Lebanon

Middle East

Lebanon is a country in Middle East, home to 5.8 million people, with an area of 10,452 km². Its capital is Beirut.

Capital: Beirut
Population: 5.8 million
Area: 10,452 km²
Region: Middle East
Density: 555 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Lebanon · Middle East · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Lebanon is known for

Lebanon is best known for Jeita Grotto, Byblos and The National Museum of Beirut.

Lebanon is a small Middle Eastern country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south. Lebanon has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its diverse religious and ethnic communities, including Maronite Christians, Sunni and Shia Muslims, and Druze. The capital and largest city is Beirut.

Lebanon at a glance

Language: Arabic is the official language, but French and English are widely spoken
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)
Religion: Islam and Christianity are the two main religions in Lebanon, with significant populations of Sunni and Shia Muslims and Maronite Christians
National dish: Kibbeh (a mixture of ground meat, bulgur, and spices)
Climate: Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters
Main industries: Banking and finance, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing
GDP: $54 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Lebanon is considered an upper-middle-income country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 96 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Lebanon

Some of the main tourist attractions in Lebanon include:

Jeita Grotto a network of caves and underground lakes located north of Beirut that is known for its stunning natural beauty.
Byblos an ancient Phoenician city that dates back to the Bronze Age and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The National Museum of Beirut a museum that houses a collection of archaeological artifacts and art from throughout Lebanon's history.
Baalbek a Roman temple complex located in the Beqaa Valley that is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world.
Harissa a mountain village located just north of Beirut that is home to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, a major pilgrimage site.
The Beirut Souks a modern shopping district located in the heart of Beirut that offers a wide range of high-end stores and restaurants.
The Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve a protected area in the mountains of Lebanon that is home to some of the last remaining cedar forests in the country.
The Beiteddine Palace a palace complex located in the Chouf Mountains that was built by the Ottomans in the 19th century.
The Corniche a scenic coastal promenade in Beirut that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Sidon Sea Castle a medieval fortress located on an island just off the coast of the city of Sidon.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Lebanon has to offer. Despite its small size, the country has a rich history and culture, and is known for its hospitality and warm welcome to visitors.