Lebanon
is a country in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean
Sea. Lebanon's location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and
the Arabian hinterland has stated its rich history, and fashioned its
unique cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity.
The first indication of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than
7,000 years—predating recorded history. Lebanon was the historic home of
the Phoenicians, a nautical culture that prospered for nearly 2,500
years (3000–539 BC). Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after
World War I, the five provinces that comprise
present-day Lebanon were
mandated to France. The country is characterized by its calmness and
prosperity, driven by tourism, agriculture, and banking. It is
considered one of the banking capitals of Western Asia, and during its
heyday was known to some as the "Switzerland of the East" due to its
financial power and diversity. Lebanon also attracts large numbers of
tourists to the point that the capital Beirut is referred to as "Paris
of the Middle East."
An increasing number of foreign tourists pours every year into Lebanon's
resorts.
Spoken
Languages
Arabic (Lebanese dialect), French, English and Armenian
Lebanon’s
Historical Sites
There are plenty of historical places in Lebanon, which is due to the
passage of several civilization through it since it was, and still is a
major link between West and East. These places includes , among many,
Jeita Grotto, Baalbek and Anjar.