Lebanon

Quick Facts

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Capital

Beirut

Population

3,728,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Islam (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite, Nusayri), Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)

Languages

Arabic, French, English, Armenian

Calling Code

+961

Nationality

Lebanese

Local name

Lubnān

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Introduction

Pigeon Rocks

© All Rights Reserved cathdoran

The 215 km stretch of Mediterranean coastline and the small tract of Biblical land behind it are what the wandering Israelites referred to as "the land of milk and honey". Today we know it as Lebanon, a nation that has been fought, that has fought and that will probably continue to fight. Somewhat trampled over by the stronger forces of Israel and Syria, it has only been over the past decade that Lebanon has managed to procure its head from the grime of warfare and reveal its pretty face to the world.

Travellers (who must understandably remain cautious) are in for a treat. Lebanon appeals to your sense of sight (most notably at the Mount Lebanon ranges in the east), your sense of taste (the best country to enjoy Middle Eastern food, we think) and even your sensuality, with beautiful maidens belly dancing to the sounds of traditional Arabic music. Beirut and Tripoli show-off the modern aspects of Lebanon, but it is the reminders of Lebanon's rich history that are the real drawcards.

Brief History

Geography

Lebanon is a very small country but has some surprising range of different landscapes. Generally speaking, it is a mountainous country, without practically any single stretch of flat land except some coastal strips. The highest mountains rise up to about 3000 meters, which mean that Lebanon is qualified to do some serious skiing in winter. This is especially true for the mountains in the north, for example at The Cedars. As the name says, this area and a few other places like the Chouf Cedar Reserve further south, are home to a unique sort of the tree, the cedar. The area where this tree grows unfortunately has become smaller and smaller but nowadays some parts where the tree grows are protected.

Lebanon shares international borders with Syria and Israel.

Governorates

Lebanon is organised into 6 governorates

• Beirut Governorate
• Mount Lebanon Governorate has Baabda as its capital
• North Governorate has Tripoli as its capital
• Beqaa Governorate has Zahleh as its capital
• Nabatiye Governorate has Nabatiye as its capital
• South Governorate has Sidon as its capital

Cities

Beirut

It was called the Paris of the east for a long time, until the civil war started in 1975 when 27 Palestinian civilians where killed by an attack on a bus. After the civil war which ended early during the 90's of the last century, Beirut struggled back to become one of the most pleasant places to live in the Middle East, settled along the Mediterranean coastline. More about Beirut

• Tripoli
• Baabda
• Bsharri (also spelled Becharre, Bcharre or Bsharre)
• Byblos
• Nabatiye
• Sidon
• Tyre
• Zahleh

Sights and Activities

Baalbek

Baalbek is to Lebanon what Palmyra is to Syria, being one of the most important and impressive ancient sites, dating back to the Roman ages. The site is just a few hours by minibus from Beirut, in the north of the Bekaa Valley and if you really have little time, you can visit it as a daytrip. But this is hardly enough to experience the massive site. You need at least a full day to truly get to know Baalbek, so staying in the modern town with the same name is advisable. Getting there from Bsharri and the Chedars is more expensive and in winter the road is even closed.

Cedar Reserve

Near the town of Bsharri is the Cedar Reserve, one of the few remaing forests with cedars, the national symbol of the country which is also used in the national flag. The town and reserve are easily reached from the coastal city of Tripoli and can be done as a daytrip, although staying in the town itself with beautiful views and a nice relaxing atmosphere is much better. Visiting the reserve in winter is even better when the snowcapped mountains and trees are even more stunning. The Cedar Reserve is located in the ancient Qadisha Valley and are placed on the UNESCO list.

Ancient cities

Lebanon has several of the longest inhabited towns and cities in the world, including Byblos and Sidon. Both can be visited as an easy daytrip from the capital Beirut. Byblos is an ancient phoenician city and on the UNESCO World Heritage list. and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Sidon is about an hour south of the capital and with its old souq and seaside fortress is equally good to visit.

Wineries

You won't believe it till you try it, but Lebanon has very good wines and the area around Zahlé in the Bekaa Valley is particularly good to visit if you like to do som winery tours. Several of those are just outside the town and can be reached on foot if you don't mind some walking. You will taste several good white and red wines and tours are both in English and French.

Beirut

A visit to Lebanon without visiting the capital is a shame, as the Paris of the East as it used to be called is still a very fine city, albeit not very safe since recently. The new centre, the boulevard and the Green Line with several demolished buildings still to find there are great and the nightlife is suprisingly active as well. Read more in the Beirut article.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Although being a small country, it has lots of different sorts of weather, mainly due to its geographical situation. The mountains for example have lots of snow in winter and are a pleasant getaway from the heat along the coast and in lower areas in summer. There, temperatures can rise to 40 degrees although usually it is a bit less hot. The coastal areas can be surprisingly humid, which make the summer months of June-September not the best time to visit Lebanon. The Bekaa Valley is also hot in summer, but the air contains less moisture so the heat is more bearable. In winter though, the valley enjoys some snow as well and temperatures can drop below zero.

Large areas of Lebanon also have relatively large amounts of rain compared to its neighbouring countries. This is especially true for the coastal areas and the western slopes of the mountains, influenced by rising air coming from the sea. This is the case mainly during the winter months from November until early April.

Getting There

By Plane

All international flights arrive at the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport^[1] (BEY). There are direct flights to a wide range of cities in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The main carriers are local Middle East airlines, Air France^[2], KLM^[3], Lufthansa^[4] and British Airways. KLM and Air France have direct flights to Amsterdam and Paris respectively. Also, Gulf Air^[5] and Emirates^[6] have good connections with Lebanon and through connections to Australia.

By Train

Currently, there are no train connections with other countries in the region or beyond.

By Car

By Bus

Although Lebanon shares borders with both Israel as Syria, only with the latter country there are good connections by bus or minibus/taxi. The main corridors of entering or leaving Lebanon are Beirut east to Damascus, via Zahle, and Tripoli north to Latakia. Most times, minibuses or shared taxis fill up pretty quickly and travel times in both cases is just 2-3 hours. Other destinations in Syria from Tripoli are Homs, Hama and further on to Aleppo.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

As Lebanon is a small country, there are no domestic flights available.

By Train

There are no trains running at the moment in Lebanon.

By Car

By Bus

Lebanon has an extensive public transport system by bus, minibus and (shared) taxis, covering most of the country, both along the coast as across the mountains to the Bekaa Valley. Between the bigger cities, taking a bus is the best mode of transport, but between smaller towns or routes with less traffic, you might want to go for the microbuses or a taxi. This is especially true for the road across the Lebanon Range from Bsharri to Baalbek.

By Boat

Although having a long coastline, at the moment there are no options for leaving or getting to the country by ferry, cruise ships or other boats.

Red Tape

Most citizens of countries need a visa to enter Lebanon. Although you can arrange this at your own country when having a Lebanese consulate, it is also possible for many western nationals and Arabian Gulf citizens to get one when arriving in the country, both at the Beirut Airport as the land border crossings from Syria. Note that you will not be allowed to eter the country if your passport bears an Israeli stamp.

Money

Major Foreign currency are widely accepted everywhere in the country even at small shops. Make sure you have small denominations for small purchases. The exchange rate is almost unified between banks, exchange shops and street shops. The hotels exchange rate is usually 10 to 15% less than what you get outside.

The Lebanese pound is unofficially pegged to the US dollar. The Central Bank maintains a dynamic and aggressive policies to keep the currency exchange rate stable. Currency exchange rate against the US dollar was around 1500 Lebanese pounds to one dollar (Dec. 2007)

Work

Study

Lebanon has some of the finest universities in the Middle East, many of which were established by foreign missionaries in the late 19th century. Most noted are the American University of Beirut and Saint Joseph universities. Before the start of the Lebanese civil war, Lebanese universities attracted a large number of students from the region. The number of regional students is picking up again since the mid 90's, given the relative stability of the country, high education standards, the multi-cultural and diversified student body and the beauty of the country. It should be noted that tuition fees are more to the moderate to high sides, but are still far less than what a student would pay for similar education standards in private universities in the west.

Language

Although English and French are understood by many people, Arabic is the official language of Lebanon. A 'salaam alaykum' when greeting someone will be very appreciated and can make a big difference in friendliness.

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

With the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers early 2006, problems have risen again after attacks from Israel. At first, these attacks and fights between Israel and terrorists in Lebanon were at the border area, but later on problems spreaded out towards Beirut and even further north. Although at the end of 2006, things were quiet again, it is still not safe to travel on your own in certain parts of Lebanon. This is especially true for the cities of Beirut and Tripoli where Palestinian camps where terrorists are suspected to be, are attacked. Therefore, always check the situation beforehand. Visiting the Roman ruins at Baalbek is considered to be safe and is possible from Damascus as well.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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