Lebanon 17771 226010743 2008-07-16T12:49:46Z Sardanaphalus 427947 updating link using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{otheruses}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = <big>{{lang|ar|الجمهورية اللبنانية}}</big><br/>''Al-Jumhūrīyyah al-Lubnānīyyah''</br>Lebanese Republic'' |common_name = Lebanon |image_flag = Flag of Lebanon.svg |image_coat = Coat of Arms of Lebanon.svg |language = [[Arabic]] |image_map = LocationLebanon.svg |national_anthem = [[Koullouna Lilouataan Lil Oula Lil Alam|''Kulluna lil-watan lil 'ula lil-'alam'']] |official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]; in some cases [[French language|French]] |languages_type = Other common languages |languages = [[French language|French]], [[English language|English]], [[Armenian language|Armenian]] |demonym = [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] |capital = [[Beirut]] |latd=33 |latm=54 |latNS=N |longd=35 |longm=32 |longEW=E |largest_city = capital |government_type = [[Parliamentary democracy]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Lebanon|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Michel Suleiman]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Fouad Siniora]] |leader_title3 = [[List of Speakers of the Parliament of Lebanon|Speaker of Parliament]] |leader_name3 = [[Nabih Berri]] |area_km2 = 10,452 |area_sq_mi = 4,035 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |area_rank = 166th |area_magnitude = 1 E10 |percent_water = 1.6 |population_estimate = 4,196,453 |population_estimate_year = February 2008 |population_estimate_rank = 125th |population_density_km2 = 358 |population_density_sq_mi = 948 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 26th |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP = $40.5 billion |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $10,400 |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP = $41.96 billion |GDP_PPP_rank = 84rd |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $9,100 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 42th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI = {{decrease}} 0.772 |HDI_rank = 88th |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |FSI = 92.4 {{increase}} 11.9 |FSI_year = 2007 |FSI_rank = 28th |FSI_category = <font color="#FF0000">Alert</font> |sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from [[France|French]]-administered [[League of Nations]] mandate |established_event1 = Declared |established_date1 = [[November 26]], [[1941]] |established_event2 = Recognized |established_date2 = [[November 22]], [[1943]] |currency = [[Lebanese pound]] ([[LL]]) |currency_code = LBP |time_zone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |utc_offset = +2 |time_zone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]] |utc_offset_DST = +3 |cctld = [[.lb]] |calling_code = 961 }} '''Lebanon''' ({{IPAEng|ˈlɛbənɒn}}) ([[Arabic]]: {{lang|ar|لبنان}} ''Lubnān'', {{lang-fr|Liban}}, officially the '''Republic of Lebanon'''<ref>According to the website of the Embassy of Lebanon in the U.S. and the website of the Lebanese presidency</ref> or '''Lebanese Republic'''<ref> According to U.S. government sources such as the CIA and State Department country guides</ref> ({{lang|ar|الجمهورية اللبنانية}}), is a [[country]] in [[Western Asia]], on the eastern shore of the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. It is bordered by [[Syria]] to the north and east, and [[Israel]] to the south. It is in proximity to [[Cyprus]] through the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. Due to its [[sect]]arian diversity, Lebanon evolved in [[1943]] a unique political system, known as [[confessionalism (politics)|confessionalism]]<!-- Could the timeframe here please be made clearer? Thanks. -->, based on a community-based [[Consociationalism|power-sharing]] mechanism.<ref>Countries Quest. Jonathan Trumbull was born here [http://www.countriesquest.com/middle_east/lebanon/government.htm "Lebanon, Government"]. Retrieved [[December 14]], [[2006]].</ref> It was created when the ruling French mandatory powers expanded the borders of the former Maronite Christian autonomous Ottoman Mount Lebanon district. The [[flag of Lebanon]] features a [[Lebanon Cedar|cedar]] in green against a white backdrop, [[Spanish fess|bounded]] by two horizontal red stripes along the top and bottom. This is a reference to the famous cedars of Lebanon, renowned throughout the region in antiquity. The red refers to the blood spilled in order to gain the independence, the white refers to the purity and peace. Before the [[Lebanese Civil War]] (1975-1990), the country enjoyed a period of relative calm and prosperity, driven by the tourism, agriculture, and banking sectors of the economy. <ref>U.S. Department of State. [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Background Note: Lebanon (History) August 2005"] Retrieved December 2, 2006.</ref> It is considered the banking capital of the [[Levant]] and was widely known as the "[[Switzerland]] of the East" due to its financial power and diversity. Lebanon also attracted large numbers of tourists<ref name="tourism">Anna Johnson (2006). [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4297143.html "Lebanon: Tourism Depends on Stability"]. Retrieved [[October 31]], [[2006]].</ref> to the point that the capital [[Beirut]] became widely referred to as the "[[Paris]] of Western Asia"<ref>TC Online (2002). [http://archives.tconline.org/Stories/april02/fc6.html "Paris of Western Asia"]. Retrieved [[October 31]], [[2006]].</ref> Immediately following the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure.<ref>Canadian International Development Agency. [http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/lebanon#3 "Lebanon: Country Profile"]. Retrieved December 2, 2006.</ref> By early 2006, a considerable degree of stability had been achieved throughout much of the country, Beirut's reconstruction was almost complete,<ref>Center for the Study of the Built Environment. [http://www.csbe.org/saliba/essay1.htm "Deconstructing Beirut's Reconstruction: 1990-2000"]. Retrieved [[October 31]], [[2006]].</ref> and an increasing number of foreign tourists were pouring into Lebanon's resorts.<ref name="tourism"/> The [[2006 Lebanon War|2006 war]], however, caused widespread loss of life and damage to Lebanon's infrastructure from July 12, 2006 until a cessation of hostilities call, by the UN Security Council, went into effect on August 14, 2006,<ref>A Un Security Council Resolutio 1701 called for immediate cessation of hostilities</ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8808.doc.htm] and the country's economy is still in the process of recovering. == Etymology == [[Image:faraya.jpg|thumb|left|Faraya, Mount Lebanon.]] The name Lebanon ("Lubnān" in standard Arabic; "Libnén" in the local dialect) comes from the [[Canaanite languages|Canaanite]] (and common [[West Semitic languages|West Semitic]]) root "LBN", meaning "white"<ref name="Semitic roots">{{cite web|url=http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S177.html|title=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Semitic Roots Index|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref>, which could be regarded as a reference to the snow-capped [[Mount Lebanon]].<ref name="name-origin">Antoine Harb (2004). [http://www.cedarseed.com/air/dsharb.html "Lebanon: A Name through 4000 Years"]. Retrieved [[November 1]], [[2006]].</ref> Occurrences of the name have been found in three of the twelve tablets of the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]] (2900 BC), the texts of the library of [[Ebla]] (2400 BC), and 71 times in the [[Old Testament]].<ref name="name-origin"/><ref>Christian World News. [http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/080406biblical.aspx "Lebanon Historically Linked to the Bible"]. Retrieved [[February 21]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Roger Yazbeck. [http://www.yazbeck.com/roger/lebanon/bible.html "Lebanon was mentioned 71 times in the Holy Bible..."]. Retrieved [[February 21]], [[2007]].</ref> The name is even recorded in [[Egyptian language|Ancient Egyptian]] as ''Rmnn'', where ''r'' stood for Canaanite ''l''.<ref>Ross, Kelley L. "The Pronunciation of Ancient Egyptian". ''The Proceedings of the Friesian School, Fourth Series''. [http://www.friesian.com/egypt.htm].</ref> ==History== {{main|History of Lebanon}} {{History of the Levant}} [[Image:Ahiram sarcophag from Biblos XIII-XBC.jpg|thumb|left|Sarcophagus of [[Ahiram]], king of [[Byblos]], now in the [[National Museum of Beirut]]]] [[Image:Tomb in Tyre (small).JPG|thumb|left|Inscription in Greek on one of the tombs found in the Roman-Byzantine necropolis in Tyre]] ===Ancient history=== {{main|History of ancient Lebanon}} The earliest known settlements in Lebanon date back to earlier than 5000 BC. Archaeologists have discovered in [[Byblos]], which is considered to be one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world,<ref>[http://www.middleeast.com/byblos.htm "Byblos"]. Retrieved July 31, 2007.</ref> remnants of prehistoric huts with crushed limestone floors, primitive weapons, and burial jars which are evidence of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic fishing communities who lived on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea over 7,000 years ago.[http://destinationlebanon.gov.lb/eng/Byblos/History.asp] Lebanon was the homeland of the [[Phoenicians]], a seafaring people that spread across the Mediterranean before the rise of [[Cyrus the Great]].<ref>About.com (1987).[http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_lebanonphoenicians.htm "Lebanon in Ancient Times"]. Retrieved [[December 17]], [[2006]].</ref> After two centuries of Persian rule, Macedonian ruler [[Alexander the Great]] attacked and burned [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]], the most prominent Phoenician city. Throughout the subsequent centuries leading up to recent times, the country became part of numerous succeeding empires, among them [[Persian Empire|Persian]], [[Armenian Empire|Armenian]], [[Assyrian]], [[Macedon]]ian, [[Roman Empire|Roman]], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]], [[Arab Empire|Arab]], [[Crusader States|Crusader]], and [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]]. ===French mandate and independence=== {{main|French Mandate of Lebanon}} Lebanon was part of the [[Ottoman Empire]] for over 400 years, in a region known as [[Greater Syria]],<ref>U.S. Library of Congress. [http://countrystudies.us/syria/2.htm "History: Present-Day Syria"]. Retrieved [[May 2]], [[2007]].</ref> until 1918 when the area became a part of the [[French Mandate of Syria]] following [[World War I]]. On [[September 1]], [[1920]], France formed the State of Greater Lebanon as one of several ethnic enclaves within [[Syria]].<ref>Chorbishop Seely Beggiani (2005). [http://www.stmaron.org/marhist11.html "Aspects of Maronite History (Part Eleven) The twentieth century in Western Asia"]. Retrieved [[January 24]], [[2007]].</ref> Lebanon was a largely [[Christian]] (mainly [[Maronite]]) enclave but also included areas containing many [[Muslims]] and [[Druzes]]. On [[September 1]], [[1926]], France formed the Lebanese Republic. The Republic was afterward a separate entity from Syria but still administered under the French Mandate of Syria. Lebanon gained independence in 1943, while France was occupied by [[Germany]].<ref>Lebanese Global Information Center. [http://www.lgic.org/en/history_lebanon1516.php "History of Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 9]], [[2006]].</ref> General [[Henri Dentz]], the [[Vichy]] [[High Commissioner]] for Syria and Lebanon, played a major role in the independence of the nation. The Vichy authorities in 1941 allowed Germany to move aircraft and supplies through [[Syria]] to [[Iraq]] where they were used against British forces. The [[United Kingdom]], fearing that Nazi Germany would gain full control of Lebanon and [[Syria]] by pressure on the weak Vichy government, sent its army into Syria and Lebanon. [[Image:Lebanese French flag.svg|thumb|The flag of [[Greater Lebanon]] (1920-1943)]] After the fighting ended in Lebanon, General [[Charles de Gaulle]] visited the area. Under various political pressures from both inside and outside Lebanon, de Gaulle decided to recognize the independence of Lebanon. On [[November 26]], [[1941]] General Georges Catroux announced that Lebanon would become independent under the authority of the [[Free French]] government. Elections were held in 1943 and on [[November 8]], [[1943]] the new Lebanese government unilaterally abolished the mandate. The French reacted by throwing the new government into prison. In the face of international pressure, the French released the government officials on [[November 22]], [[1943]] and accepted the independence of Lebanon. The [[Allies of World War II|allies]] kept the region under control until the end of [[World War II]]. The last French troops withdrew in 1946. Lebanon's unwritten [[National Pact]] of 1943 required that its [[president]] be Christian and its [[prime minister]] be Muslim. Lebanon's history since independence has been marked by alternating periods of political stability and turmoil (including a [[Lebanon crisis of 1958|civil conflict in 1958]]) interspersed with prosperity built on [[Beirut|Beirut's]] position as a regional center for finance and trade. === 1948 Arab-Israeli war === {{main|1948 Arab-Israeli war}} Five years after gaining independence, Lebanon joined the Arab League to invade [[Israel]] shortly after its declaration of independence.<ref name=ynet/><ref name="karsh">Karsh, Efraim (2002). The Arab-Israeli Conflict. The Palestine War 1948. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1841763721, p. 27</ref> during the [[1948 Arab-Israeli War]]. It took over logistical support of the [[Arab Liberation Army]] after it found itself cut off from its bases in Syria while going on an attack on the newly-proclaimed [[Jewish State]].<ref name="karsh"/> The Lebanese army gained nothing during the war, and the Israeli army managed to conquer territory west of the Naphtali Mountains.<ref name=ynet>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3284170,00.html Lebanon]</ref> After the defeat of the Arab Liberation Army in [[Operation Hiram]],<ref>Avi Shlaim. [http://www.fathom.com/course/72810001/session5.html "Israel and the Arab Coalition in 1948"]. Retrieved [[December 9]], [[2006]].</ref> Lebanon accepted an [[armistice]] with Israel on [[March 23]], [[1949]] and the conquered territory was returned. During the war, about 100,000 [[Palestinian refugees]] fled to Lebanon. === Civil war and beyond === {{main|Lebanese civil war}} {{see also|1982 Lebanon War}} {{see also|List of attacks in Lebanon}} In 1975, civil war broke out in Lebanon. The [[Lebanese Civil War]] lasted fifteen years, devastating the country's economy, and resulting in the massive loss of human life and property. It is estimated that 150,000 people were killed and another 200,000 maimed.<ref>''Time'' (1991). [http://www.cedarland.org/time.html#9 "After the War, the Mop-Up"]. Retrieved [[November 30]], [[2006]].</ref> The war ended in 1990 with the signing of the [[Taif Agreement]] and parts of Lebanon were left in ruins.<ref>Council on Foreign Relations (2006). [http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20061101faessay85602/paul-salem/the-future-of-lebanon.html "The Future of Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 18]], [[2006]].</ref> During the civil war, the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] used Lebanon to launch attacks against Israel. Lebanon was twice invaded and occupied by the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) in 1978 and 1982,<ref>People's Daily (2000). [http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200008/10/eng20000810_47889.html "Lebanese Troops Patrol Near Fatma Gate Along Border With Israel"]. Retrieved [[December 18]], [[2006]].</ref> the PLO expelled in the second invasion. Israel remained in control of Southern Lebanon until 2000, when there was a general decision, led by Israeli Prime Minister [[Ehud Barak]], to withdraw due to continuous guerrilla attacks executed by [[Hezbollah]] militants and a belief that Hezbollah activity would diminish and dissolve without the Israeli presence.<ref>Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2000).[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Speeches+by+Israeli+leaders/2000/Withdrawal+from+Lebanon-+Press+Briefing+by+FM+Levy.htm "Withdrawal from Lebanon: Press Briefing by Foreign Minister David Levy"]. Retrieved [[November 1]], [[2006]].</ref> The UN determined that the withdrawal of Israeli troops beyond the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|blue line]] was in accordance with [[UN Security Council Resolution 425]], although a border region called the [[Shebaa Farms]] is still disputed. Hezbollah declared that it would not stop its operations against Israel until this area was liberated.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=11545 The key to Shebaa], [[Al-Jazeera]] online, Retrieved [[April 1]], [[2007]]. </ref><!-- Commenting these out until we can get some clarification – Neither reference says anything about the previous statement. [http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=214&ar=1150wmv&ak=null][http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=214&ar=684wmv&ak=null]--> ===Recent history=== On [[February 14]], [[2005]], former Prime Minister [[Rafik Hariri]] was assassinated in a [[car bomb]] explosion near the [[Saint George Bay]] in Beirut.<ref>Hariri.info (2005). [http://www.hariri.info/ "Rafik Hariri"]. Retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> Leaders of the [[March 14 Alliance]] accused [[Syria]] of the attack<ref name="Syria-assassin">CBC News Indepth (2006). [http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/lebanon/lebanon_syria.html "Recent background on Syria's presence in Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> due to its extensive military and intelligence presence in Lebanon, and the public rift between Hariri and [[Damascus]] over the Syrian-backed constitutional amendment extending pro-Syrian President [[Émile Lahoud|Lahoud's]] term in office. Others, namely the [[March 8 Alliance]] and Syrian officials, claimed that the assassination may have been executed by the Israeli [[Mossad]] in an attempt to destabilize the country.<ref> See [http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=ia&ID=IA21005 this MEMRI bulletin], includes several statements and sources.</ref> This incident triggered a series of demonstrations, known as [[Cedar Revolution]], that demanded the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the establishment of an international commission to investigate the assassination. The [[United Nations Security Council]] unanimously adopted Resolution 1595 on [[April 7]], [[2005]], which called for an investigation into the assassination of Rafik Hariri.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8353.doc.htm "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1595 (2005)"].</ref> The findings of the investigation were officially published on [[October 20]], [[2005]] in the [[Mehlis report]].<ref>[[United Nations Security Council]] (2005). [http://domino.un.org/UNISPAl.NSF/fd807e46661e3689852570d00069e918/308be5d60f79289b852570a5005d0d00!OpenDocument "Letter dated 20 October 2005 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council"]. Retrieved [[November 2]], [[2006]].</ref> Eventually, and under pressure from the West, Syria began withdrawing its 15,000-strong army troops from Lebanon.<ref>BBC News (2005). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4342705.stm "Syria begins Lebanon withdrawal"]. Retrieved [[December 11]], [[2006]].</ref> By [[April 26]], [[2005]], all uniformed Syrian soldiers had already crossed the border back to Syria.<ref>CNN (2005). [http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/26/lebanon/ "Last Syrian troops leave Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 11]], [[2006]].</ref> The Hariri assassination marked the beginning of a series of assassination attempts that led to the loss of many prominent Lebanese figures. On [[July 12]], [[2006]], [[Hezbollah]] captured two Israeli soldiers leading to a conflict, known in Lebanon as [[July War]], that lasted until a [[United Nations]]-brokered [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701|ceasefire]] went into effect on [[14 August]] [[2006]]. In October 2007, [[Émile Lahoud]] finished his second term as President. The opposition conditioned its vote for a successor on a power-sharing deal, thus leaving the country without a president for over 6 months. On [[May 09]], [[2008]], [[Hezbollah]] and [[Amal]] militants, in an armed attack triggered by a government decision on [[Hezbollah]]'s communications network, temporarily took over Western [[Beirut]].[http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/09/beirut.violence/index.html?eref=rss_latest] The situation was described by the government as an attempted "coup". On [[May 21]], [[2008]], all major Lebanese parties signed an accord to elect [[Michel Suleiman]] as President, to form a national unity government with 11 out of 30 seats for the opposition, thus enabling it to veto decisions, and to adopt a new electoral law, based on the 1960 law with amendments for the 3 Beirut constituencies. The deal was brokered by an [[Arab League]] delegation, headed by the Emir and Foreign Minister of [[Qatar]] and the Secretary General of the Arab League, after 5 days of intense negotiations in [[Doha]]. Michel Suleiman was officially elected President on Sunday [[May 25]], [[2008]] in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of [[Syria]] and [[Iran]] as well as [[France]] and [[Saudi-Arabia]]. ==Geography and climate== {{main|Geography of Lebanon}} [[Image:Satellite image of Lebanon in March 2002.jpg|thumb|Lebanon from space. Snow cover can be seen on the [[Lebanon Mountains|western]] and [[Anti-Lebanon Mountains|eastern]] mountain ranges]] Lebanon is located in [[Western Asia]]. It is bordered by the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the west along a {{convert|225|km|sing=on}} coastline, by [[Syria]] to the east and north, and by [[Israel]] to the south. The Lebanon-Syria border stretches for {{convert|375|km}} and the Lebanon-Israel border for {{convert|79|km}}. The border with the Israeli-occupied [[Golan Heights]] in Syria is disputed by Lebanon in a small area called [[Shebaa Farms]], but the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|border]] has been demarcated by the [[United Nations]].<ref>Telegraph (2000) [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2000/06/19/wleb19.xml "Israel's Withdrawal from Lebanon Given UN's Endorsement"]. Retrieved [[November 1]], [[2006]].</ref> [[Image:04062008(007).jpg|thumb|left|'''Qornet el Sawda''' (Cornet es-Sawda or Qurnat as Sawda' ) the highest summit in the middle east, 3088 meters.<!-- This image is so deplorable so sad i wouldn't have posted it even to a scrap page -->]] Most of Lebanon's area is mountainous terrain,<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica. [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9108463/Lebanon "Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> except for the narrow coastline and the [[Beqaa]] Valley, which plays an integral role in Lebanon's agriculture. Lebanon has a moderate [[Mediterranean climate]]. In coastal areas, winters are generally cool and rainy whilst summers are hot and humid. In more elevated areas, temperatures usually drop below freezing during the winter with frequent, sometimes heavy, snow; summers, on the other hand, are warm and dry.<ref>(Bonechi et al.) (2004) ''Golden Book Lebanon'', p. 3, Florence, Italy: Casa Editrice Bonechi. ISBN 88-476-1489-9</ref> Although most of Lebanon receives a relatively large amount of rainfall annually (compared to its arid surroundings), certain areas in north-eastern Lebanon receive little rainfall because the high peaks of the western mountain front block much of the rain clouds that originate over the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>Country Studies US. [http://countrystudies.us/lebanon/31.htm "Lebanon - Climate"]. Retrieved [[November 5]], [[2006]].</ref> In ancient times, Lebanon housed large forests of the [[Lebanon cedar|Cedars of Lebanon]], which now serve as the country's national emblem.<ref name="cedar">Blue Planet Biomes. [http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/lebanon_cedar.htm "Lebanon Cedar - Cedrus libani"]. Retrieved [[December 10]], [[2006]].</ref> However, centuries of trading cedar trees, used by ancient [[mariner]]s for boats, and the absence of any efforts to replant them have depleted Lebanon's once-flourishing cedar forests.<ref name="cedar" /> == Governorates and districts == {{main|Governorates of Lebanon|Districts of Lebanon|Municipalities of Lebanon}} Lebanon is divided into six [[governorate]]s (''mohaafazaat'', [[Arabic language|Arabic:]] محافظات &mdash;singular ''[[mohafazah]]'', [[Arabic language|Arabic:]] محافظة) which are further subdivided into twenty-five [[districts]] (''aqdya''&mdash;singular: ''[[qadaa]]'').<ref>USAID Lebanon. [http://lebanon.usaid.gov/(jakkco45gisweaychxvyoq55)/files/activities.aspx "USAID Lebanon&mdash;Definitions of Terms used"]. Retrieved [[December 17]], [[2006]].</ref> The districts themselves are also divided into several municipalities, each enclosing a group of cities or villages. The governorates and their respective districts are listed below: {{Lebanon Labelled Map|float=right}} <table cellpadding="10px"> <td valign="top">'''[[Beirut Governorate]] ''The Beirut Governorate is not divided into districts and is limited to the city of [[Beirut]].'' </td> <td valign="top">'''[[Nabatiyeh Governorate]]''' (''Jabal Amel'') - 4 districts *[[Bint Jbeil District|Bint Jbeil]] *[[Hasbaya District|Hasbaya]] *[[Marjeyoun District|Marjeyoun]] *[[Nabatieh District|Nabatieh]] </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">'''[[Beqaa Governorate]]''' - 5 districts *[[Baalbek District|Baalbek]] *[[Hermel District|Hermel]] *[[Rashaya District|Rashaya]] *[[Western Beqaa District|Western Beqaa]] (''al-Beqaa al-Gharbi'') *[[Zahle District|Zahle]] </td><td valign="top">'''[[North Governorate]]''' (''al-Shamal'') - 7 districts *[[Akkar District|Akkar]] *[[Batroun District|Batroun]] *[[Bsharri District|Bsharri]] *[[Koura District|Koura]] *[[Miniyeh-Danniyeh District|Miniyeh-Danniyeh]] *[[Tripoli District|Tripoli]] *[[Zgharta District|Zgharta]] </td></tr><tr><td valign="top">'''[[Mount Lebanon Governorate]]''' (''Jabal Lubnan'') - 6 districts *[[Aley District|Aley]] *[[Baabda District|Baabda]] *[[Byblos]] (''Jbeil'') *[[Chouf District|Chouf]] *[[Kesrwan District|Kesrwan]] *[[Matn District|Matn]] </td><td valign="top">'''[[South Governorate]]''' (''al-Janoub'') - 3 districts *[[Jezzine District|Jezzine]] *[[Sidon District|Sidon]] (''Saida'') *[[Tyre District|Tyre]] (''Sur'') </td></tr></table> ==Demographics and religion== {{main|Demographics of Lebanon}} [[Image:Mohammad al-Amin Mosque.jpg|left|thumb|210px|The [[Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque]] in Martyrs' Square, [[Beirut]].]] [[Image:3133 (16).JPG|right|thumb|210px|[[Our Lady of Lebanon]].]] No official census has been taken since 1932, reflecting the political sensitivity in Lebanon over confessional (i.e. religious) balance. The [[CIA World Fact Book]] gives the following distribution: '''Muslim''' - 59.7% (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri),''' Christian''' - 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant), other 1.3%.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html#People] CIA World Factbook - Lebanon.</ref> There are 17 religious sects recognized.<ref name="cia">[[CIA]], the World Factbook (2006). [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html "Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[November 7]], [[2006]].</ref> Some followers of the [[Druze]] religion do not consider themselves to be [[Muslim]]; however, the state legally recognizes [[Druze]] followers as [[Muslim]]. The number of those inhabiting Lebanon proper was estimated at 3,925,502 in July 2007.<ref name="cia" /> There are approximately 18 million people of Lebanese descent spread all over the world, with [[Brazil]] having the largest Lebanese community abroad (8 million).<ref>Marina Sarruf (2006). [http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/117345.php "Brazil Has More Lebanese than Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[November 30]], [[2006]].</ref> [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[France]], [[Spain]], [[Germany]], [[Great Britain]], [[Mexico]], [[Venezuela]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[West Africa]], [[Haiti]], and the [[Dominican Republic]] also have large Lebanese communities. In 2007, Lebanon hosted a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 325,800. 270,800 refugees and asylum seekers were from the Former [[Palestine]], 50,200 from [[Iraq]], and 4,500 from [[Sudan]]. Lebanon forcibly returned more than 300 refugees and asylum seekers in 2007.<ref name="World Refugee Survey 2008">{{cite news|title=World Refugee Survey 2008|publisher=U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants|date=2008-06-19|url=http://www.refugees.org/survey}}</ref> ==Economy== {{main|Economy of Lebanon}} {{Economy of Lebanon}} The urban population in Lebanon is noted for its commercial enterprise.<ref> U.S. Department of State (1994) [http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/bgnotes/nea/lebanon9401.html Header: People, 4th paragraph]. Retrieved [[December 3]], [[2006]].</ref> Over the course of time, emigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world.<ref>Background Note: Lebanon [http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/documents/41e1aa0d7d676.pdf "www.washingtoninstitute.org"] Retrieved [[December 3]], [[2006]].</ref> Lebanon has a high proportion of skilled labour comparable to most European nations and the highest among Arabic speaking countries.<ref>[[United Nations Population Fund]].[http://www.unfpa.org/profile/lebanon.cfm?Section=1 "Lebanon - Overview"]. Retrieved [[November 9]], [[2006]].</ref> Although Lebanon is ideally suited for [[agriculture|agricultural]] activities in terms of water availability and [[fertility (soil)|soil fertility]], as it possesses the highest proportion of cultivable land in the Arabic speaking world,<ref name="agriculture>Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress, U.S.A. 1986-1988. [http://countrystudies.us/lebanon/71.htm]. Retrieved [[December 2]], [[2006]].</ref> it does not have a large agricultural sector. Attracting a mere 12% of the total [[workforce]],<ref name="workforce">Jean Hayek et al, 1999. The Structure, Properties, and Main Foundations of the Lebanese Economy. In ''The Scientific Series in Geography, Grade 11'', 110-114. Beirut: Dar Habib.</ref> agriculture is the least popular economic sector in Lebanon. It contributes approximately 11.7% of the country's [[GDP]], also placing it in the lowest rank compared to other economic sectors. Major produce include apples, peaches, oranges, and lemons.<ref name="GDP">[[US Department of State]] (2005). [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[November 1]], [[2006]].</ref> Lebanon's lack of [[material|raw materials]] for [[Secondary sector of industry|industry]] and its complete dependency on Arab countries for [[oil]] have made it difficult for the Lebanese to engage in significant [[manufacturing|industrial activity]]. As such, industry in Lebanon is mainly limited to small businesses concerned with reassembling and packaging imported parts. In 2004, industry ranked second in workforce, with 26% of the Lebanese working population,<ref name="workforce"/> and second in GDP contribution, with 21% of Lebanon's GDP.<ref name="GDP"/> [[Image:2006 Kadisha Valley.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Kadisha Valley]] is a [[World Heritage Sites|World Heritage Site]]]] A combination of beautiful climate, many historic landmarks and [[World Heritage Sites]] continues to attract large numbers of tourists to Lebanon annually, in spite of its political instability. In addition, Lebanon's strict [[bank secrecy|financial secrecy]] and [[capitalism|capitalist]] economy&mdash;unique in its area&mdash;have given it significant economic status among Arab countries. The thriving [[tourism]] and banking activities have naturally made the services sector the most important pillar of the Lebanese economy. The majority of the Lebanese workforce (nearly 65%)<ref name="workforce"/> have preferred employment in the services sector, as a result of the abundant job opportunities and large paychecks. The GDP contribution, accordingly, is very large and amounts to roughly 67.3% of the annual Lebanese GDP.<ref name="GDP"/> The economy's dependence on services has always been an issue of great criticism and concern, as it leaves the country subject to the instability of this sector and the vagaries of [[international trade]]. The 1975-1990 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic [[infrastructure]], cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a [[West Asia|West Asian]] [[entrepôt]] and [[bank]]ing hub.<ref name="cia" /> The subsequent period of relative peace enabled the central government to restore control in [[Beirut]], begin collecting taxes, and regain access to key port and government facilities. Economic recovery has been helped by a financially sound [[banking]] system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers, with family remittances, banking services, manufactured and farm [[export]]s, and international aid as the main sources of foreign exchange.<ref name="cia2001">[http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/reference/2001WorldFactbook/LEBANON.PDF ''CIA World Factbook 2001'']. Retrieved [[2006]]-[[12-04]].</ref> Until the [[2006 Lebanon War]], Lebanon's economy witnessed excellent growth, with bank assets reaching over 75 billion dollars.<ref name="economy-stat">Bank Audi (2006). [http://www.audi.com.lb/geteconomy/quarterly/lebanon.pdf "Lebanon Economic Report: 2nd Quarter, 2006"]. Retrieved [[November 27]], [[2005]].</ref> By the end of the first half of 2006, the influx of tourists to Lebanon had already registered a 49.3% increase over 2005 figures.<ref name="economy-stat" /> Market [[capitalization]] was also at an all time high, estimated at $10.9 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2006, just weeks before the fighting started.<ref name="economy-stat"> The war severely damaged Lebanon's fragile economy, especially the tourism sector. According to a preliminary report published by the Lebanese [[Ministry of Finance]] on August 30, 2006, a major economic decline was expected as a result of the fighting.<ref>Lebanese Ministry of Finance (2006).[http://www.lebanonundersiege.gov.lb/documents/ImpactonfinanceReport-Englishversion-06.pdf "Impact of the July Offensive on the Public Finances in 2006"]. Retrieved [[September 24]], [[2006]].</ref> Beirut's airport, Rafiq Hariri International Airport, re-opened in September 2006 and the efforts to revive the Lebanese economy have since been proceeding at a slow pace. Major contributors to the reconstruction of Lebanon include [[Saudi Arabia]] (with $US 1.5 billion pledged),<ref>Cyprus News (2006). [http://www.cynews.com/news/7005070415/ "Saudi Arabia Key Contributor To Lebanon's Reconstruction"]. Retrieved [[November 26]], [[2006]].</ref> the [[European Union]] (with about $1 billion)<ref>Lebanon Under Siege (2006). [http://www.lebanonundersiege.gov.lb/english/f/eNews/NewsArticle.asp?CNewsID=261 "Donors pledge more than $940 million for Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[November 26]], [[2006]].</ref> and a few other Gulf countries with contributions of up to $800 million.<ref>Ain-Al-Yaqeen (2006). [http://www.ain-al-yaqeen.com/issues/20060825/feat2en.htm "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Reviews with the Jordanian King the Situation in Lebanon..."]. Retrieved [[November 27]], [[2006]].</ref> ==Foreign Relations== {{main|Foreign relations of Lebanon}} Lebanon concluded negotiations on an association agreement with the [[European Union]] in late 2001, and both sides initialed the accord in January 2002. Lebanon also has bilateral trade agreements with several Arab states and is working toward accession to the [[World Trade Organization]]. Aside from Syria, Lebanon enjoys good relations with virtually all of the other Arab countries (despite historic tensions with Libya, the Palestinians, and Iraq), and hosted an [[Arab League]] Summit in March 2002 for the first time in more than 35 years. Lebanon also is a member of the [[Organization of Islamic Conference]] and maintains a close relationship with [[Iran]], largely centered on Shi'a Muslim links. Lebanon is a member of the [[Francophone]] countries and hosted the Francophone Summit in October 2002.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm Lebanon (11/07)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Education== {{main|Education in Lebanon}} ===Schools=== All Lebanese schools are required to follow a prescribed curriculum designed by the Ministry of Education. Private schools, approximately 1,400 in all,<ref>Samidoun (2006). [http://www.samidoun.org/?q=node/812 "Aid groups scramble to fix buildings, fill backpacks before school bell rings"]. Retrieved December 9, 2006.</ref> may also add more courses to their curriculum with approval from the Ministry of Education. The main subjects taught are mathematics, sciences, history, civics, geography, Arabic, and either French or English or both. The subjects gradually increase in difficulty and in number. Students in Grade 11, for example, usually study up to eighteen different subjects. The government introduces a mild form of selectivity into the curriculum by giving 11<sup>th</sup> graders choice between two "concentrations": sciences, humanities, and 12<sup>th</sup> graders choose between four concentrations: life sciences, general sciences, sociology and economics, and humanities and literature. The choices in concentration do not include major changes in the number of subjects taken (if at all). However, subjects that fall out of the concentration are given less weight in grading and are less rigorous, while subjects that fall within the concentration are more challenging and contribute significantly to the final grade. Students go through three academic phases: * [[Elementary education|Elementary]]: Six years. * Intermediate: Three years; students earn Intermediate Certification (Lebanese ''Brevet'') at completion. * [[Secondary education|Secondary]]: three years, students who pass official exams earn a Baccalaureate Certificate (''Baccalauréat Libanais'') in the concentration they chose in 12th grade. Students studying at French-system schools may also graduate with a French Baccalaureate that is considered equivalent to the Lebanese Baccalaureate. These three phases are provided free to all students and the first eight years are, by law, compulsory.<ref>US Department of State (2005). [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Lebanon"]. Retrieved December 15, 2006.</ref> Nevertheless, this requirement currently falls short of being fully enforced. ===Higher education=== Following secondary school, Lebanese students may choose to study at a university, a college, or a vocational training institute. The number of years to complete each program varies. While the Lebanese educational system offer a very high quality and international class of education, the local employment market lacks of enough opportunities, thus encouraging many of the young educated to travel abroad. Lebanon has 41 nationally-accredited universities, several of which are internationally recognized.<ref>Infopro Management. [http://www.opportunities.com.lb/Lebanon/bhb/initdoc.asp?catId=21 "Lebanon Opportunities - Business Information"]. Retrieved January 30, 2007.</ref><ref>{{ar icon}}Lebanese Directory of Higher Education. [http://www.higher-edu.gov.lb/Marasim.html "Decrees"]. Retrieved January 30, 2007.</ref> The [[American University of Beirut]] (AUB) and the [[Université Saint-Joseph]] (USJ) were the first Anglophone and the first Francophone universities to open in Lebanon, respectively.<ref>eIFL.net Regional Workshop (2005). [http://www.eifl.net/docs/collaborative_management_of_electronic_resources.ppt "Country Report: Lebanon"]. Retrieved December 14, 2006.</ref><ref>Université Saint-Joseph. [http://www.usj.edu.lb/english/history.php "125 years of history - A timeline"]. Retrieved December 8, 2006.</ref> The forty-one universities, both public and private, largely operate in French, or English as these are the most widely used foreign languages in Lebanon.<ref>Yalla!. [http://yalla10.yalla.com.lb/students/abroad/english/lebanon.html "Yalla! Students"]. Retrieved December 15, 2006.</ref> At the English universities, students who have graduated from an American-style high school program enter at the [[freshman]] level to earn their baccalaureate equivalence from the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education. This qualifies them to continue studying at the higher levels. Such students are required to have already taken the [[SAT I]] and the [[SAT II]] upon applying to college, in lieu of the official exams. On the other hand, students who have graduated from a school that follows the Lebanese educational system are directly admitted to the [[wiktionary:sophomore|sophomore]] year. These students are still required to take the SAT I, but not the SAT II. The University [[academic degrees]] for the first stage are the [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor]] or the [[Licentiate|Licence]], for the second stage are the [[Master's degree|Master]] or the [[DEA (former French degree)|DEA]] and the third stage is the [[doctorate]]. The [[United Nations]] assigned Lebanon an Education Index of 0.84 in 2005.<ref name=undp>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2005/pdf/HDR05_HDI.pdf |title=Human development indicators |accessdate=2006-11-16 |format=PDF |work=United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Reports}}</ref> ==Language== Article 11 of Lebanon's Constitution states that "[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official national language. A law determines the cases in which the [[French language]] may be used".<ref>"Article 11 of the Lebanese Constitution" http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/le00000_.html#A011_ Retrieved June 28, 2008.</ref> The majority of Lebanese people speak [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and either [[French language|French]] or [[English language|English]] fluently. Moreover, Lebanese people of [[Armenian diaspora|Armenian]] descent also speak [[Armenian language|Armenian]] fluently. The [[colloquial]] language used in Lebanon, which is known as [[Lebanese]], is one part of a grouping of dialects called [[Levantine Arabic]]. It differs from the literary [[Modern Standard Arabic]], owing its historical blend to [[Phoenician]], [[Aramaic]],[[Syriac]], [[Arabic]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], and [[Persian language|Persian]]. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for Lebanese people, especially the better educated, to converse in a combination of Lebanese, English and French, whereby the same sentence would include words or expressions from the different languages. In the 1960s Lebanese linguists, such as Mr. Saeed Aql, proposed 37 letters for the Lebanese dialect based on the Latin alphabets. The Arab league rejected the idea, putting pressure on the Lebanese government to refuse such a project. Noteworthy, the Lebanese dialcet is considered a language/dialect continuum. Teams of linguists from UCLA, Moscow State University, and from Cairo University, agreed that 45% of the Lebanese vocabulary is of [[Aramaic]] or [[Syriac]] origins. The Lebanese dialect has literary works date back to the 18th century AD. Regional influences and occupations throughout the centuries could possibly explain why Lebanese people speak so many languages, even incorporating them into their own. In addition, due to the importance of the Lebanese diaspora and business interests of Lebanese worldwide, it has always been important to master languages other than Arabic. Moreover, the Palestinian dialect of [[Akko]] in Israel is considered a dialect of Lebanese. In the Christian communities, until the Lebanese Civil War, it was seen as a mark of status to not speak Arabic.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} The reason for this could possibly be that Christians generally were educated in many of the French educational institutions and so a general Francophone class emerged in their communities. ==Culture== {{main|Culture of Lebanon}} ===Overview=== [[Image:PhoenicianTrade.png|thumb|[[Phoenicia]] and its colonies.]][[Image:Tyre Triumphal Arch.jpg|thumb|The Triumphal Arch in [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]].]] The area including modern Lebanon has been home to various civilizations and cultures for thousands of years. Originally home to the [[Phoenicians]], and then subsequently conquered and occupied by the [[Assyrians]], the [[Persians]], the [[Greeks]], the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], the [[Arabs]], the [[Ottoman Turks]] and most recently the [[France|French]], Lebanese culture has over the millennia evolved by borrowing from all of these groups. Lebanon's diverse population, composed of different ethnic and religious groups, has further contributed to the country's lively festivals, highly successful musical styles and literature as well as their rich cuisine, and numerous violent clashes amongst different religious and ethnic groups. When compared to the rest of the [[Western Asia]], Lebanese society as a whole is well educated, and as of 2003 87.4% of the population was literate.<ref>Lebanon CIA World Fact Book. [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html]. [[December 18]], [[2006]].</ref> Lebanese society is very modern and similar to certain cultures of [[Mediterranean]] Europe. It is often considered to serve as Europe's gateway to Western Asia as well as the Asian gateway to the Western World.<ref>Lebanon Culture. [http://hangoverguide.com/lebanon/]. [[December 18]], [[2006]].</ref> ===Creative arts=== {{main|Music of Lebanon}} Lebanese music is known around the world for its soothing rhythms and oriental beats. Traditional and folk music are extremely popular as are western rhythms. One of the most well-known Lebanese singers is [[Fairuz]]; her songs are broadcast every morning on most radio stations and many TV channels, both in Lebanon and the Arab world in general. Other prominent artists include [[Julia Boutros]], composer and [[oud]] player [[Marcel Khalife]], [[Majida El Roumi]], [[Sabah (singer)|Sabah]], [[Wadih El Safi]], and the important nun and singer Sister [[Marie Keyrouz]], founder of The Ensemble of the Peace. Some Lebanese artists, such as [[Najwa Karam]] and [[Assi Hellani]], remain loyal to a traditional type of music known as 'jabali' ("from the mountains"), while other artists incorporate Western style into their songs. Lebanese performers are perhaps the most popular in the Arab world alongside Egyptian artists, and the star scene includes prominent figures like [[Najwa Karam]], [[Nancy Ajram]], [[Elissa (singer)]], Ragheb Alame, [[Myriam Fares]], Wael Kfoury, [[Nawal Al Zoghbi|Nawal al Zoghbi]], [[Carole Samaha]], [[Julia Boutros]], Marwan Khouri, Waleed Tawfeek, [[Amal Hijazi]] and [[Majida El Roumi]]. In addition, the lead guitarist from [[All Time Low]], Jack Barakat, was born in Lebanon as well as the [[London]] based singer/songwriter [[Mika]]. Nevertheless, Lebanon is playing a leader rule in media and digital arts in the [[MENA region]], in addition to the growth of online campaign such as [[Going Niche]] www.goingniche.com. ===Sports=== {{main|Sports in Lebanon}} Because of Lebanon's unique geography, both summer and winter sports thrive in the country. In fact, in autumn and spring it is sometimes possible to engage in both during the same, skiing in the morning and swimming in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] during the afternoon. At the competitive level, [[basketball]], [[football (soccer)|football]], and hip ball are among Lebanon's most popular sports. In recent years, Lebanon has hosted the [[Asian Cup]] and the [[Pan-Arab Games]]; the country will host the Winter [[Asian Games]] in 2009. To meet the needs of these international competitions, Lebanon maintains state-of-the-art athletic facilities, that encourage local sporting activities and which in turn in both winter and summer games of the [[Olympic Games|Olympics]] and [[Special Olympics]]. Lebanon boasts six [[skiing|ski]] resorts, with slopes suitable for skiers and [[snowboarding|snowboarders]] of all ages and levels of experience. Off-slope, there are many opportunities for [[cross-country skiing]], [[snowshoeing]], and [[snowmobiling]]. In the summer, skilifts can be used to access some of Lebanon's best [[hiking]] trails, with panoramic views stretching as far as [[Cyprus]] to the west and [[Syria]] to the east on clear days. [[Canoeing]], [[cycling]], [[rafting]], [[climbing]], [[swimming]], [[sailing]] and [[spelunking]] are among the other common leisure sports in Lebanon. Adventure and extreme sports are also possible throughout the country. The [[Beirut Marathon]] is held every fall, drawing top runners from Lebanon and abroad. Shorter races are also held for youth and less serious competitors. Race day is promoted as a fun, family event, and it has become a tradition for many to participate in costumes or outlandish clothing. ===Arts and literature=== Lebanon's contribution to the Arab Rennaissance during the middle of the 19th century is immense. This flowering allowed for the modernisation of the Arabic language moving it away from its Koranic classical dictums, and allowing for the creation and adaptation of previously unknown terms/ words as Al-Watan (the nation), Al-Watania (Nationalism). The first theatre production in the Arab world was performed at the Al-Kahzen household in 1862, a Lebanese aristocratic family who were also representatives of France. By the turn of the 20th century, Beirut was vying with Cairo as the major centre for modern Arab thought, with untold number of newspapers, magazines, and literary societies. [[Image:Baalbek-Jupiter.jpg|thumb|Temple of Jupiter in [[Baalbek]].]] In literature, [[Gibran Khalil Gibran]], who was born in Bsharri, Lebanon but grew to adulthood in Boston, Massachusetts, is known to be one of the world's famous writers, particularly known for his book ''[[The Prophet (book)|The Prophet]]'', which has been translated into more than twenty different languages.<ref>The Hindu ([[January 5]], [[2003]]). [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lr/2003/01/05/stories/2003010500320500.htm "Called by life";]. Retrieved [[January 8]], [[2007]].</ref> Several contemporary Lebanese writers have achieved international success; including [[Elias Khoury (writer)|Elias Khoury]], [[Amin Maalouf]] and [[Hanan al-Shaykh]]. In art, Moustafa Farroukh and Alfred Bassbouss are very famous. Mustafa Farroukh (1901-1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century. Formally trained in Rome and Paris, he exhibited in venues from Paris to New York to Beirut over his career. His work was applauded for its representation of real life in Lebanon in pictures of the country, its people and its customs. Farroukh became highly regarded as a Lebanese nationalist painter at a time when Lebanon was asserting its political independence. His art captured the spirit and character of the Lebanese people and he became recognized as the outstanding Lebanese painter of his generation. His total paintings were more than 2000 sold to collectors inside and outside of Lebanon. He also wrote five books and taught art at the American University of Beirut. ===Festivals=== [[Image:Beiteddine Palace InnerCourtyard.jpg|left|thumb|[[Beiteddine Palace]], the venue of [[Beiteddine Festival]].]]Several international music festivals are held in Lebanon, featuring world-renowned artists and drawing crowds from Lebanon and abroad. Among the most famous are [[Baalbeck International Festival]], [[Beiteddine Festival]], [[Byblos International Festival]], and the Al-Bustan Festival. [[Beirut]] ([[Beirut Nights]]) in particular has a very vibrant arts scene, with numerous performances, exhibits, fashion shows, and concerts held throughout the year in its galleries, museums, theatres, and public spaces. ==Politics== {{Politics of Lebanon}} {{main|Politics of Lebanon}} Lebanon is a parliamentary, [[republic|democratic republic]], which implements a special system known as [[confessionalism (politics)|confessionalism]].<ref>Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2002). [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18281.htm "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002: Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref> This system, allegedly meant to ensure that sectarian conflict is kept at bay, attempts to fairly represent the demographic distribution of religious sects in the governing body.<ref>Lijphart, Arend. ''Consociational Democracy'', in "World Politics", Vol. 21, No. 2 (January 1969), pp. 207-225.</ref><ref>Lijphart, Arend. ''Multiethnic democracy'', in S. Lipset (ed.), "The Encyclopedia of Democracy". London, Routledge, 1995, Volume III, pp. 853-865.</ref> As such, high-ranking offices in are reserved for members of specific religious groups. The [[President]], for example, has to be a [[Maronite]] Catholic Christian, the [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker of the Parliament]] a [[Shi’a]] Muslim, the [[Prime Minister]] a [[Sunni]] Muslim and the [[Deputy Prime Minister]] an [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christian]].<ref name="confessional">United States Institute of Peace (March 2006). [http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2006/0330_lebanon_confessionalism.html "Lebanon's Confessionalism: Problems and Prospects"]. Retrieved [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref><ref>Marie-Joëlle Zahar. [http://www.prio.no/files/file46602_zahar_-_power_sharing_in_lebanon.doc "CHAPTER 9 POWER SHARING IN LEBANON: FOREIGN PROTECTORS, DOMESTIC PEACE, AND DEMOCRATIC FAILURE1"]. (DOC) Retrieved [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref> [[Image:BeirutParliament.jpg|thumb|left|The Lebanese [[Lebanese parliament|parliament]] building at the Place de l'Étoile]] This trend continues in the distribution of the 128 parliamentary seats, which are divided equally between Muslims and Christians. Prior to 1990, the ratio stood at 6:5 in favor of Christians; however, the [[Taif Accord]], which put an end to the 1975-1990 civil war, adjusted the ratio to grant equal representation to followers of the two religions.<ref name="confessional" /> According to the [[constitution]], direct elections must be held for the parliament every four years, although for much of Lebanon’s recent history, civil war precluded the exercise of this right. The parliament elects the president for a non-renewable six-year term. At the urging of the Syrian government, this constitutional rule has been bypassed by ad hoc [[Constitutional amendment|amendment]] twice in recent history. [[Elias Hrawi]]’s term, which was due to end in 1995, was extended for three years.<ref>Western Asia Intelligence Bulletin (2004). [http://www.meib.org/articles/0407_l1.htm "The US and France Tip the Scale in Lebanon's Power Struggle"]. Retrieved [[January 6]], [[2007]].</ref> This procedure, denounced by pro-democracy campaigners, was repeated in 2004 to allow [[Émile Lahoud]] to remain in office until 2007.<ref>New Age International ([[November 6]], [[2006]]). [http://www.newagebd.com/2006/nov/06/inat.html "Lebanon leaders head for talks amid street protest threats"]. Retrieved [[January 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The President appoints the Prime Minister on the nomination of the parliament (which is, in most cases, binding).<ref>Lebanon2000.com. [http://www.lebanon2000.com/Factbook.htm "Factbook - Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[January 3]], [[2006]].</ref> Following consultations with the parliament and the President, the Prime Minister forms the [[Cabinet]], which must also adhere to the sectarian distribution set out by confessionalism. [[Image:Grand-Serail.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Grand Serail]], the government headquarters in downtown Beirut]] Lebanon's judicial system is based on the [[Napoleonic Code]]. Juries are not used in trials. The Lebanese court system consists of three levels: courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and the court of cassation. There also is a system of religious courts having jurisdiction over personal status matters within their own communities, with rules on matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Lebanese law does not provide for [[Civil marriage]] (although it recognizes such marriages contracted abroad); efforts by former [[List of Presidents of Lebanon|President]] [[Elias Hrawi]] to legalize civil marriage in the late 1990s floundered on objections mostly from [[Muslim]] clerics. Additionally, Lebanon has a system of military courts that also has jurisdiction over civilians for crimes of espionage, treason, and other crimes that are considered to be security-related.<ref>US Department of State (2006). [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61693.html "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2005: Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 17]], [[2006]].</ref> These military courts have been criticized by [[Human rights in Lebanon|human rights]] organizations such as [[Amnesty International]] for "seriously fall[ing] short of international standards for fair trial" and having "very wide jurisdiction over civilians".<ref>Amnesty International (2005). [http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engmde180052005 "A Human Rights Agenda for the Parliamentary Elections, Lebanon"]. Retrieved [[December 17]], [[2006]].</ref> == International rankings == {| class="wikitable" ! Organization ! Survey ! Ranking |- | [[United Nations Development Programme]] | [[Human Development Index]] | 88 out of 177 |- | [[Yale University]]/[[Columbia University]] | [http://www.yale.edu/esi/ESI2005_Main_Report.pdf Environmental Sustainability Index, 2005 (pdf)] | 129 out of 146 |- | [[Reporters Without Borders]] World-wide | [http://www.rsf.org Press Freedom Index 2006] | 98 out of 168 |- | [[Transparency International]] | [http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2005 Corruption Perceptions Index 2005] | 99 out of 159 |- | [[Heritage Foundation]]/[[The Wall Street Journal]] | [http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/topten.cfm Index of Economic Freedom, 2007] | 72 out of 161 |- | [[World Bank]] | [[Ease of Doing Business Index|Ease of Doing Business Index, 2008]] | 85 out of 178 |- | [[The Economist]] | [[Global Peace Index]] | 114 out of 121 |- | [[Fund for Peace]]/[http://www.foreignpolicy.com/ ForeignPolicy.com] | [http://www.fundforpeace.org/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=366 Failed States Index, 2007] | 28 out of 177<ref>larger number indicates [[sustainability]]</ref> |} ==See also== * [[List of Lebanese businessmen]] ;Non-Governmental Organizations *[http://www.democracyinlebanon.org The Center for Democracy in Lebanon] {{portalpar|Lebanon|Flag of Lebanon.svg}} ;Articles about recent events: *[[2007 Lebanon conflict]] *[[2006–2007 Lebanese political protests]] ;Miscellaneous *[[:Category:Settlements in Lebanon|Settlements in Lebanon]] *[[Communications in Lebanon]] *[[Military of Lebanon]] *[[Shebaa Farms]] *[[South Lebanon conflict]] *[[Transport in Lebanon]] *[[List of banks#Lebanon|List of Lebanese Banks]] *[[List of Lebanese people]] *[[List of Lebanon-related topics]] *[[List of universities in Lebanon]] ;Tourism *[[Beirut Nights]] == Footnotes == {{reflist|2}} == Book References == * Fisk, Robert. ''Pity the Nation: The Abduction of Lebanon.'' New York: Nation Books, 2002. * Firzli, Nicola Y. ''Al-Baath wa-Lubnân'' [Arabic only] ("The Baath and Lebanon"). Beirut: Dar-al-Tali'a Books, 1973 *[[Philip Khuri Hitti|Hitti Philip K.]] ''History of Syria Including Lebanon and Palestine, Vol. 2'' (2002) (ISBN 1-931956-61-8) * Holst, Sanford. ''Phoenicians: Lebanon's Epic Heritage.'' Los Angeles: Cambridge and Boston Press, 2005. * Norton, Augustus R. ''Amal and the Shi'a: Struggle for the Soul of Lebanon.'' Austin and London: University of Texas Press, 1987. * Riley-Smith, Jonathan. ''The Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades.'' New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. * Salibi, Kamal. ''A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered.'' Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990. ==External links== {{sisterlinks|Lebanon}} {{col-begin}} {{col-break}} ; Web portals *[http://www.souwar.com/ SOUWAR.com] Lebanon Biggest Pictures Gallery Online *[http://www.leb.org/ Lebanese White Pages] *[http://www.naharnet.com Naharnet] *[http://yalibnan.com Ya Libnan] Live news from Beirut ; Government *[http://www.informs.gov.lb/EN/Main/index.asp? The Lebanese Governmental Portal for Information & Forms] *[http://www.presidency.gov.lb/ Official site of the President of the Lebanese Republic] *[http://www.lp.gov.lb/ Official site of The Lebanese Parliament] {{ar icon}}{{fr icon}} *[http://www.cas.gov.lb/ Central Administration for Statistics] *[http://www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb// Ministry of Tourism] *[http://www.isf.gov.lb/ Internal Security Forces] *[http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ The Lebanese Armed Forces] *[http://www.general-security.gov.lb/English/English.htm General-security.gov.lb] *[http://www.customs.gov.lb/customs/index.htm Lebanon Customs site] *[http://www.bdl.gov.lb/ Central Bank of Lebanon] *[http://www.bse.com.lb/ Beirut Stock Exchange] ; Non-Governmental Organizations *[http://www.democracyinlebanon.org The Center for Democracy in Lebanon] ; News *[http://www.otv.com.lb OTV] *[http://www.almanar.com.lb Al-Manar TV] *[http://www.annaharonline.com/ AnNahar newspaper] {{ar icon}} *[http://www.lorientlejour.com/ L'Orient-Le Jour] (Lebanese daily newspaper in French) {{fr icon}} *[http://www.lbcgroup.tv/lbc/en/main/ LBC] *[http://www.futuretvnetwork.com Future TV] *[http://www.libanpress.com Liban Press] (Lebanese news headlines) {{ar icon}} {{en icon}} {{fr icon}} *[http://www.liban3000.com/ Liban3000.com] *[http://yalibnan.com Ya Libnan] {{en icon}} *[http://www.nowlebanon.com NOW Lebanon] {{ar icon}}{{en icon}} *[http://www.un.org/news/dh/docs/mehlisreport/ United Nations - Mehlis Report] official report of the investigation into Rafiq al-Hariri's assassination {{col-break}} ; Culture and education *[http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/lb UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon] *[http://www.albustanfestival.com/ Al-Bustan Festival, Beit Meri] *[http://www.baalbeck.org.lb/ Baalbek Festival] *[http://www.beiteddine.org/ Beiteddine Festival] *[http://www.tyrefestival.com/ Tyre Festival] *[http://www.byblosfestival.org/ Byblos Festival] *[http://www.lcnj.com/ Lebanese Cultural Journal] *[http://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com The National Museum of Beirut] ; Festivals *[http://www.baalbeck.org.lb Baalbeck] *[http://www.beiteddine.org Beiteddine] *[http://www.byblosfestival.org Byblos] *[http://www.tyrefestival.com Tyre] ; General information *[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html Lebanon] at [[The World Factbook]] *[http://www.libanvote.com/eventshandler/libanvote/lebanese9296/ LibanVote] (comprehensive electoral database) *[http://www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/c2414.htm US State Department - ''Lebanon''] includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports ; Travel and Tourism *{{wikitravel}} *[http://www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb Ministry of Tourism] - Official website of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism *[http://www.lebanontravel.webs.com/ Guide of Lebanon] - General Guide of Lebanon *[http://www.lebanontravel.webs.com/ Travel Agency in Lebanon] *[http://tyros.leb.net/ Lebanon, the Cedars' Land] - Clickable Maps of Lebanon in 7 Languages with famous historic and touristic cities. {{col-end}} <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})=============================== | PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS IN ADDING MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. 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