The Republic of Lebanon, or Lebanon (لبنان), is a small, largely mountainous country in the Middle East, located at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south, with a narrow coastline along its western edge. The flag of Lebanon features the Lebanon Cedar in green against a wide, white stripe backdrop, with two thinner red stripes alongside.
The name Lebanon (also "Loubnan" or "Lebnan") is derived from the Aramaic word laban, meaning "white", a reference to the snow-capped Mount Lebanon.
Lebanon is demarcated to the west by the Mediterranean (Coast: 225 kilometres) and to the east by the Syro-African Depression. Lebanon borders Syria for 375 kilometres to the north and to the east and Israel for 79 kilometres to the south. The border with Israel has been approved by the United Nations (see Blue Line (Lebanon)), although a small piece of land called "Shebaa Farms" located in the Golan Heights is claimed by Lebanon but occupied by Israel, who claim that it is actually Syrian land. The UN has officially declared this region not to be Lebanese territory, but Hizbulla occasionally launches attacks against Israeli positions within it.
Lebanon has been a major crossroads of civilizations for millennia, so it is perhaps unsurprising that this small country would possess an extraordinarily rich and vibrant culture. Lebanon's wide array of ethnic and religious groups contributes to the country's rich cuisine, musical and literary traditions, and festivals. Beirut in particular has a very vibrant arts scene, with numerous performances, exhibits, fashion shows, and concerts held throughout the year in its galleries, museums, theaters, and public spaces. Lebanese society is modern, educated, and very comparable to other European societies of the Mediterranean. Despite their European resemblance, the Lebanese are proud of their Levantine heritage and have made Lebanon and in particular Beirut, the cultural centre of the Arab world. Lebanon is a member state of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. This is why most Lebanese are bilingual, speaking Arabic and French; however, English has become very popular, especially among university students. The country is not only where Christianity intermingles with Islam, but Lebanon is also the Arab gateway to Europe and the European bridge to the Arab world.
Lebanon also hosts several prestigious universities, including the American University of Beirut, the public Lebanese University, and the Université Saint-Joseph.
Several international festivals are held in Lebanon, featuring world-renowned artists and drawing crowds from Lebanon and abroad. Among the most famous are the summer festivals at Baalbeck, Beiteddine, and Byblos, where the elite and eclectic line-ups perform against the backdrop of some of Lebanon's most famous and spectacular historical sites.
Things you should know when travelling to Lebanon
There is an increased threat of terrorism in Lebanon due to heightened tensions and an ongoing political crisis. In February 2005, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was assassinated in a bomb attack, which also caused the deaths of 19 people and seriously wounded more than 200 others. The massive public protests in Beirut, Saidon, and other cities, both for and against the Syrian military presence in Lebanon, led to Syria's removal of its forces from Lebanon in April 2005.
There is a highly visible security presence throughout the country. Canadians should carry full personal documentation and obey the instructions of security personnel. Canadians of Lebanese descent who carry Lebanese papers will be treated as Lebanese nationals by security officials. Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide consular services in cases where a dual national runs into difficulty.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose a significant threat, particularly in the south. Travellers should be aware of posted landmine warnings, stay on paved roads, and avoid walking or driving cross-country.
The crime rate is moderate. Petty crime, car thefts, and residential break-ins occur. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Keep photocopies of all your documents in safe-keeping facilities.
