Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Lebanon is located on the eastern Mediterranean coast, bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south.
• Major geographical features include the Lebanon Mountains, Anti-Lebanon Mountains, Bekaa Valley, and Mediterranean coastline.
• The country has cedar forests, river valleys, and fertile plains.
• Climate: Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–November.
• National parks: Horsh Ehden Reserve, Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Tannourine Cedars Reserve.
• Wildlife includes wolves, hyenas, wild cats, eagles, and native cedar species.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, pollution, waste management issues, and freshwater scarcity.
• Unique features: ancient cedar forests, Jeita Grotto, Qadisha Valley (UNESCO).

Demographics

• Total population: ~5.3 million.
• Median age: ~29 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~88% urban.
• Ethnic groups: Predominantly Arab; Armenian and other minority communities.
• Religions: Islam (Sunni & Shia), Christianity (Maronite, Orthodox, others), Druze.
• Literacy rate: ~95%.
• Major cities: Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, Zahle.

History

• Lebanon’s history dates back to the Phoenicians, famed for seafaring and trade.
• Later ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottomans.
• Became a French Mandate after World War I.
• Gained independence on 22 November 1943.
• The Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) shaped modern politics and society.
• Recent history includes political instability, economic crisis, and reconstruction efforts.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary parliamentary republic with power-sharing among religious groups.
• Executive: President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
• Legislature: unicameral National Assembly.
• Judiciary: Constitutional Council, Court of Cassation, and religious courts.
• Administrative divisions: 8 governorates subdivided into districts.
• Key political issues include reform, governance, and economic stabilization.

Economy

• Lebanon historically had a strong service-based economy, especially in banking and tourism.
• Major industries: banking, real estate, agriculture, tourism, food production.
• Main exports: jewelry, agricultural goods, cosmetics, wine, textiles.
• Main imports: fuel, machinery, food products, vehicles, chemicals.
• Strengths: educated workforce, tourism potential, diaspora support.
• Weaknesses: currency collapse, debt crisis, inflation, infrastructure challenges.
• GDP sectors: Services (~70%), Industry (~20%), Agriculture (~10%).
• Rebuilding and economic reform remain national priorities.

Culture & Society

• Lebanese culture blends Arab, Mediterranean, and European influences.
• Values emphasize hospitality, family, cuisine, and arts.
• Major festivals: Independence Day, Eid, Christmas, Beirut cultural festivals.
• Traditional dress varies by region; modern fashion is heavily influenced by Europe.
• Arts: poetry, Arabic music, dabke dance, film, theatre.
• Languages: Arabic (official), French and English widely spoken.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Kibbeh — minced meat with bulgur and spices.
• Iconic dishes: Tabbouleh, Hummus, Fattoush, Shawarma, Manakish.
• Desserts: Knafeh, baklava, Maamoul.
• Street foods: falafel, manakish, grilled meats.
• Beverages: Arabic coffee, mint lemonade, arak.
• Lebanese cuisine is globally celebrated for its freshness and diversity.

Education & Institutions

• Lebanon has a well-developed education system with strong private and public sectors.
• Medium of instruction: Arabic, English, and French depending on school.
• Literacy rate: ~95%.
• Top universities: American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese University, Université Saint-Joseph.
• Key strengths: medicine, engineering, business, arts.

Tourism

• Top destinations: Beirut, Byblos, Baalbek, Tripoli, Tyre, Jeita Grotto.
• UNESCO sites: Baalbek, Byblos, Tyre, Qadisha Valley, Forest of the Cedars of God.
• Natural attractions: Lebanon Mountains, Mediterranean beaches, cedar forests.
• Historical landmarks: Roman temples, Crusader castles, Phoenician ruins.
• Adventure tourism: skiing in Faraya, hiking the Lebanon Mountain Trail, diving in Beirut.
• Visa: varies by nationality; generally easy entry for many visitors.
• Transport: buses, shared taxis, private cars.

Practical Information

• Safety: varies by region; major cities generally safe with precautions.
• Healthcare: good private hospitals; public system strained.
• Emergency numbers: Police 112, Ambulance 140, Fire 175.
• Plug type: C, D, G; Voltage: 230V.
• Internet: widely available; quality varies.
• Best time to visit: April–June and September–November.
• Budget: moderate; accommodation varies widely.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• Most popular sports: basketball, football, combat sports.
• Lebanon has strong basketball clubs and competitive national teams.
• Notable figures include famous singers, actors, poets, and designers.
• International cultural icons include Fairuz, Sabah, and Khalil Gibran.

Neighboring Countries of Lebanon

Lebanon shares land borders with the following countries:

• 79 km with Israel
• 375 km with Syria

Famous For

• Cedar forests of Lebanon.
• Baalbek Roman temples.
• Mediterranean cuisine.
• Beirut nightlife and culture.
• Historic Phoenician heritage.
• Jeita Grotto.
• The artistic and literary legacy of Khalil Gibran.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Lebanese Central Administration of Statistics
• Official Government Publications