
Lebanon Guide
Lebanon – country information
Country name | Lebanon |
Official name | Republic of Lebanon |
Capital | Beirut |
Continent | Asia |
Area | 10,400 km2 |
Population | 4,822,000 (2013) |
Foundation of a state | 22/11/1943 |
The highest mountains | Karnat as-Saudá 3087 m |
Longest rivers | Flying 145 km |
State system | a pluralist republic with a unicameral parliament |
The biggest cities | Beirut (capital) 1,175,000, Tarabulus 250,000 |
Official language | Arabic |
Ethnicity/National Composition | Lebanese 80%, Palestinians 12%, Armenians 5%, others 3% |
Religious affiliation | Shia Muslim 32%, Maronite Christian 24.5%, Sunni Muslim 21%, Druze 7%, Greek Orthodox 6.5%, Greek Catholic 4%, Armenian Christian 4%, other 1% |
Currency | 1 Lebanese pound (LBP) = 100 piastres |
gross domestic product (GDP) | US$15,587 (2012) |
Average life expectancy of the population | 72.88 years (2006) |
Structure of GDP | agriculture and fishing 9.5%, mining and industry 20%, construction 4%, services 66.5% |
Lebanon – Neighboring States
State | Capital | Area | Population |
Israel | Jerusalem | 22,145 km2 | 8,146,300 |
Syria | Damascus | 185,180 km2 | 21,898,000 |
Country overview
According to Abbreviationfinder, Lebanon, a small mountainous country, lies in the eastern Mediterranean. It borders Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south – the two biggest adversaries in the Middle East. The deeply divided Lebanese nation is struggling to rebuild a shattered economy and preserve the fragile stability that was established in 1992 after a long and devastating civil war ravaged the capital, Beirut.
Country data
Location: Middle East
Time zone: CET + 1
Total area: 10,400 km²
Land area: 10,230 km²
Water area: 170 km²
Length of the state border: 454 km
Bordering countries:
Israel: 79 km
Syria: 375 km
Coastline: 225 km
Capital: Beirut
Governorates: 6
Beqaa, Beyrouth (Beirut), Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, Nabatiye
Electric current: 220 V / 50 Hz
Telephone code: 00 961 (Source: Allcitycodes)
Highest point: Qurnat as Sawda 3,088 m
Population
Population: approx. 5.9 million residents (Countryaah, 2021)
Population growth: 9.4% per year
Population density (residents per km²): 567
Life expectancy: 76 (male), 78 (female)
Official language: Arabic
Religions:
- 54% Muslim
- 40% Christian
- 6% other
Climate
Coastal area:
During the summer months, which are very hot with temperatures above 30 ° C, it only rains very rarely. However, the humidity is very high. In winter it is quite cool (around 10 ° C) and rain often falls.
Mountain region:
In summer it is pleasantly cool and dry here during the day. However, at night temperatures can drop sharply. Occasionally snow also falls during the winter.
Currency / finance
Currency unit: Lebanese pound (LBP)
Division: 1 pound = 100 piastres
ATMs: Available in the major cities.
International credit cards: These are accepted in larger hotels and shops.
Regulations: Foreign and national currencies can be imported and exported in unlimited amounts.
Customs regulations
The following may be carried duty-free:
- 200 cigarettes or 200 g tobacco
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
(Information applies to people aged 18 and over)
Tourists and people in transit can bring items of personal use with them duty-free.
Travel advice
We warn against traveling to the following regions:
- City and County of Tripoli
- Akkar district
- North Liban / Ech-Chimal district.
- Bekaa plain north of Baalbek
We strongly advise against traveling to the following regions:
- remaining Bekaa plain (including tourist sites of Baalbek)
- Areas south of the Litani
- all the southern suburbs of Beirut
- Border area with Israel
In the south of the country, near the Syrian border, there is increased military activity. Foreigners cannot enter these regions without a special permit.
Throughout the country there are always road checks carried out by the Lebanese and Syrian military. Original identification documents must be carried with you.
You should stay away from large gatherings of people and demonstrations.
Behavioral advice
Since Islamic extremists repeatedly threaten to attack various institutions, you should avoid large crowds.
You should only undertake trips with a local guide.
Economy
The economy was badly damaged by the outbreak of war (1970s).
With foreign aid, however, a functioning industry was able to be rebuilt in the last few decades.
Industries: chemistry, ore processing, finance, wood processing, agriculture, food production, oil production, jewelry processing, textiles
Natural resources: iron ore, limestone, agricultural land, salt
Land use:
- Usable land: 21%
- Grain cultivation: 9%
- Pasture area: 1%
- Forests: 8%
- other: 61%
Plants
A large number of plant and tree species are native to Lebanon.
In addition to the wine-growing areas, there are also large areas in which bananas, figs, melons and many other fruits are grown.
The most famous tree species in Lebanon is the cedar.
Animals
Due to the many hunts that have taken place for a long time, most of the wild animals have been wiped out.
Now there are almost only pets to be seen. The most common are buffalo, dromedaries and horses.