trees

and snow-capped mountains

Geography

Bordered by Occupied Palestine from South

Bordered by Syria from North

and East

Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea from West

Historyo Lebanon has been the site

of one of the earliest civilizations in the world.

o The Phoenicians (Semites or Sidonians) settled in this region over 5,000 years ago.

o They were the most renowned sailors, shipbuilders, and traders in the ancient world.

o They exported the famous cedars and rich purple cloth, each yard dyed with the juice of over 20,000 shellfish.

A depiction of an ancient Phoenician ship

History

o By 400 B.C., Lebanon established its famous modern cities of Tripoli and Beirut, which were at the time and still are important trading posts.

o Lebanon was conquered by many civilizations such as the Egyptian, the Assyrian, and the Roman empires.

o During A.D. times, Lebanon fell into the control of the Byzantines, various Arab peoples and the Ottomans.

o This region invented the technique of blowing glass.

Temple of Jupiter built during Roman times

Modern Lebanono Lebanon became an -

independent nation in 1943 after the crumble of the Ottoman empire during World War II.

o Violent outbreaks between other nations and within the country have caused Lebanon to become a “war-zone.”

o In 1975, the Lebanese Civil War began between Islamic and Christian groups, which persisted until 1992.

o Wars took a heavy toll on the nation’s environment, economy, and its citizens.

The bombing of the American Embassy in 1981

Most of the citizens are Arab-descended, with about 70% being Islamic and 30% Christian.

The remaining few are mostly Armenian refugees who fled their homeland during Balkan War in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Lebanon is the most educated and literate nation in the Middle East. Over 95% of the people have had some form of education.

The People of Lebanon

People enjoy social gatherings at Turkish coffee stands interspersed through-out the country.

They enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, and other similar outdoor activities.

Great food is a necessity among them especially since Beirut and Tripoli are jam-packed with a variety of restaurants.

Tripoli

Beirut

The People of Lebanon

Lebanese people take pride in individualism, which accounts for the immense creativity and inventiveness among the country’s people.

Closeness and loyalty to family and friends are cherished, along with honor and dignity.

Wealth is strived for as a sign of success and respect in the community.

Men and women freely mix together at school, work, and other public places.

Due to Lebanon’s cosmopolitan nature, one can see all types of people living in the cities.

“Their Way of Life”

Quick Facts o Official Name: Republic of Lebanono Population: 4,099,000o Land Area: 4,035 square mileso Capital: Beiruto Largest Cities: Beirut, Tripoli, Sayda, Zahleo Government Type: Republico Currency: Lebanese Pound (1.51 LBP = 1.00 USD)o Official Languages: Arabic, Frencho Ethnic Groups: Arab (93%); Armenian (5%); Other

(2%)o Religions: Islam (70%); Christian (30%)o Internet TLD: .lb

The Lebanese Flag