LEBANON
HISTORY
Like other areas of the Middle East, Lebanon has a heritage almost as old as the earliest evidence of mankind. Its geographic position as a crossroads linking the Mediterranean Basin with the great Asian hinterland has conferred on it a cosmopolitan character and a multicultural legacy. At different periods of its history, Lebanon has come under the domination of foreign rulers, including Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and French. Although often conquered, the Lebanese take pride in their rebellions against despotic and repressive rulers.
LOCATION
Lebanon is mountainous, bounded on the north and east by Syria, on the west by the Mediterranean and on the south by Israel. Between the parallel mountains ranges of Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon lies the fertile Bekka Valley. About one-half of the country lies at an altitude of over 3,000 ft.
CLIMATE
Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers the mountains of Lebanon experience heavy winter snows.
LANGUAGES
Arabic is the official language. French is the second most commonly used language and English is also spoken, especially in business circles. Kurdish and Armenian are spoken by a small percentage of the population.
ECONOMY
The 1975-91 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. In the years since, Lebanon has rebuilt much of its war-torn physical and financial infrastructure by borrowing heavily - mostly from domestic banks. In an attempt to reduce the ballooning national debt, the HARIRI government began an austerity program, reining in government expenditures, increasing revenue collection, and privatizing state enterprises.
RELIGION
Unlike most other Arab countries, Lebanon is characterized by great religious and cultural diversity. At the time of independence Christians formed a slight majority of the population, the largest single community (nearly 30% of the total) being the Maronite Christians, who mostly inhabited the north of Lebanon and the capital, Beirut. Other Christian groups included Greek Orthodox communities, Greek Catholics and Armenians. The Muslim groups were the Sunnis (living mainly in the coastal towns of Tyre, Sidon and Beirut), the Shi´as (a predominantly rural community in southern Lebanon and the northern Beka´a valley) and the much smaller Druzes, an ancient community in central Lebanon.
CAPITAL
Beirut is the capital of the Lebanese Republic. Beirut has long been considered, by virtue of its strategic location, the crossroads between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, and the gateway to the East. Its million inhabitants are a unique blend og the eastern and western cultures.
CURRENCY
Lebanese Pound is the official Lebanon currency. The ISO code of Lebanese Pound is LBP. Known as Lira in Arabic, the Lebanese Pound is the standard monetary unit of Lebanon.
TOURIST SITES AND ATTRACTIONS IN LEBANON
Anjar Situated on the Beqaa plain, Aanjar is the site of the only Umayyad city in Lebanon. It was built from 705 to 715 and many well conserved ruins still remain. You can visit the remains of the mosque as well as the partly rebuilt great palace. The thermal baths, small palace and various shops and houses will tempt you to go for a captivating walk through antiquity.
Baalbeck
In the Beqaa valley, undulating in the magnificent landscape opens up the ancient city of Baalbeck. This site is categorized in UNESCO's world cultural heritage sites, and has a high degree of preservation.
Beirut
Beirut never sleeps. At sunset, party lights take over. In restaurants, coffee-rooms, pubs and clubs, Beirut’s nights are bewitching: with soft or crazy music, the ochre streets are wonderfully lit, and party all night.
Byblos
The city of Byblos has constantly been inhabited since the sixth century BC. The actual town is made up of the old town, surrounded by medieval walls along with the modern town that progressively expands towards the mountains.
Deir El Qamar
Classified under UNESCO's world heritage, its countless caves, chapels and monasteries as well as its luxuriant vegetation has transformed it into the most famous natural site of Lebanon.
Sidon
Sidon, capital of South Lebanon, has been mentioned in writings since the 14th century BC and was constantly inhabited. Traces of this glorious past still hover in every street of the city.
Tripoli
As soon as you catch sight of the city, you cannot help but dream of the 'Arabian Nights'. Erected next to a cliff, Tripoli’s old town is an entanglement of alleys. The jewelers' souk, as well as the joiners and tailors shops, lay amid buildings of traditional architecture and sparkling hammams.
Tyre (Sour)
From here, Princess Elissa fled to found the city of Carthage and cedar trees were offered for building Solomon’s temple, while Alexander the Great dived to a clear harbor and took the reins.
Zahle
Founded in the 18th century, Zahle, the village with red tiled roofs, was erected on the shores of “al Bardawni” river. Nowadays, restaurants, coffee-rooms and old houses flourish on each riverbank.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around by Taxi
The best way to get around Lebanon is either by taxi or by service (shared taxi). Taxis are plentiful in Beirut and its environs and are the most practical mode of transportation. Visitors should always agree on the exact amount of the fare before getting into the taxi, as drivers often try to get the most money out of unsuspecting tourists.
Getting Around by Car
Driving in Lebanon can take on the proportions of a nightmare although road conditions are improving. Due to the horrifying driving conditions, visitors are recommended to either hire a driver or take taxis or services (shared taxis). If you insist on driving, make sure to get auto insurance through your car-rental agency. From Beirut, the easiest way to get to the Shouf Mountains is via the Damascus Road, which links Hazmieh, Brasilia, and Baabda to the mountains.
To get to the Metn Hills, drive to the Mkalles roundabout east of Beirut, and follow the one road up the hill.
All other mountain destinations, including Faraya, Fakra, and the Northern Mt. Lebanon towns, are accessible from smaller roads off the coastal highway in either Kesrouan or Byblos.
Getting Around by Bus
Lebanon has a mediocre public transportation system that, in theory at least, services the entire nation. In general, buses, although inexpensive, tend to be inefficient. They are habitually late, often skip some of their designated stops, and rarely go to out-of-the-way destinations (even though some such destinations are on their daily routes). Taxis and services are better transportation options for the visitor.
ACCOMMODATION
West Bekaa Country Club, Lebanon
Located in Kherbet Kanafar in Bekaa Valley. Offers guest rooms and suites, restaurants, swimming pools, horse riding, tennis courts, events hall and more.
Montealberto Hotel and Resort, Lebanon
Hotel and resort in Zahle, with a spectacular setting overlooking beautiful Wadi Zahle and the Berdawni River.
PineLand, Lebanon
A natural resort and country club offering more than 39 activities.
Grand Hotel Kadri, Lebanon
Situated 40 km from Beirut, Features a guide, a photograph, gallery information on services and guest rooms.
Domain: grandhotelkadri.com
Palm Beach Hotel, Lebanon
Located in the heart of Beirut, facing the sea, enjoys an exceptional view overlooking the Mediterranean and the entire Lebanese coast.
Al Bustan Hotel, Lebanon
Situated near the Mediterranean, offers conference facilities and hosts an annual music Festival. History, events and pricing.
Beirut Hotels
Lodging and accommodation guide for a selection of hotels in Beirut. also tours and excursions.
InterContinental Mountain Resort and Spa Mzaar,Lebanon
Winter and summer resort in Faraya, Lebanon. Offers skiing facilities, luxurious residential units, private park, snack bars, restaurants and night clubs, thermal baths and more.
Spring Hills Country Club, Lebanon
Private country club, with indoor and outdoor activities. Facilities include cycling and horseback riding areas, tennis courts, aerobics area, conference rooms, restaurant and clubhouse.
Jounieh Hotels
Names and phone numbers of hotels in Jounieh, Zouk, Kaslik and Maameltein.
Lebanese Hotels Online Guide
Lebanese hotels web index. Search, compare and reserve online.
Sheraton Coral Beach, Lebanon
Situated along a dazzling stretch of the clear, blue Mediterranean Sea, this elegant resort boasts spacious, well-appointed guest rooms with stunning views of the Sea.
Beit Mery Hotel, Lebanon
Located in Beit Mery, Metn, Lebanon Overlooking Beirut and the Mediterranean. Spacious rooms and suites. Dine, drink and dance in the distinguished atmosphere of the Cotton Club.
All-Hotels.com - Lebanon
Online reservations for hotels and resorts in Lebanon.
Las Salinas, Lebanon
Beach resort with motel and accommodation facilities, cinema, amusement centers, health club and other recreational activities.
Regency Palace Hotel, Lebanon
Hotel in Adma, near Jounieh. Also restaurants Giverny, Long Yin, Earthquake, Al Sabil and Hemingway's.
Le Chateau Des Oliviers - Villa Nadia, Lebanon
Located on a hill mantled with olive groves, overlooking Tripoli and its blue coast.
L'Horizon Beach Hotel, Lebanon
Beach resort located on sandy beaches of Maamltein, Jounieh, Lebanon.
Rest House Tyre, Lebanon
Located on the golden beach in the middle of the ancient city of Tyre (Sour), South of Lebanon, 80Km from Beirut.
InterContinental Le Vendome Hotel Beirut, Lebanon
Set on the famous Beirut corniche, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel is very close to the city's key cultural, shopping, business and financial districts.
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