Lebanon Overview
Country Profile
Lebanon is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, and it is also known as the Republic of Lebanon. The country’s name comes from the territory of Mount Lebanon. Covering an area of 10,450 square kilometers, it has a population of 3.68 million, most of whom are Arabs. Residents are Muslim and Christian. Arabic is the official language, though French and English are also spoken. The currency is the Lebanese pound. The capital is Beirut (Bayrut).
Lebanon National Flag
The middle of the red flag is white. In the white part is the Lebanese cedar in reference of the central government. Red symbolizes self-sacrifice. White symbolizes peace, and the cedar strong force on behalf of eternal purity.
History Summary
In 2000 BC, Lebanon was Phoenician. Lebanon has been ruled by Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Rome. From the 7th to 16th century, it was part of the Arab Empire. In 1517, Lebanon was occupied by the Ottoman Empire. It become a French mandate after World War I until its November 1943 declaration of independence, which established the Republic of Lebanon.
Economy and Culture Overview
Major industries include clothing, food, tobacco, wine and other light industry. Agriculture primarily involves growing citrus fruits, olives, vegetables, tobacco, and other cash crops. The business and services industry accounted for over 70% of the gross domestic product. Foreign trade occupies a very important position in the national economy.
The cedar is a symbol of Lebanon. Across the entire country of Lebanon, tall and straight cedar are everywhere. Phoenicians called them “God’s sacred trees.” In the National Museum, the world’s first invention of the alphabet, the Phoenician hieroglyphics, is preserved.
Angel
The famous ancient city, located in the Bekaa area by the Caliph Walid I, it was initially construction in the 8th century AD. The city is surrounded by four majestic buildings, a tower on both sides, and Fei Castle protection. The city has mosques, baths, granaries, palaces, and residences. On both sides of the street, five meters wide, are arcades. The ancient city embodies the architectural style of Byzantine art, which also highlights the characteristics of Arab Art Color.
Baalbek Temple
Located 80 kilometers northeast of Beirut, Lebanon, the Baalbek Temple has well-known monuments. In 2000 BC, the Phoenicians began the construction of a temple dedicated to Apollo. When the Roman Empire took over, the emperor Augustus used more than 20,000 slaves and spent a few decades to build up the temple site, building temples to the Phoenician god of gods, Bacchus vacas, Venus, and so on. Although it is dilapidated, it is still the world’s best preserved Roman temple.
Lebanon Map
