By Max Taha International Students Club

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

Bordered by Occupied Palestine from South Bordered by Syria from North and East Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea from West

o 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

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

o 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 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.

 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

 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.

o Official Name: Republic of Lebanon o Population: 4,099,000 o Land Area: 4,035 square miles o Capital: Beirut o Largest Cities: Beirut, Tripoli, Sayda, Zahle o Government Type: Republic o Currency: Lebanese Pound (1.51 LBP = 1.00 USD) o Official Languages: Arabic, French o Ethnic Groups: Arab (93%); Armenian (5%); Other (2%) o Religions: Islam (70%); Christian (30%) o Internet TLD:.lb