Lebanon is a republic in southwest Asia. Lying on the eastern coast of Mediterranean sea, the country is dominated by Sea and mountains. The geographical location and the kind of climate Lebanon offers have left Greater impact on people of Lebanon, culture, and economy.
Human population started settling in present day Lebanon, along the coast of Mediterranean sea, some 7000 years ago. The area later developed as heart of seafaring Phoenicia. To help business Phoenician people developed their alphabets and Colonized the western Mediterranean. During early settlements a large Christian population and culture developed in the area. Lebanon was under control of Ottoman Empire for centuries. After the Ottoman Empire, French ruled Lebanon under the League of Nations mandate.
Ottoman Empire was defeated in World War I. Lebanon became an independent republic during World War II and for more than three decades prospered into a free economy. Later Civil War erupted in Lebanon due to tensions between Christians and Muslims. Lebanon declared independence on November 26, 1941. And recognized as Republic on November 22, 1943. Beirut is the Capital of Lebanon, principal port and the largest city.
The countries bordering Lebanon are Syria to the east and Israel to the south. Mediterranean sea borders it to the west. Lebanon has 212 Km long coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea.
More than fifty percent landscapes of Lebanon lies at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, reason enough to categorize Lebanon as a mountainous country. Two mountain ranges Mount Lebanon and Anti Lebanon running in parallel defines physical geography of Lebanon. Mountain Lebanon is larger and runs 48 km along the Mediterranean coast reaching at an altitude of 3090 m at the summit of Qornet es-Sauda. To the east of Sidon, the Mount Lebanon range extends into the Chouf mountains - a largely terraced, arable region - and to the south it merges into the hills of Galilee. The Anti-Lebanon script the eastern border with Syria, and the southern persistence of the range forms Mount Hermon, which reaches 2, 814 meters at its highest point. The major cities of Lebanon are the capital Beirut (Beyrouth), Zahle, Tripoli, Sidon, Jounieh and Tyre.
Lebanon offers hot Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Winters are cool and accompanied with rain showers. Summers are hot and dry. Average winter temperature stays around 16 to 19 degree Celsius. The temperature in summers varies between 29 to 32 degree Celsius. During winters, temperature drops well below zero degrees Celsius in mountains. Annual precipitation ranges from 700 - 1,000 millimeters in the fertile coastal plain to 200 millimeters in north-eastern parts of the Bekaa Valley. The annual precipitation in Mount Lebanon is 1,400 millimeters. This is the most humid region in Lebanon. Generally, rain occurs from October to April, with virtually no precipitation in the summer months.
More than 3000 plant species found in Lebanon. On low lying areas plant varieties like Olive and fig trees and grapevines are very common. At higher altitudes you may find species like cedar, maple, juniper, fir, cypress, valonia oak, and Aleppo pine trees. Although hunting has killed off most wild mammals, jackals are still found in the dense forest areas, and gazelles and rabbits are numerous in the south. Varity of rodents, including mice, squirrels, and gerbils, and many types of reptiles, including lizards and snakes (some of them poisonous), may be found. Thrushes, nightingales, and other songbirds are native to Lebanon. Among other bird species comes partridges, pigeons, vultures, and eagles etc.
Lebanon offers unity in diversity, people from many cultures and religions lives here. Muslims, Christians, Greek Catholics and Armenians all live here together. Most population use Arabic as language of communication. Arabic is the official language in Lebanon. French is also spoken at large. The other languages used for communication in Lebanon are English, Armenian, and Turkish.
Lebanon is a parliamentary republic. The government system in Lebanon is centralized; there is multireligious, multiparty government in Lebanon. The president of Lebanon is Head of the State. The head of the government is Prime Minister. The tenure of president is limited to six years and one term. President appoints the prime minister with help from speaker of parliament. The prime minister selects other cabinet ministers.
The National Assembly in Lebanon is Single house parliament. Under the constitutional amendments of 1990, seats are allocated equally between Christians and Muslims, and the speaker of parliament must be a Shia Muslim. A 1992 amendment expanded membership from 108 to 128. Members of parliament are elected for four-years term.
The Judicial system in Lebanon is based on French Napoleonic Code and uses no juries. The secular (nonreligious) court system has three levels: courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and the court of cassation (final appeal).
Politically Lebanon is divided into six provinces or governorates (Arabic muhafazat), are Al Biqā‘, Al Janub, Ash Shamal, Bayrūt, Jabal Lubnan, and Nabaţīyah. Governorates are further subdivided into qadas (districts). Provincial governments have only administrative power.
Lebanese economy revived since 1991, onwards. Annual inflation was 500% in 1987, which was manageable by mid of 1991 and low by start of 21st century. In 2005, GDP totaled $21.9 billion expanding by an average of 1 percent annually in the period 2005. Horizon 2000, a multibillion-dollar reconstruction program to rebuild Beirut’s central district, is the main focus of the government’s energies.
Annual unemployment rate in 1997 was 8.6 percent. There are approximately 1 million foreign workers in Lebanon. Most of these are Syrian. Lebanese work force is estimated to be 1.4 million, these workers has to compete with foreign workers both in getting job and in job. Peoples’ Purchasing Power is low in Lebanon. Service industry contributes to 71 percent of GDP. Tourists, who support an industry of hotels, restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, are attracted to Lebanon’s scenery, climate, historical sites, and cultural activities.
Industry accounts for 22 percent of GDP and agriculture 7 percent. Main industries in Lebanon are cement, processed foods, printed material, textiles, clothing, chemicals (typically paints), and jewelry. Construction has been a chief source of income and employment. Commercial mining is limited to large-scale quarrying of Lebanon’s plentiful limestone and smaller-scale production of gypsum. Only 7 percent work force is involved in agricultural task. Oranges and peaches are valuable exports.
The main agricultural products are citrus, bananas, vegetables, melons, and strawberries. The low land Lebanon is suitable for vineyards and fruit orchards of olives, figs, peaches, cherries, and plums. The Bekáa produces wheat, barley, sugar beets, tobacco, grapes, and fruits. Farm-raised animals include goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and chickens. Forestry work is limited; pines and other trees are logged for domestic purposes. Fishing is limited but important as major source of food.
Lebanon’s main exports are food and food products, paper products, chemicals, textiles, jewelry, and metal products. Imports include automobiles, trucks, heavy equipment, communications equipment, electronic goods, appliances, machinery, and petroleum and petroleum products. Exports mainly go to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Switzerland, the United States, and France. Imports come from Italy, France, Germany, the United States, and Switzerland.