International Name : Republic of Lebanon

National Anthem : Listen / Country Map : View

Capital : Beirut

Area : 10,452 square kilometers

Population : Approximately 4 million

Languages : Besides Arabic, most Lebanese speak French and English.

Religions : 18 different religious communities, most of which are Christian, Muslim and Druze.

International code : +961

Location : Located on the East coast of the Mediterranean Sea,between Israel and Syria. Lebanon is at the meeting point of three continents: Europe , Asia and Africa .

Geographic coordinates : 33 50 N, 35 50 E

Coastline : 225 km

Elevations : Highest point – Qornet Es-Saouda (3,090m). Lowest point – Mediterranean Sea (0m).

Major cities : Beirut, Byblos, Sidon, Baalbeck,Tripoli,Jounieh and Tyre.

Monetary Unit : The Lebanese pound L.L.

Time : Local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2 GMT) from October to March, and 3 hours (+3 GMT) from April to September.

Flag : The Lebanese flag is divided into three wide horizontal stripes, with red on the top and bottom and a wider white stripe in the middle. In the center of the white stripe is a green cedar tree, the emblem of the country.

Climate : Lebanon enjoys an essential four season Mediterranean climate with rainy winters, moderate springs, warm summers and regular autumns, with an average of 300 sunny days a year. The winter is mild on the coast and snowy in the mountains and the summer is hot on the coast but cooler in the mountains. Lebanon is the only country in the Middle East that doesn’t have a desert.

Economy : Lebanon capitalizes on the initiative of its people and its geographical location to make up for a lack of natural resources. Traditionally, a substantial percentage of the country's income derives from remittances sent by the millions of Lebanese residing overseas. A service-based economy, its trading, banking and financial facilities as well as its free currency market made Lebanon the region's commercial and tourist center before the war. With peace established and reconstruction underway, Lebanon is once again serving as a commercial and touristic capital in the area. About 38% of the country is under cultivation, with wheat, vegetables, fruit, tobacco and olives the main crop categories. There is considerable livestock farming as well. Industry ranges from cement and cables to textiles, clothing, furniture, canned goods and light metals. Tourism, one of the mainstays of the pre-war economy, is being revived. To help strengthen the economy, the authorities have initiated a low income tax schedule to provide investment incentive, increase disposable income and expand the tax base.

Currency and banking : Movement of currency into and out of the country and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Gold and silver coins may be freely exchanged, imported, and exported. The official monetary unit is the Lebanese pound issued in LL50, LL100, LL250, LL500, LL1,000, LL5,000, LL10,000, LL20,000, LL50,000, and LL100,000 denominations.
Banking is a major industry in Lebanon with strict banking secrecy one of its important features. More than 80 banks operate in the country, and transactions are performed efficiently and at low cost.

Government : Lebanon is democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government and a cabinet headed by a prime minister. Its constitution is based on the separation of executive, legislative, and judicial power, with a president elected for a six-year term. The 128 members of parliament are elected by universal adult suffrage for a four-year term.

Administrative divisions : The Lebanese Republic is divided into six regional administrative districts, or Mohafazaat: Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North Lebanon, Békaa, South Lebanon, and Nabatiyé.

Education : There is a nationwide network of elementary and secondary public schools, as well as more than 20 universities in addition to many institutions of higher education. The general educational spirit of Lebanon looks outwards, both to the East and West. Many Lebanese students pursue higher education in Europe, the United States, and Arab countries.

Shopping : Most international brands are available in Lebanon, but the visitor will be more interested in the local products, especially handicrafts. Embroidery, cutlery, brass, caftans and pottery of all kinds are among the attractive choices. Talented Lebanese jewelers are another source of original souvenirs at a good price.

Official holidays : Thanks to its diverse population and different religious groups, Lebanon has a full calendar of official holidays. Although all banks, government offices, and schools are closed on holidays, it is often possible to find shops and restaurants open for business.

Holidays with Fixed Dates:

• New Year's Day – January 1
• Christmas (Armenian-Orthodox) – January 6
• St. Maroun's Day – February 9
• Labor Day – May 1
• Martyrs' Day – May 6
• Resistance and Liberation Day – May 25
• Ascension Day – August 15
• All Saints' Day – November 1
• Independence Day – November 22
• Christmas – December 25

Religious Holidays with Moveable Dates:

• Catholic Good Friday
• Orthodox Good Friday
• Catholic Easter
• Orthodox Easter
• Ras As-Sana (Muslim New Year)
• Eid Al-Fitr (three days)
• Eid Al-Adha (three days)
• Al-Ashoura
• Moulid An-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday)

Business hours :

- Shops and businesses are typically open Monday through Saturday, 9:00-18:00. Hours vary, and in summer many establishments close early.Restaurant hours vary, and many restaurants, especially in Beirut, are open late.
- Banking hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:30-12:30.
- Working hours for government offices and post offices are typically 8:00-14:00.