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| Republic of Lebanon
اَلْجُمْهُورِيَّةاَللُّبْنَانِيَّة (Arabic)
al-Jumhūrīyah al-Lubnānīyah
République libanaise (French)
|
|
|
Anthem: Lebanese National Anthem
|
|
Location of Lebanon
|
Capital
(and largest city) |
Beirut
33°54′N 35°32′E / 33.9°N 35.533°E / 33.9; 35.533 |
| Official language(s) |
Arabic, French (conditional)1 |
| Spoken languages |
Arabic (Lebanese dialect), French, English, Armenian |
| Ethnic groups |
95% Arab2, 4% Armenian, 1% other[1] |
| Demonym |
Lebanese |
| Government |
Confessionalist, parliamentary republic[2] |
| - |
President |
Michel Suleiman |
| - |
Prime Minister |
Saad Hariri |
| - |
Speaker of Parliament |
Nabih Berri |
| Independence |
from France |
| - |
Declared |
26 November 1941 |
| - |
Recognized |
22 November 1943 |
| Area |
| - |
Total |
10,452 km2 (166th)
4,035 sq mi |
| - |
Water (%) |
1.6 |
| Population |
| - |
2009 estimate |
4 224 000[3] (124th) |
| - |
Density |
404/km2 (25th)
1,046/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) |
2009 estimate |
| - |
Total |
$53.818 billion[4] |
| - |
Per capita |
$13,952[4] |
| GDP (nominal) |
2009 estimate |
| - |
Total |
$32.660 billion[4] |
| - |
Per capita |
$8,467[4] |
| HDI (2009) |
▲ 0.803[5] (high) (83rd) |
| Currency |
Lebanese pound (LBP) |
| Time zone |
EET (UTC+2) |
| - |
Summer (DST) |
EEST (UTC+3) |
| Drives on the |
right |
| Internet TLD |
.lb |
| Calling code |
961[6] |
| 1 |
^ Article 11 of the Constitution of Lebanon states that "Arabic is the official national language. A law shall determine the cases in which the French language is to be used."[2] |
| 2 |
^ The Lebanese are ethnically a mixture of Phoenician, Greek, Armenian, and Arab elements.[7] Many Christian Lebanese do not identify as Arab, and prefer to be called Phoenician.[1] |
.^ Vehicle fleet in Lebanon has considerably improved following the ban on the import of cars older than 8 years.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[9] Lebanon was the home of the
Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for nearly 2,500 years (3000–539 BC). Following the collapse of the
Ottoman Empire after
World War I, the five provinces that comprise modern Lebanon were
mandated to France. The French expanded the borders of
Mount Lebanon, which was mostly populated by
Maronite Catholics and
Druze, to include more Muslim elements. Lebanon gained independence in 1943, and established a unique political system, known as
confessionalism, a
power-sharing mechanism based on religious communities. French troops withdrew in 1946.
Before the
Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), the country experienced a period of relative calm and prosperity, driven by
tourism,
agriculture, and
banking.
[10] Because of its financial power and diversity, Lebanon was known in its heyday as the "
Switzerland of the East".
[11] It attracted large numbers of tourists,
[12] such that the capital
Beirut was referred to as "
Paris of the Middle East." At the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure.
[13].^ Since almost one-half of the national small vehicles fleet operates in Greater Beirut, and the rest spread all over the territory, a 20% reduction will translate into a 10% reduction in automobile related trip making at the national level.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Finally, the Association Libanaise pour la Maitrise de lEnergie (ALME), a national NGO, has performed a number of energy audits with the support of ADEME. .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Since 1992, Lebanon has entered into, or initialed, a number of treaties for the promotion and protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[12] Then, the month long
2006 War between Israel and
Hezbollah caused significant civilian death and heavy damage to Lebanon's civil infrastructure.
.^ However, this regulation is not homogeneously enforced all over the Lebanese territory.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
In 2009, despite a
global recession, Lebanon enjoyed nine percent economic growth and hosted the largest number of tourists in its history.
Etymology
The name
Lebanon comes from the
Semitic root
lbn, meaning "white", likely a reference to the snow-capped
Mount Lebanon.
[15]Occurrences of the name have been found in texts from the library of
Ebla,
[16] which date to the third millennium BC, nearly 70 times in the
Hebrew Bible, and three of the twelve tablets of the
Epic of Gilgamesh (perhaps as early as 2100 BC)
[17].
Carthage and its dependencies in the 3rd century BC. It was one of a number of
Phoenician settlements in the western Mediterranean.
History
Ancient history
Evidence of the earliest known settlements in Lebanon was found in
Byblos, which is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world,
[9] and date back to earlier than 5000 BC. Archaeologists discovered remnants of prehistoric huts with crushed limestone floors, primitive weapons, and burial jars left by the
Neolithic and
Chalcolithic fishing communities who lived on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea over 7,000 years ago.
[19]Lebanon was the homeland of the
Phoenicians, a seafaring people that spread across the Mediterranean before the rise of
Cyrus the Great.
[20] After two centuries of Persian rule,
Macedonian ruler
Alexander the Great attacked and burned
Tyre, the most prominent Phoenician city. Throughout the subsequent centuries leading up to recent times, the country became part of numerous succeeding empires, among them
Persian,
Armenian,
Assyrian,
Hellenistic,
Roman,
Eastern Roman,
Arab,
Seljuk,
Mamluk,
Crusader,
Ottoman and
Syrians.
Medieval times
Prince
Bashir II "the Great" was Emir of Mt. Lebanon from 1788 until 1840.
In 1516, Sultan Selim I took control of Mt. Lebanon and the mountainous regions of Syria and Palestine. The administration of these areas, belonging to Fakhr al-Din I, whose family was concerned, made loyalty to the higher section. As a strategy to evade the payment of tribute to them, Sultan Selim's attempts managed to rattle his Turkish masters. He decided to extend his direct influence across Lebanon, but the landowners and peasants of Mt. Lebanon both resisted. In 1544, the sultan, already poisoned, died on the floor of Fakhr al-Din Pasha, in
Damascus. His son, Korkmaz, was martyred in 1585 while fighting the Turks.
[21]In 1590,
Fakhr-al-Din II became successor to Korkmaz. He was a skilled politician and described as a pupil of Machiavelli. He adjusted to the lifestyles of the Druzes, Christianity and Islam, according to his needs. He paid tribute to the Sultanate of the Ottoman Empire and shared the spoils of war with his masters. Eventually, Fakhr-al-Din II was appointed Sultan of Mt. Lebanon, with full authority. He was considered one of the greatest rulers of the region, also across the Middle of Lebanon. But, his enemies and governors angered the Ottoman Sultanate. Hence, a campaign, calling for the arrest of Fakhr-al-Din II, found the deposed leader in
Istanbul, where he was executed by hanging.
[22] Shortly afterwards, the Emirate of Mt.
.^ Vehicle fleet in Lebanon has considerably improved following the ban on the import of cars older than 8 years.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
French mandate and independence
.^ Build a stronger competitive platform for Lebanons firms and people to compete in the world economy.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ However, it is thought that around 30.000 to 60.000 people are employed, distributed among the following: .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ On the national level, the Mount Lebanon area could be considered as a model tourism destination for nature, historical and cultural aspects.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[23] On 1 September 1920, France formed the State of Greater Lebanon as one of several ethnic enclaves within
Syria.
[24] Lebanon was a largely
Christian (mainly
Maronite) enclave but also included areas containing many
Muslims (including
Druze). On 1 September 1926, France formed the Lebanese Republic. The Republic was afterward a separate entity from Syria (related to the country
Syria) but still administered under the French Mandate of Syria.
Lebanon gained independence in 1943, while France was occupied by Germany.
[25] General
Henri Dentz, the
Vichy High Commissioner for Syria and Lebanon, played a major role in the independence of the nation. The Vichy authorities in 1941 allowed Germany to move aircraft and supplies through
Syria to
Iraq where they were used against British forces.
.^ Free trade agreements were entered into force with Syria, Egypt, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
After the fighting ended in Lebanon, General
Charles de Gaulle visited the area. Under political pressure from both inside and outside Lebanon, de Gaulle recognized the independence of Lebanon.
.^ At the end of 1999, the Government reactivated the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The railway and Public Transport Authority (RTPA) is an independent public authority under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
Elections were held in 1943 and on 8 November 1943 the new Lebanese government unilaterally abolished the mandate. The French reacted by throwing the new government into prison. In the face of international pressure, the French released the government officials on 22 November 1943 and accepted the independence of Lebanon.
.^ Since 1990, Lebanon has undertaken important achievements and initiatives to reconstruct its economy and achieve a stable macroeconomic environment.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[27]
1948 Arab-Israeli war
.^ Also, Lebanon is party to the Arab Free Trade Agreement and, tariffs on certain goods are being reduced by 10% annually among 14 Arab countries .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
While some irregular forces crossed the border and carried out minor skirmishes against Israel, it was without the support of the Lebanese government, and Lebanese troops did not officially invade.
[28]
During the war, some 100,000 Palestinians fled to Lebanon, and Israel did not permit their return at the end of hostilities.
[29] Because of the tense sectarian balance that exists in Lebanon,
[30] the Palestinians and their descendants are denied citizenship and suffer from institutional discrimination.
[29] Palestinians are forbidden to work in 20 professions.
[31] .^ In fact more than half of external assistance disbursements was from bilateral sources (55%).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ But it is estimated that about 400.000 tourists came to Lebanon in 1995, compared to 1.9 million visitor arrivals, including 500.000 Syrians in 1974.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[32]Civil war and beyond
In 1975, civil war broke out in Lebanon. The
Lebanese Civil War lasted fifteen years, devastating the country's economy, and resulting in massive loss of human life and property. It is estimated that 150,000 people were killed and another 200,000 wounded.
[33] Some 900,000 people, representing one-fifth of the pre-war population, were displaced from their homes.
[34] .^ The bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Syria witnessed a far-reaching agreement on environmental issues (signed in February 2000).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Lebanon signed and ratified several international agreements, these are: .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The Law 86, date 14/6/1999, allowed the government to sign an agreement relative to the international terrestrial transport between Lebanon and UAE, signed 27/5/1998.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[35]GDP Change in Lebanon before and during the civil war (in real terms)
|
1972 |
1973 |
1974 |
1975 |
1976 |
1977 |
1978 |
1979 |
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
| GDP change (in real terms) |
12.2% |
4.7% |
2.4% |
-30.3% |
-57.0% |
67.7% |
-2.6% |
2.4% |
1.5% |
0.6% |
-36.8% |
| GDP per capita (US$, current values) |
893 |
1132 |
1423 |
1186 |
527 |
1005 |
1091 |
1274 |
1526 |
1470 |
1006 |
Source: IMF - World Economic Outlook
During the civil war, the
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) used Lebanon to launch attacks against Israel. Lebanon was twice invaded and occupied by the
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1978 and 1982,
[36] with the PLO expelled in the second invasion. Israel remained in control of Southern Lebanon until 2000, when there was a general decision, led by Israeli Prime Minister
Ehud Barak, to withdraw because of continuous attacks executed by
Hezbollah, and a belief that the violence would diminish and dissolve without the Israeli presence in Lebanon.
[37] The UN determined that the withdrawal of Israeli troops beyond the
blue line was in accordance with
UN Security Council Resolution 425, although a border region called the
Shebaa Farms is still
disputed.
Hezbollah declared that it would not stop its operations against Israel until this area was liberated.
[38]Cedar Revolution
On 14 February 2005, former Prime Minister
Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a
car bomb explosion near the
Saint George Bay in Beirut.
[39] Leaders of the
March 14 Alliance, a pro-Western coalition, accused
Syria of the attack
[40] because of its extensive military and intelligence presence in Lebanon, and the public rift between Hariri and
Damascus over the Syrian-backed constitutional amendment extending President
Lahoud's term in office. Others, namely the
March 8 Alliance and Syrian officials, claimed that the assassination may have been executed by the Israeli
Mossad in an attempt to destabilize the country.
[41]This incident triggered a series of demonstrations, dubbed the 'Cedar Revolution' by the media, which demanded the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the establishment of an international commission to investigate the assassination.
.^ However, the Ministry of Environment adopted a claim mechanism where industrial investigation is based on complaints and calls.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[42] .^ The Law signed in February 1994 allowed to establish a cooperation agreement between the Lebanese Government and the Syrian Government, signed in 16/9/1993.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[43] .^ A Lebanese UAE free trade agreement was signed on 15 April 2000; it could set the stage for a three way trade zone (Lebanon, Syria and UAE).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[44] By 26 April 2005, all uniformed Syrian soldiers had already crossed the border back to Syria.
[45] The Hariri assassination marked the beginning of a series of assassination attempts that resulted in the loss of many prominent Lebanese figures.
[46]2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict
On 12 July 2006,
Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli border towns as a diversion for an anti-tank missile attack on two armored Humvees patrolling the Israeli side of the border fence. Of the seven Israeli soldiers in the two jeeps, two were wounded, three were killed, and two were captured and taken to Lebanon. Five more were killed in a failed Israeli rescue attempt. In Lebanon, air strikes caused serious damage to Lebanon's civil infrastructure (including Beirut's airport), and were followed by Israel's ground forces moving into areas of Lebanon militarily controlled by Hezbollah fighters. Israel rained as many as 4.6 million cluster sub-munitions across southern Lebanon in at least 962 separate strikes, the vast majority over the final three days of the war when Israel knew a settlement was imminent.
[47] In Israel, 3,970 Hezbollah rockets landed on northern Israel, many in urban areas. The month-long conflict caused a significant loss of life; some 1,200 Lebanese—mostly civilians—and nearly 160 Israelis—mostly soldiers—were killed in the conflict.
.^ However, all tourism issues are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, supported by the National Council for Tourism.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[48] (Goldwasser and Regev were held for two years, without indication as to their health, until their remains were returned by Hezbollah to Israel on July 16, 2008 in a trade for living prisoners.)
Nahr al-Bared conflict
.^ The Fayhaa Municipal Union Observatory was initiated a tool to help the municipal union (within the City of Tripoli, North Lebanon) in the management of environment issues.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ However, it is thought that around 30.000 to 60.000 people are employed, distributed among the following: .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The camp was established in December 1949 by the League of Red Cross Societies in order to accommodate the Palestinian refugees suffering from the difficult winter conditions in the
Beqaa Valley and the suburbs of Tripoli. The
Lebanese Army is banned from entering all Palestinian camps under the 1969
Cairo Agreement.
Late in the night of Saturday May 19, 2007, a building was surrounded by Lebanese
Internal Security Forces (ISF) in which a group of
Fatah al-Islam militants accused of taking part in a bank robbery earlier that day were hiding. The ISF attacked the building early on Sunday May 20, 2007, unleashing a day long battle between the ISF and Fatah al-Islam militants. As a response, members of Fatah al-Islam in Nahr al-Bared Camp attacked an army checkpoint, killing several soldiers in their sleep. The army immediately responded by shelling the camp.
The camp became the center of the fighting between the Lebanese Army and Fatah al-Islam. It sustained heavy shelling while under siege.
UNRWA estimates the battle between the army and Islamic militant group Fatah al-Islam destroyed or rendered uninhabitable as much as 85 percent of homes in the camp and ruined infrastructure.
.^ On the other hand, the number of red-plated vehicles has increased significantly from around 10.000 vehicles in 1994 up to 32.000 in 1999.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
At least 169 soldiers, 287 insurgents and 47 civilians were killed in the army’s battle with the al-Qaeda-inspired militants. Funds for the reconstruction of the area have been slow to materialize, and life for the displaced refugees is difficult.
[49]2008 internal strife
When
Émile Lahoud's presidential term ended in October 2007, the opposition refused to vote for a successor unless a power-sharing deal was reached, leaving Lebanon without a president. On 9 May 2008,
Hezbollah and
Amal forces, sparked by a government declaration that
Hezbollah's communications network was illegal, seized western
Beirut[50] in Lebanon's worst internal violence since the
1975-90 civil war.
[51] Moreover, the violence, decried by the Lebanese government as an attempted coup,
[52] threatened to escalate into another civil war.
[53] At least 62 people died in the resulting clashes between pro-government and opposition militias.
[54].^ Enhance capacity to negotiate effective trade agreements with the Arab markets as well as with EU; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The Agreement held between Countries member of the Arab League stating the establishment of a Council of Civil Aviation for Arab Countries; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Also, Lebanon is party to the Arab Free Trade Agreement and, tariffs on certain goods are being reduced by 10% annually among 14 Arab countries .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[50][54] Under the accord, both sides agreed to elect former army head
Michel Suleiman president and establish a national unity government with a veto share for the opposition.
[50] This ended 18 months of political paralysis.
[53] The agreement was a victory for opposition forces, who received concessions regarding the composition of the cabinet, Hezbollah's telecommunications network, and the airport security chief, increasing their political clout.
[54]
Geography and climate
Lebanon from space. Snow cover can be seen on the
western and
eastern mountain ranges
Lebanon is located in
Western Asia. It is bordered by the
Mediterranean Sea to the west along a 225-kilometre (140 mi) coastline, by
Syria to the east and north, and by Israel to the south. The Lebanon-Syria border stretches for 375 kilometres (233 mi) and the Lebanon-Israel border for 79 kilometres (49 mi). The border with the Israeli-occupied
Golan Heights in Syria is disputed by Lebanon in a small area called
Shebaa Farms, but the
border has been demarcated by the
United Nations.
[55].^ The classified road network plays an important role in activating the socio-economic sector in Lebanon.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ However, regarding water, the national average net per capita daily water supply could be as high as 167 litres in presence of current water resources.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[56]
Lebanon has a moderate
Mediterranean climate. In coastal areas, winters are generally cool and rainy whilst summers are hot and humid. In more elevated areas, temperatures usually drop below freezing during the winter with frequent, sometimes heavy snow; summers are warm and dry.
[57] .^ Tourism in Lebanon was based on a mix of beaches and mountains, with skiing in the winter months and the presence of a large number of archaeological and historical sites.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[58]In ancient times, Lebanon housed large forests of the
Cedars of Lebanon, which now serve as the country's national emblem.
[59] However, centuries of trading cedar trees, used by mariners for boats, and the absence of any efforts to replant them have depleted the country's once-flourishing cedar forests.
[59]Government and politics
The Lebanese
parliament building at the Place de l'Étoile
Lebanon's national legislature is the
unicameral Parliament of Lebanon. Its 128 seats are
divided equally between Christians and Muslims, proportionately between the 18 different denominations and proportionately between its 26 regions.
[65] Prior to 1990, the ratio stood at 6:5 in favor of Christians; however, the
Taif Accord, which put an end to the 1975–1990 civil war, adjusted the ratio to grant equal representation to followers of the two religions.
[63] The Parliament is elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage
[1] although the civil war usually precluded the exercise of this right.
.^ To advise the Council of Ministers on models of execution, finance and control of the government approved programmes and projects; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The parliament elects the president for a non-renewable six-year term by a two-third majority. The president appoints the Prime Minister.
[66] Following consultations with the parliament and the President, the Prime Minister forms the
Cabinet, which must also adhere to the sectarian distribution set out by confessionalism.
.^ The Law 86, date 14/6/1999, allowed the government to sign an agreement relative to the international terrestrial transport between Lebanon and UAE, signed 27/5/1998.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[67] In November, after five months of cabinet negotiations, Hariri formed a
national unity government.
[68]
.^ A long list of laws and decrees are present to regulate the transport system and traffic in Lebanon.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Lebanon signed the Three protocols for the amendment of the international civil aviation set in Chicago in 1944 (law no.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The Lebanese court system consists of three levels: courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and the
court of cassation. The Constitutional Council rules on constitutionality of laws and electoral frauds. There also is a system of religious courts having jurisdiction over personal status matters within their own communities, with rules on matters such as marriage and inheritance.
[69]
Foreign relations
The
Grand Serail, the government headquarters in downtown Beirut
.^ Lebanon ratified several bilateral agreements to regulate the transport system.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Enhance capacity to negotiate effective trade agreements with the Arab markets as well as with EU; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Lebanon established bilateral and multilateral agreements with many countries (refer to questions no.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Lebanon will join Turkey, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Jordan in a power-grid connection project, which will help Arab countries provide cheaper and more electricity to consumers.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The UNDP- Lebanon Country Office organized a UNDP MEDIA Award for Sustainable Human Development, a contest open to all Lebanese Journalists.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ In addition, in February 1988, an agreement was entered into force between Lebanon and Syria, pursuant to which tariffs on industrial goods are being reduced by 25% per year, since 1999.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
Lebanon is a member of the
Francophone countries and hosted the Francophone Summit in October 2002.
[10]
Lebanese Military
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has 72,100 active personnel,
[70] including 1,100 in the air force, and 1,000 in the navy.
[71] .^ The distribution external assistance focused on social development, health care, energy, human resources, transport, humanitarian and development administration, and area development implemented through programmes and projects targeting the totality of the Lebanese territory.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The current impact of tourism on other issues related to sustainable development, including those that are environmental, social, institutional and cultural, including the preservation of cultural heritage.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ To ask various ministries, municipalities and other public institutions to prepare projects that suit public reconstruction and development goals; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[72]Lebanon is a major recipient of foreign military aid.
[73] .^ Official Development Assistance amounted to 175 million US$ in 1999 equivalent to 41.7 US$ per capita.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[74]Governorates and districts
Lebanon is divided into six
governorates (
mohaafazaat,
Arabic:
محافظات —;singular
mohafazah,
Arabic:
محافظة) which are further subdivided into twenty-five districts (
aqdya—singular:
qadaa).
[75] The districts themselves are also divided into several municipalities, each enclosing a group of cities or villages. The governorates and their respective districts are listed below:
Economy
The urban population in Lebanon is noted for its commercial enterprise.
[76] Over the course of time, emigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world.
[77] .^ Cancel the requirement for importers to obtain legalization from the Lebanese Embassy in the country of origin, the total annual revenues of which are currently used to support embassies; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[79] Lebanon has a high proportion of skilled labor comparable to most European nations and the highest among Arabic speaking countries.
[80].^ The only report available on Internet that could be of valuable importance for this sector is the http://www.agriculture.gov.lb/ biological diversity report.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ The classified road network plays an important role in activating the socio-economic sector in Lebanon.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
It contributes approximately 11.7% of the country's
GDP, also placing it in the lowest rank compared to other economic sectors. Major produce includes apples, peaches, oranges, and lemons.
[10]
.^ The project aims at supporting the development of private sector manufacturing in Lebanon, with particular emphasis on established small and medium size enterprises in the food processing, printing and packaging industries.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
In 2004, industry ranked second in workforce, with 26% of the Lebanese working population,
[82] and second in GDP contribution, with 21% of Lebanon's GDP.
[10]
.^ Tourism in Lebanon was based on a mix of beaches and mountains, with skiing in the winter months and the presence of a large number of archaeological and historical sites.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Also, many seminars, conferences, exhibitions and awareness campaigns about promoting reuse and recycling took place in a large number of schools and universities.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Also, Lebanon is party to the Arab Free Trade Agreement and, tariffs on certain goods are being reduced by 10% annually among 14 Arab countries .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ In this respect, the 1977 Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement made with EU regulate trade relationship between EU and Lebanon.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Sustainable tourism practices are currently left to non governmental organisations to be promoted indirectly within their environmental and awareness activities, such as promoting locally made products, nature tours, etc.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ It is to note that most, if not all tourist activities (except the archaeological sites) are in the hands of the private sector.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ This Council is made of representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy and Trade, Ministry of Defense, Customs, and the Service for vehicle registration).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The majority of the Lebanese workforce (nearly 65%)
[82] attains employment in the services sector as a result of the abundant job opportunities. The GDP contribution, accordingly, amounts to roughly 67.3% of the annual Lebanese GDP.
[10] However, dependence on the tourism and banking sectors leaves the economy vulnerable to political instability.
[83]
.^ At the end of the war, the Government set a ten-year reconstruction plan designed to rebuild the necessary basic infrastructure damaged during the war, taking into account the economic and social constraints.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[1] The subsequent period of relative peace enabled the central government to restore control in
Beirut, begin collecting taxes (though not always successfully), and regain access to key port and government facilities.
.^ Lebanon Invest Global Loan Risk Capital : The European Investment Bank made funds available to Lebanon Invest, to take equity participation and help finance small and medium size industrial projects.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Nowadays, international business tourism is the main source of international tourism of Lebanon (75% of Beirut hotel occupancy).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The main sources of technical cooperation in 1999 were France (US$ 9.2 million), the UN System (US$ 8.8 million), the European Union (US$ 6.4 million), and the United States of America (US$ 5.9 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[84]
.^ Until now, more than 30 joint European and Lebanese NGO projects were financed under different budget lines.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The estimated total cost is US$67.8 million, shared between the Government of Lebanon (US$25.8 million) and the World Bank (US$42 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Syria witnessed a far-reaching agreement on environmental issues (signed in February 2000).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[85] Market capitalization was also at an all time high, estimated at $10.9 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2006, just weeks before the fighting started.
[85]
The war severely damaged Lebanon's fragile economy, especially the tourism sector.
.^ Until now, more than 30 joint European and Lebanese NGO projects were financed under different budget lines.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The Unit of Planning and Programming, implemented at the Ministry of Environment, conducted an DSS System, an auditing programme applied on 30 industrial settlements all over the Lebanese territory.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[86]Rafiq Hariri International Airport re-opened in September 2006, and the efforts to revive the Lebanese economy have proceeded at a slow pace.
.^ Together with the agricultural sector, they used to provide 25% of GDP. Since 1972, pleasure trips have been considered as the main reasons to travel to Lebanon (84% of tourist stays), mainly for Gulf and European countries.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ However, the reconstruction entailed major public debt combined with ineffective taxation system, creating serious fiscal challenges to the country.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Lebanon has similar free trade agreements with Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[89].^ In addition, as the government recognizes the potential for accelerated privatization both to increase government revenues to pay public debt and to increase productivity of public services, a Privatization Unit is proposed by FYDP to be implemented in order to handle privatization related-issues.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Total aid flows as a percentage of public investment amounted to 18.3 in 1999, slightly down from 18.7 in 1998, but significantly better than 16.4 in 1997.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ On the other hand, it is expected that buses used for private and public transport will increase due to the government intention to expand public transport in the entire territory.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[90] The
Daily Star wrote that exorbitant debt levels have "slowed down the economy and reduced the government's spending on essential development projects."
[91]
.^ The main achievements were: (1) a new and reinforced information and accounts system at the Central Bank, and (2) a redesign of the customer services provided by the Ministry of Economy and Trade, a proposal to reform the norms regulating insurance, silos and consumer protection, and the provision of new information networks at the ministry level (EU funding).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ These incentives stated that the relative distributions of the Lebanese financial companies are decreased from 10% to 5% in the following cases (after issuing this law): .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
Lebanese banks remain, under the current circumstances, high on liquidity and reputed for their security.
[92] .^ A Lebanese UAE free trade agreement was signed on 15 April 2000; it could set the stage for a three way trade zone (Lebanon, Syria and UAE).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Lebanon signed the Three protocols for the amendment of the international civil aviation set in Chicago in 1944 (law no.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Two main factors are characterising this evolution: the increasing number of destinations towards Europe and Middle East countries, and the increase in the internal air market within the Middle East region itself.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[94] The Lebanese economy grew 8.5 percent in 2008 and a revised 9 percent in 2009
[95] despite a
global recession.
[96] .^ The estimated total cost is US$67.8 million, shared between the Government of Lebanon (US$25.8 million) and the World Bank (US$42 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The project cost is estimated to be around US$ 100 million; the World Bank, being likely to provide part of the funding (between US$ 60 to 70 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[96]
Education
Schools
.^ Source: Ministry of Education- the guidebook "Environmental education: curriculum and goals"- Pre-university levels (1998).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ A cleaner production office at the Ministry of Environment is being established in order to identify alternatives for substitute technologies in all areas of Lebanese industry.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ This guidebook was published by the Ministry of Education and disseminated to all schools in 1998 based on law no.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Source: Ministry of Education- the guidebook "Environmental education: curriculum and goals"- Pre-university levels (1998).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ This guidebook was published by the Ministry of Education and disseminated to all schools in 1998 based on law no.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
.^ Progress Report (March 2000), Council for Development and Reconstruction; also available on the website: www.cdr.org.lb in three languages (Arabic, French and English).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The subjects gradually increase in difficulty and in number.
The government introduces a mild form of selectivity into the curriculum by giving 11th graders choice between two "concentrations": sciences, humanities, and 12th graders choose between four concentrations: life sciences, general sciences, sociology and economics, and humanities and literature. The choices in concentration do not include major changes in the number of subjects taken (if at all). However, subjects that fall out of the concentration are given less weight in grading and are less rigorous, while subjects that fall within the concentration are more challenging and contribute significantly to the final grade.
Students go through three academic phases:
| Name |
Number of years |
Annotations |
| Elementary |
6 |
|
| Intermediate |
3 |
students earn Intermediate Certification (Lebanese Brevet) at completion |
| Secondary |
3 |
students who pass official exams earn a Baccalaureate Certificate (Baccalauréat Libanais) in the concentration they chose in 12th grade. Students studying at French-system schools or American-system schools may also graduate with a French Baccalaureate that is considered equivalent to the Lebanese Baccalaureate. Students can also graduate with an International Baccalaureate (current in some of the private schools). |
These three phases are provided free to all students and the first eight years are, by law, compulsory.
[10] Nevertheless, this requirement currently falls short of being fully enforced.
Higher education
.^ Study the necessary programmes to train pedestrians- including students- in various available means including radios, TV, and newspapers; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Regarding scientific bodies, several conferences and training courses were given at the Faculty of Agriculture, Lebanese University, in 1995.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The number of years to complete each program varies.
.^ Therefore, it is very frequent to see vehicles with only one rider per car, thus inducing high traffic congestion especially in urban areas.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Establishment of an Export Promotion Board to formulate export promotion strategies and monitor international markets for new opportunities; .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
Lebanon has forty-one nationally accredited universities, several of which are internationally recognized.
[98][99] The
American University of Beirut (AUB) and the
Université Saint-Joseph (USJ) were the first Anglophone and the first Francophone universities to open in Lebanon, respectively.
[100][101] The universities, both public and private, largely operate in French or English.
[102] The Lebanese American Univesrity (LAU) is currently one of the most powerful higher education institutions based on the American system in Lebanon.
.^ For information on participating States in the Global Environment Facility, click here: For information about issues and projects in Middle East and North Africa from the World Bank, click here: .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[103]At the English universities, students who have graduated from an American-style high school program enter at the
freshman level to earn their baccalaureate equivalence from the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education. This qualifies them to continue studying at the higher levels. Such students are required to have already taken the
SAT I and the
SAT II upon applying to college, in lieu of the official exams.
.^ On the other hand, tourism technical highschools started this year to introduce sustainable tourism (eco-tourism and nature-based tourism) within their curricula.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ On the other hand, the FYDP (2000-2004) indicated the following steps as alternatives to the administrative procedures considered as being barriers hindering the effectiveness of trade: .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The UNDP educational programme for health and environment prepared with support of WHO, UNESCO and other international organizations was made available to all schools by the Center for Education Research and Development in the last quarter of 1999.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
These students are still required to take the SAT I, but not the SAT II. The university
academic degrees for the first stage are the
Bachelor or the
Licence, for the second stage are the
Master or the
DEA and the third stage is the
doctorate.
.^ The United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea: Signed by Lebanon.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[104]
Demographics
.^ It is worth mentioning that estimates on the size of the vehicle fleet vary according to sources, estimated to be ranging between 500.000 privately owned cars to 800.000 vehicles.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The estimated expenditures over 2000-2004 are respectively 1.436.500.000 US$ (corresponding to 1.492.500.000 US$ from the national budget and 244.000.000 US$ of foreign funding) and 105.693.000 US$ (143.347.000 US$ from the national budget and 2.346.000 US$ of foreign sources).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ But it is estimated that about 400.000 tourists came to Lebanon in 1995, compared to 1.9 million visitor arrivals, including 500.000 Syrians in 1974.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
Lebanon forcibly repatriated more than 300 refugees and asylum seekers in 2007.
[106]
Religions in Lebanon by sect (2007)
[107]
Lebanon is one of the most religiously diverse places in the Middle East
No official census has been taken since 1932, reflecting the political sensitivity in Lebanon over confessional balance between different religious groups.
[108] The main religious groups of Lebanon consists of the
Christians,
Muslims,and the
Druze.
[107] Over the past 60 years, there has been a steady decline in the number of Christians as compared to Muslims, because of higher emigration rates among Christians and a higher birth rate among the Muslim population. In 2007, approximately 28% of the population was
Sunni Muslim, 28%
Shi'a Muslim, 22%
Maronite Christian, 8%
Greek Orthodox, 5%
Druze, 4%
Greek Catholic.
[107] There are 18 state-recognized religious sects.
[109]Article 11 of Lebanon's Constitution states that "
Arabic is the official national language.
.^ Progress Report (March 2000), Council for Development and Reconstruction; also available on the website: www.cdr.org.lb in three languages (Arabic, French and English).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ These incentives stated that the relative distributions of the Lebanese financial companies are decreased from 10% to 5% in the following cases (after issuing this law): .- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
The Arabic language is mostly used in magazines and newspapers. The use of French is a legacy of the post-World War I League of Nations mandate over Lebanon given to France; as of 2004, some 20% of the population used French on a daily basis.
[7] .^ Others are still using collection wells, which are a major source of ground water pollution due to their lack of being up to sanitary standards.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Progress Report (March 2000), Council for Development and Reconstruction; also available on the website: www.cdr.org.lb in three languages (Arabic, French and English).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[111] Lebanese people of
Armenian or
Greek descent often speak
Armenian or
Greek fluently.
.^ It is worth mentioning that estimates on the size of the vehicle fleet vary according to sources, estimated to be ranging between 500.000 privately owned cars to 800.000 vehicles.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ Fuel Prices: The difference between leaded and unleaded fuel is as low as 100 Lebanese pounds; not much an incentive to change from leaded to unleaded fuel.- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The project cost is estimated to be around US$ 100 million; the World Bank, being likely to provide part of the funding (between US$ 60 to 70 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
There are currently around 150,000
Armenians in Lebanon, or around 4% of the population.
[112].^ The estimated total cost is US$67.8 million, shared between the Government of Lebanon (US$25.8 million) and the World Bank (US$42 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
^ The project cost is estimated to be around US$ 100 million; the World Bank, being likely to provide part of the funding (between US$ 60 to 70 million).- Agenda 21 - Lebanon 28 January 2010 0:16 UTC www.un.org [Source type: FILTERED WITH BAYES]
[114] Brazil has the largest expatriate population, with 7 million
Lebanese Brazilians.
[115] Large numbers of Lebanese migrated to
West Africa, particularly in the
Ivory Coast (home to over 100,000 Lebanese)
[116] and
Senegal (roughly 30,000 Lebanese).
[117] Australia is home to over 270,000 Lebanese (1999 est.).
[118]
In the last three decades, lengthy and destructive armed conflicts have ravaged the country. The majority of Lebanese have been affected by armed conflict; those with direct personal experience include 75% of the population, and most others report suffering a range of hardships. In total, almost the entire population (96%) has been affected in some way – either personally or because of the wider consequences of armed conflict.
[119]Culture
Overview
The area including modern Lebanon has been home to various civilizations and cultures for thousands of years. Originally home to the
Phoenicians, and then subsequently conquered and occupied by the
Assyrians, the
Persians, the
Greeks, the
Romans, the
Arabs, the Crusaders, the
Ottoman Turks and most recently the French, Lebanese culture has over the millennia evolved by borrowing from all of these groups. Lebanon's diverse population, composed of different ethnic and religious groups, has further contributed to the country's festivals, musical styles and literature as well as cuisine, and numerous violent clashes amongst different religious and ethnic groups. When compared to the rest of the
Southwest Asia, Lebanese society as a whole is well educated and, as of 2003, 87.4% of the population was literate.
[1] Lebanese society is very modern and similar to certain cultures of
Mediterranean Europe. It is often considered as Europe's gateway to Western Asia as well as Asia's gateway to the Western World.
[120]National flag
The national flag of Lebanon, created shortly after independence in 1943,
[121] consists of three horizontal bands; the top and bottom bands are red and of equivalent size, each consisting of 1/4 of the flag's surface, while the larger, middle band is white with a green cedar tree fixed at its center and consists of 1/2 of the flag's surface.
[1] The
cedar tree, an emblem of Lebanon, symbolizes survival,
[122] the white band symbolises the eternal snow on its mountain peaks and red symbolizes the blood shed for independence. The top and bottom of the cedar touch the edge of both red bands.
[123]Holidays
Television
Sports
Both summer and winter sports thrive in Lebanon because of the unique geography. In autumn and spring, for example, it is possible to go skiing in the morning and swimming in the
Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. At the competitive level,
basketball and
football are among Lebanon’s most popular sports. In recent years, Lebanon has hosted the
AFC Asian Cup and the
Pan Arab Games.
Lebanon has six
ski resorts, with opportunities also available for
cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing, and
snowmobiling. In the summer, skilifts can be used to access
hiking trails, with views stretching as far as
Cyprus to the west and
Syria to the east on clear days.
Canoeing,
cycling,
rafting,
climbing,
swimming,
sailing and
caving are among the other common leisure sports in Lebanon. Adventure and extreme sports are also possible throughout the country. The
Beirut Marathon is held every fall, drawing top runners from Lebanon and abroad. Race day is promoted as a fun, family event, and it has become a tradition for many to participate in costumes or outlandish clothing.
Dance is also a popular activity in Lebanon that may fall under the category of 'sports'.
Rugby league has enjoyed growth in Lebanon with a seven team domestic competition. An international team made up of domestic players recently played a two match tour in Dubai. The
Lebanon national rugby league team has recently taken part in the
2009 European Cup. After narrowly failing to qualify for the final, the team defeated
Ireland to finish 3rd in the tournament.
Arts and literature
By the turn of the 20th century, Beirut was vying with Cairo to be the major center for modern Arab thought, with many newspapers, magazines and literary societies.
In art,
Moustafa Farroukh was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century. Formally trained in Rome and Paris, he exhibited in venues from Paris to New York to Beirut over his career. His work was applauded for its representation of real life in Lebanon in pictures of the country, its people and its customs. Farroukh became highly regarded as a Lebanese nationalist painter at a time when Lebanon was asserting its political independence. His art captured the spirit and character of the Lebanese people and he became recognized as the outstanding Lebanese painter of his generation. He also wrote five books and taught art at the American University of Beirut.
Music
Music is pervasive in Lebanese society.
[125] While traditional folk music remains popular in Lebanon, modern music reconciling Western and traditional Arabic styles,
pop, and
fusion are rapidly advancing in popularity.
[126] Radio stations feature a variety of music, including traditional Lebanese, classical Arabic, and modern French, English, American, and
Latin tunes.
[127] Prominent traditional musicians include
Fairuz, an icon during the
civil war, and
Najwa Karam, who built an international audience for the genre.
[125] Marcel Khalife, a musician who blends classical Arab music with modern sounds, boasts immense
[128] popularity for his politically charged lyrics.
[125][126] Distinguished pop artists include
Nancy Ajram, whose albums sell into the millions, the vocalist
Haifa,
The 4 Cats—an all female group—and
Fadl Shaker.
[125]According to the
World Intellectual Property Organization, Lebanon's music industry is growing and could attain leading status in the region.
[129] Lebanese performers are celebrated throughout the Arab World,
[130] and with the notable exception of
Egypt enjoy increasing regional popularity.
[129] Rising demand for Arabic music outside the Middle East has provided Lebanese artists with a small but significant global audience. However, widespread piracy continues to inhibit the music industry's growth.
[129]Festivals
Film
There are several movies, which are filmed in or based on Lebanon, including:
See also
Notes
- ^ Republic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names, is also used, but less frequently.
References
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- ^ Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress, U.S.A. 1986-1988. [2]. Retrieved 2 December 2006.
- ^ a b c Jean Hayek et al, 1999. The Structure, Properties, and Main Foundations of the Lebanese Economy. In The Scientific Series in Geography, Grade 11, 110–114. Beirut: Dar Habib.
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- ^ a b Derhally, Massoud (2010-01-21). "Foreign Funds to Spur Growth in Lebanon, Salameh Says". Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601104&sid=a3.ULyFK18Pk. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
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- ^ One source says "cult following", other says "folk hero"
- ^ a b c World Intellectual Property Organization (2003). "COPYRIGHT INDUSTRIES IN LEBANON". Performance of copyright industries in selected Arab countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia. World Intellectual Property Organization. pp. 148–152. ISBN 978-9280513165. http://books.google.com/books?id=BzygcVYOpa8C&pg=PA148&dq=Lebanon+music+industry+world+intellectual+propoerty+organization&lr=#v=onepage&q=&f=false. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
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Further reading
- Fisk, Robert. Pity the Nation: The Abduction of Lebanon. New York: Nation Books, 2002.
- Firzli, Nicola Y. Al-Baath wa-Lubnân [Arabic only] ("The Baath and Lebanon"). Beirut: Dar-al-Tali'a Books, 1973
- Glass, Charles, "Tribes with Flags: A Dangerous Passage Through the Chaos of the Middle East", Atlantic Monthly Press (New York) and Picador (London), 1990 ISBN 0436181304
- Hitti Philip K. History of Syria Including Lebanon and Palestine, Vol. 2 (2002) (ISBN 1-931956-61-8)
- Holst, Sanford. Phoenicians: Lebanon's Epic Heritage. Los Angeles: Cambridge and Boston Press, 2005.
- Norton, Augustus R. Amal and the Shi'a: Struggle for the Soul of Lebanon. Austin and London: University of Texas Press, 1987.
- Plonka Arkadiusz, L’idée de langue libanaise d’après Sa‘īd ‘Aql, Paris, Geuthner, 2004 (French) ISBN 2705337393
- Sobelman, Daniel. New Rules of the Game: Israel and Hizbollah After the Withdrawal From Lebanon, Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, Tel-Aviv University, 2004.
- Riley-Smith, Jonathan. The Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
- Salibi, Kamal. A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990.
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listen) or /ˈlɛbənən/; Arabic: لُبْنَان Lubnān; French: Liban), officially the Republic of Lebanon[note 1] (Arabic: اَلْجُمْهُورِيَّة اَللُّبْنَانِيَّة al-Jumhūrīyah al-Lubnānīyah; French: République libanaise), is a country in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south. Lebanon's location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity.[8]
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