About Lebanon

FROM its Mediterranean coast to its snowcapped mountains and standing at the crossroads of three major continents, Lebanon (Lubnan in Arabic) is unlike any other country in the Middle East. The country's 250km of Mediterranean coastline and two ranges of lofty mountains leave little room for stereotypes. The only sand you see is along its golden beaches and although only 50 km wide, Lebanon is packed with history, archaeology, natural beauty and a handsome population of fun loving people whose hospitality and warmth extends the length and breadth of the country.

Although the country was for long embroiled in a protracted civil war, Lebanon has for almost a decade now enjoyed a period of peace and stability and efforts have long begun to restoring the country to its once held status as Paris of the Middle East. Throughout the country you thus find an eagerness to embrace the new coupled with a powerful sense of tradition.

The Lebanese coast still proudly carries the names of its ancient Phoenician cities which, today, are modern metropolises housing the majority of the country's almost four million people. But the ancient temples, residencies and theatres of these once powerful city states are not buried in the past; they stand, in-site, as proud and majestic as they did during their Phoenician, Persian, Greek and Roman eras.

Eighty-five per cent of the population lives in and around the major centers of Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Jounieh, Zahle and Tyre. If you look beyond these urban centers, however, you'll find that most share a spectacular mountain backdrop. From Beirut you see Mount Sannine and Mount Kanisseh. Beyond Byblos are the mountains on whose slopes grow the descendants of the cedars mentioned in the Bible. Beyond Tripoliare the famous cedars of Bsharreh and Lebanon's oldest ski resort.

There is always something entertaining to do in Lebanon. Traditional dances such as the dabbke and sword dances are immensely popular and they perpetuate costumes of the distant past. Every sport can be enjoyed in Lebanon including water skiing, snow skiing, yachting, golf and tennis. The Beirut racecourse, set in its pinewoods, is a favorite with race goers. Only in Lebanon can you swim in the sea in winter as well as spring and an hour later ski at 1,900 meters. Lebanon is thus one of the few winter sports centers in the Middle East. The coastline between Tripoli and Sidon is punctuated by all kinds of leisure facilities from well-equipped swim resorts and family run fish restaurants to luxurious condominiums.

The Lebanese are a multi-faith, multi-ethnic people. Arabic is the official language, but English and French are also widely spoken. The two main religions are Islam and Christianity. At home or abroad the Lebanese are know for their kindness and hospitality and these qualities make visitors feel both welcome and at ease.

Geography
Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria
Geographic coordinates: 33 50 N, 35 50 E
Map references: Middle East
Area: total: 10,452 sq km
Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows
Population: 3.8 Million
Languages: Arabic (official), French, English

Entry Requirements A valid passport and a Lebanese visa are required from foreigners wishing to enter Lebanon. Visas should be obtained in advance from Lebanese embassies abroad or can be delivered for most Arabs, Europeans and US nationals at the airport.

Customs All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty. Tourists are allowed two bottles of alcoholic beverage for personal use and 500 grams of tobacco (400 cigarettes or 20 cigars). There are also no restrictions on bringing foreign or local currency into or out of the country.

Health No vaccinations are required for entry into Lebanon. Lebanon's medical services are very modern, with most doctors having received their training abroad.

Getting There Beirut International Airport is the home base for the national carrier, Middle East Airlines. The airport receives more than 31 international European and Asian airlines. Most travelers arrive at Beirut but one can also approach Lebanon by ferry from Cyprus or by road from Damascus.

Local Currency & Transactions Movement of currency into and out of the country and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or at one of the numerous money exchange bureaus.

Shopping Few visitors to Lebanon can resist its handicrafts, either in the old style or tasteful modern adaptations of traditional designs. Lebanon's traditional souks or markets, found all over the country, offer decorative handmade items at very low prices.

As for clothing, everything is available - from the top Paris designers to jeans and leisure ware. Lebanon's shopping arcades and busy main streets are crammed with shops selling every necessity and luxury, both local and international.

Eating Out In Lebanon you can find excellent international cooking, but you will also be offered the delicacies of the local cuisine. Here you will experience Lebanese cooking at home and taste first hand the subtlety and richness of this famous cuisine

Climate Lebanon enjoys an essentially Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and long warm summers. It almost never rains between June and September and visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. In summer Lebanese like to escape the humidity of the coast by going to the mountains. In winter, however, higher elevations can be cold and snowy.

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