{Lebanon لبنان

Information• Climate: Moderate

Mediterranean

• Population: 4,822,000

• Economic System: Laissez-Faire Model

• Currency: Lebanese Pound

• Geography: Mountains, Plains, Valleys

• Languages: Lebanese Arabic, French, English

• Religions: Muslim(Shia and Sunni), Christian, Druze, Jews, Baha’is, Buddhists, and Hindus

• Government: Parliamentary Democracy

• Natural Resources: Limestone, Iron Ore, and Salt

• Major Industries: Tourism, Metal Products, Banking, Agriculture Chemicals, and Transport Equipment

• Ethnic Groups: Many, has been invaded many times

EtymologyThe country of Lebanon was referred to as Lebanon possibly as far back as 2100 BC. It is thought that the name was a reference to snow-capped Mt. Lebanon because the name originates from Semitic root “Lbn “ meaning white.

United NationsLebanon officially joined the UN on October 24th in 1945

Major Current EventsThere has been turmoil in Lebanon recently because of Hezbollah, the insurgent group setting off bombs and attacking villages near the border. Hezbollah has declared the United States as its sworn enemy and is wreaking havoc in Lebanon and on its borders due to Lebanon’s close relationship with the US. Another insurgency group that has troubled the region is ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, who have recently beheaded a Lebanese soldier sparking outrage across Lebanon. ISIS has captured close to 20 Lebanese soldiers and is holding them in an attempt to show its power and ferocity.

Famous People

Keanu Reeves

Serj Tankian

Nancy Ajram

Historical SitesThere are countless important historical sites in Lebanon including Sidon Sea Castle, Beirut National Museum, and Anjar.

Anjar

Beirut National Museum

Sidon Sea Castle

Forms of TransportationSome major forms of transportation in Lebanon are buses, Taxis, Ferris, and Trains.

Food SpecialtiesSome popular dishes in Lebanon are hummus and pita bread, tabbouleh, baklava, falafel, za’atar, and shish taouk

What I like best about Lebanon

What I really like about Lebanon is that it is a very diverse country. You can travel from the beach to a ski resort in an hour, hear people speaking three different languages in a single city block, and explore modern and historical sites all condensed together into a country 7/10ths the size of Connecticut. I would very much recommend a visit to this country (as long as it is peaceful) because it would be a great learning experience and also be a lot of fun. I hope to be able to travel there at some point in my lifetime because it seems like an amazing place.

Citation

"Lebanon." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.

"LEBANON." Lebanon Map / Geography of Lebanon / Map of Lebanon. World Atlas. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.

"Lebanon." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.