Lebanon

Lebanon is a country in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, with Beirut as its capital and largest city.

Lebanon is a country in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, with Beirut as its capital and largest city. It is known for its mountainous landscape, long history as a crossroads of civilizations, and religious diversity. Lebanon has faced repeated periods of political instability and conflict, including a civil war from 1975 to 1990.

Geography

Lebanon is a small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Its terrain is notably mountainous, and it lies at a strategic crossroads between the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian Peninsula. The country is bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Its area is 10,452 square kilometres.

People and religion

Lebanon is known for a diverse religious landscape that includes Christians, Muslims, and Druze. Historical sources describe the country as having roughly equal numbers of Christians and Muslims at the time of its founding. The population is more than five million.

Capital and government

Beirut is Lebanon’s capital and largest city. The country’s political system has been shaped by a sectarian power-sharing arrangement and by periods of instability.

History and conflict

Lebanon’s modern history includes colonial rule, independence, and extended civil conflict. The Lebanese Civil War, from 1975 to 1990, had a lasting impact on the country’s politics and society.