Lebanon’s capital city is Beirut, located in the south of Lebanon. Beirut is home to over 2.1 million people( more then half of Lebanon’s population). Beirut has a population density of 2,800/km2. Beirut was also listed as one of the top ten liveliest cities in the world by the Lonely Planet for 2009.

Lebanon has an area of 10,452 km2. Lebanon has a population of 4.1million. Lebanon’s official language is Arabic. Lebanon’s currency is called Lebanese pound. Lebanon is also the only country in the Middle East without a desert.

Lebanon is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south.

In the summer of 2006 Lebanon was at war with Israel. The war lasted 34-days. It was a war between the Israel military and Hezbollah forces. At the end of the 34 day war Israel had a civilian death toll of 44 dead and 1000 thousand lightly wounded, and 121 military dead. Lebanon had over 1000 civilians dead and over 4000 wounded and over 1 million displaced, and billions dollars in damages.

Photo of the 2006 war in Lebanon

Lebanon’s culture is varied, depending widely on the differing ethnic groups that live in Lebanon. Such as the Muslim Shia, Muslim Sunni and Christian. Lebanese cities, particularly Beirut, are more North American then most Arab cities like Cairo and Baghdad. Lebanese culture tend to be more lax towards men-women relations, and less strict. Lebanese culture is different then other Arabic cultures.

Major industries: The major industry are the manufacture of concrete and building material, to serve needs. There are also some small factories that produce clothing and fabrics. Imports: Lebanon imports $11,930,000,000 worth of items in Exports: Lebanon exports authentic jewelry, inorganic chemicals, miscellaneous consumer goods, fruit and vegetables, tobacco, construction minerals, electric power machinery and switchgear, textile fibers, paper.

Lebanon’s history dates a old a the earliest evidences of humans. Lebanon been ruled by others rulers in the past, including Assyrians, Babylonians, Armenians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and French. Lebanon did an important part 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.

Roman ruins in Lebanon

The Temple of Bacchus, part of the Roman ruins.