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Lebanon. By Max Taha International Students Club. Introduction. Lebanon is a small country located along the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Historically famous for its fragrant cedar trees and snow-capped mountains. Geography. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea from West.
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Lebanon By Max Taha International Students Club
Introduction Lebanon is a small country located along the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea Historically famous for its fragrant cedar trees and snow-capped mountains
Geography Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea from West Bordered by Syria from North and East Bordered by Occupied Palestine from South
History • Lebanon has been the site of one of the earliest civilizations in the world. • The Phoenicians (Semites or Sidonians) settled in this region over 5,000 years ago. • They were the most renowned sailors, shipbuilders, and traders in the ancient world. • They exported the famous cedars and rich purple cloth, each yard dyed with the juice of over 20,000 shellfish. A depiction of an ancient Phoenician ship
History • By 400 B.C., Lebanon established its famous modern cities of Tripoli and Beirut, which were at the time and still are important trading posts. • Lebanon was conquered by many civilizations such as the Egyptian, the Assyrian, and the Roman empires. • During A.D. times, Lebanon fell into the control of the Byzantines, various Arab peoples and the Ottomans. • This region invented the technique of blowing glass. Temple of Jupiter built during Roman times
Modern Lebanon • Lebanon became an -independent nation in 1943 after the crumble of the Ottoman empire during World War II. • Violent outbreaks between other nations and within the country have caused Lebanon to become a “war-zone.” • In 1975, the Lebanese Civil War began between Islamic and Christian groups, which persisted until 1992. • Wars took a heavy toll on the nation’s environment, economy, and its citizens. The bombing of the American Embassy in 1981
The People of Lebanon • Most of the citizens are Arab-descended, with about 70% being Islamic and 30% Christian. • The remaining few are mostly Armenian refugees who fled their homeland during Balkan War in the 1980’s and 1990’s. • Lebanon is the most educated and literate nation in the Middle East. Over 95% of the people have had some form of education.
The People of Lebanon • People enjoy social gatherings at Turkish coffee stands interspersed through-out the country. • They enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, and other similar outdoor activities. • Great food is a necessity among them especially since Beirut and Tripoli are jam-packed with a variety of restaurants. Beirut Tripoli
“Their Way of Life” • Lebanese people take pride in individualism, which accounts for the immense creativity and inventiveness among the country’s people. • Closeness and loyalty to family and friends are cherished, along with honor and dignity. • Wealth is strived for as a sign of success and respect in the community. • Men and women freely mix together at school, work, and other public places. • Due to Lebanon’s cosmopolitan nature, one can see all types of people living in the cities.
Quick Facts • Official Name: Republic of Lebanon • Population: 4,099,000 • Land Area: 4,035 square miles • Capital: Beirut • Largest Cities: Beirut, Tripoli, Sayda, Zahle • Government Type: Republic • Currency: Lebanese Pound (1.51 LBP = 1.00 USD) • Official Languages: Arabic, French • Ethnic Groups: Arab (93%); Armenian (5%); Other (2%) • Religions: Islam (70%); Christian (30%) • Internet TLD: .lb