Lebanon

A Mosaic of Mountains, Cultures, and Civilizations

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Lebanon, officially the Lebanese Republic, is a small but historically and culturally rich country located in Western Asia, bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Despite political challenges, Lebanon remains a hub of intellectual, religious, and artistic diversity in the Arab world.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Inhabited since ancient times by Phoenicians, later conquered by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and French.

• Became a French Mandate after WWI; gained full independence on 22 November 1943.

• Experienced a civil war (1975–1990) and repeated political instability, including conflicts with Israel and internal sectarian tensions.

• The Taif Agreement (1989) ended the civil war and established a power-sharing confessional political system.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

Note: Lebanon follows a confessional system where top political posts are reserved by religion:

• President: Maronite Christian

• Prime Minister: Sunni Muslim

• Speaker of Parliament: Shia Muslim

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Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

Lebanon is divided into 9 Governorates (Muhafazat), further divided into districts (Qadaa) and municipalities.

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Local Government Structure

• Each governorate is administered by a Governor (Muhafiz).

• Districts are overseen by Qa’immaqam, while municipalities have elected councils and mayors.

• Local governance includes service delivery, land regulation, and development planning.

• Municipal elections are held every 6 years.

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Leadership & Governance

• Power-sharing system based on religious sects has created both representation and gridlock.

• Political influence is often affected by external actors (Iran, Saudi Arabia, France, etc.).

• Frequent cabinet reshuffles, caretaker governments, and constitutional crises.

• Anti-corruption movements and civil society protests have gained strength post-2019.

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Main agencies:

  • Internal Security Forces (ISF)

  • General Security Directorate

  • Lebanese Army – strong role in national unity and border control

• Challenges:

  • Political assassinations, protests, terrorism threats, refugee tensions

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 112 – General emergencies

  • 175 – Fire

  • 140 – Red Cross ambulance

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Economy & Industry

• Historically banking and tourism-driven

• Post-2019 crisis includes:

  • Hyperinflation, currency collapse

  • Severe unemployment and poverty

• Key sectors:

  • Banking, agriculture (olives, citrus), services

  • Diaspora remittances are critical

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 21 billion

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Education & Institutions

• High literacy rate (~95%)

• Dual-language system: Arabic with English/French instruction

• Major Universities:

  • American University of Beirut (AUB)

  • Lebanese American University (LAU)

  • Université Saint-Joseph (USJ)

• Strong emphasis on private schooling and international education

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Healthcare

• Private healthcare system dominant; high-quality facilities in urban areas

• Government hospitals underfunded due to economic crisis

• Notable Institutions:

  • AUB Medical Center

  • Hôtel-Dieu de France

  • Rafik Hariri University Hospital

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Transport & Connectivity

• Main airport: Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport

• No railway system; roads are main transit

• Ports:

  • Port of Beirut (damaged in 2020 explosion, under partial operation)

  • Tripoli and Sidon Ports

• Public transportation: limited; shared taxis and vans are popular

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Tourism & Attractions

• Historical:

  • Baalbek ruins, Byblos, Anjar, Beiteddine Palace

• Coastal:

  • Beirut Corniche, Tyre, Batroun, Jounieh

• Religious:

  • Jeita Grotto, Harissa Shrine, Qadisha Valley monasteries

• Winter resorts: Faraya, Mzaar, Cedars

• Gastronomy tourism: known for mezze, wine, and arak

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Diverse religious and ethnic makeup: Christians, Muslims, Druze, Armenians

• Blend of Arab, French, Mediterranean influences

• Renowned for:

  • Music (Fairuz, Nancy Ajram)

  • Literature and poetry

  • Fashion, nightlife, cuisine

• Cuisine: tabbouleh, kibbeh, fattoush, manakish, baklava

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Summary

Lebanon is a resilient nation of remarkable beauty and deep heritage. Despite economic hardship and political crisis, its rich culture, educated population, and powerful diaspora make it one of the most unique and influential countries in the Arab world.