Lebanon in Brief
Population: 4 million (2009 estimation)
Area: 10,400 km2
Capital: Beirut
Language: Arabic (official language), French, English, Armenian and others
National currency: Lebanese Pound (US$1 = LBP1,500, fixed rate)
- Political system
- Geography
- Climate
- Population
- Religions
- Languages
- Education
- Economy
- National holidays
- Culture & sport
Political system
Lebanon (in Arabic, “Loubnân,” which means white and makes reference to the snow that covers the mountains in winter) is a parliamentary democracy. Its national assembly counts 128 seats, divided between Christians and Muslims, elected by direct universal suffrage. The Lebanese constitution stipulates that the president is elected by parliament for a six-year term by a two-third majority. Tradition dictates that the president be a Maronite Christian and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim. In 2008, H.E. Michel Sleiman was elected president of Lebanon. Subsequent to the results of the parliamentary elections held on June 7, 2009, Saad Hariri (Future Movement party) was named prime minister of the new government.
Geography
Lebanon is one of the smallest countries in the world, with an area of 10,400 km²: it is about 1,000 times smaller than the size of Canada! It spans approximately 250 km (distance between Ottawa and Montreal) long and 40 to 70 km wide. Located in Asia, in the Middle East, it is bordered by Syria to the north, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and boasts 220 km of coastline. Its terrain features two parallel mountain ranges, Mount Lebanon to the west and the Eastern Lebanon Mountain Range to the east. Between the two mountain ranges sits the high Bekaa plateau.
Climate
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate. Winter is cool and rainy (it even snows in the mountainous regions) and summer is hot and humid on the coast, but dry in the mountains. Did you know that the country of the cedar tree is sunny about 300 days a year? In July-August, temperatures reach 30oC. September-October is the ideal period to visit, discover and travel across this country renowned for its ancient civilization.
Population
The population of Lebanon is estimated to be close to 4 million inhabitants. However, it is also estimated that about 13 million expats of Lebanese origin (diaspora) live abroad. Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, is home to more than a million inhabitants. In fact, the New York Times listed Beirut as the leading city to visit in 2009!
The other major cities in Lebanon include the following: Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, Nabatieh, Baalbek, Zahlé and Jounieh.
Religions
Lebanon is a multiconfessional country with the greatest religious diversity in the Middle East (the State officially recognizes 18 religions). Muslims, including Shiites, Sunnis, Druze, Alawis and Ismailis, constitute about 60% of the population. Christians, primarily Maronite, Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic, form nearly the entire other half of the Lebanese population. Religion occupies an important place in Lebanese culture. It is considered to be a serious insult to criticize religion.
Languages
Arabic is the official language of Lebanon. The majority of the Lebanese population speaks North Levantine Arabic, also called Lebanese Arabic or Lebanese-Syrian Arabic. Close to 45% of the population is entirely or partially French-speaking. L’Orient Le Jour is the most widely read French daily in Lebanon. However, the last few years have seen a considerable development in the use of English, especially in the business world and among young graduates.
Education
Education is of capital importance for Lebanese society. The literacy rate and level of education in Lebanon is among the highest in the Arabic world. Nearly 87% of adults can read and write, and most youths are enrolled in university.
Economy
Tourism and the service sector (banks and other) form the engine of the Lebanese economy. Agriculture also plays an important role in the economy. Citrus fruits, fruit trees and vineyards are grown in the mountains (Mount Lebanon), while grain crops are grown on the high inland Bekaa plateau.
National holidays
There are four official holidays between September and November 2009
September 20: Eid al-Fitr (end of month of Ramadan)
November 1: All Saints Day
November 22: National holiday (independence in 1943)
November 27: Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Culture & sport
Lebanese literature (Amin Maalouf), poetry (Khalil Gibran) and traditional Arabic music still play an important role in Lebanese culture. Dabke, the national dance, is a lively and upbeat folk dance. The Caracalla ballet troupe performs a fusion of eastern and western music and dance. UNESCO designated Beirut the World Book Capital City in 2009! The most popular sports in Lebanon are soccer and basketball. As well, the Lebanese taekwondo team has recently won several international championships.