Lebanon's diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine peaks, and green fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km long and 46km wide – an area approximately the size of Cyprus or Connecticut. An ancient land, Lebanon features in the writings of Homer and in the Old Testament. Its cities were major outposts and seaports in Phoenician and Roman times, just two of the great civilizations that touched this important Middle Eastern crossroads.

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. 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 to the point that the capital Beirut became widely referred to as the "Paris of the Middle East." Immediately following the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure.

The cosmopolitan flair of modern-day Beirut, the gastronomic renown of the country's food and wine, and an educated and outward-looking population complement a country that is both traditional and progressive in outlook. For all the flavors of its storied past and rugged natural beauty, Lebanon is a well-kept secret that begs exploration.

To live in Lebanon is to dispel preconceived notions that linger from a relatively short moment in a long, vivid, and fascinating history: drink in the energetic, urbane vibe of revitalized Beirut; explore a diverse and beautiful landscape that lends itself easily to an unforgettable (and largely untrammeled) multi-sport adventure; marvel at archaeological wonders that are windows into the cradle of civilization; and simply enjoy the welcome of a people who are naturally hospitable, friendly, and gregarious.

Key notes

• a liberal political and economic environment and a free press

• a well-grounded banking system and an emerging capital market

• excellent educational and medical services, highly educated and trained human resources

• a cosmopolitan character, with English and French used in addition to Arabic

• an important archeological and cultural heritage and all-year round cultural and leisure events.

Lebanon was the homeland of the Phoenicians, a seafaring people that

spread across the Mediterranean before the rise of Cyrus the Great.
After two centuries of Persian rule, Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great attacked and burned 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, Armenian, Assyrian, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader, and Ottoman.

An interesting archaeological relic found throughout Lebanon is the hundreds of well-preserved mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine eras. Countless colorful, tiny stones form intricate images of mythological figures, religious deities, and geometric designs. The mosaic is symbolic of modern-day Lebanon, which is a country characterized by a diversity of cultures, traditions, and religions interwoven through time. It is this unique diversity which fascinates travelers.

Thanks to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Lebanon has been shaped by many civilizations throughout history. Its position as a meeting point for diverse peoples is evident in the extraordinary richness of its archaeological sites and historical monuments. From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from Roman temples to rock-cut Christian hermitages, from Crusader Castles to Mamluke mosques and Ottoman hammams, the country's historical sites are a true encyclopedia of ancient and modern world history.

Modern Lebanese society is characterized by this same cultural diversity. Most Lebanese people speak Arabic, English, and French. As you walk the streets of downtown Beirut, you will pass domed mosques and steepled churches, reflecting the country's religious and architectural legacies – Sunni, Shiia, and Druze Muslims; Maronite, Eastern Orthodox, and other Christians; and many others. Regionally, each part of the countryside has its own local flavor, with different villages preserving a different culinary, artistic, religious, or cultural traditions.

The blue sky and warm waters of the Mediterranean, the fresh air and rugged mountain peaks, and the pleasant chill of snowmelt-fed rivers make Lebanon a perfect destination for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors.

From a leisurely afternoon of snorkeling or diving on the coast to a multiple-day trek through ancient cedar forests and mountains, the compactness of the country makes it possible to explore much of Lebanon's natural beauty and the cultural diversity in a single trip.

In this country of rich biodiversity, nature-lovers will enjoy watching endangered loggerhead and green turtles come to shore for breeding along the southern coast or going on guided nature walks in the north in search of tiny orchids, medicinal plants, and colorful wildflowers.

Lebanon enjoys an essential Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and longer warm summers. The country is rain free between June and October. Visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. However, mountains are cold and snowy in winter.

Average annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm in Beirut (40 inches), but much higher in the mountains. Warm clothes are essential in the winter. Lowest temperature may be as low as -4ºC in the mountains, and 10ºC on the coast.

LOCAL TIME 

Local time in Lebanon is GMT +02 in winter and GMT +03 in summer (April to September). Winter days are short with daylight from 6 AM until 5 PM. In summer, the days are longer, from 5 am until 8 PM.

GOVERNMENT  

Lebanon is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government and a cabinet headed by a Prime Minister. Its constitution is based on the separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers, with a president elected every 6 years.

PASSPORT AND VISA   

Passports: Passports valid for 6 months are required by all except nationals of Syria arriving from their country with a valid national ID.
Visas: Visas are required by all, except for the nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE for stays of up to 3 months. Nationals of the European Community, Common Wealth, American Continent, Russia and Japan can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border. Other nationals of East Europe and Asia should contact the consulate at the Lebanese Embassy for details about how to obtain their visa. Cost: Visitor or Business visas cost 50,000 Lebanese Pounds (US $33).

TRANSPORTATION

Car rental companies provide self driven cars with or without a driver. Lebanese taxis are reasonably priced (Between 1000 and 2000 liras).

Bus service is also available to various destinations. However, don’t count on them if you have an appointment. They are not reliable. You can never know when you will get there!

Driving is the most convenient way to get around in the country. The road network is undergoing a massive reconstruction after the war. In and around Beirut, traffic jams are now a way of life. Beware of traffic lights that are rare and signs that are not always respected. Today Lebanon is saturated with cars (1.3 million), which means there is one car for every 3 persons! However, driving in the mountains is definitely fun and relaxing: fresh air and wonderful scenery.

CURRENCY AND BANKING 

Movement of currency and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or at one of the numerous money exchange shops.

The monetary unit is the Lebanese Lira (LL) or Lebanese Pound. One US Dollar is almost equal to LL 1505, depending on the exchange rate.
During the war and until recently, the whole economy was «dolarised». Still, most Lebanese calculate their transactions in US Dollars. Amazingly, the cellular phone system, privately owned, but somehow controlled by the government uses cents and dollars to charge their customers. All ski resorts accept US Dollars.

LANGUAGE  

Arabic and French are the official languages of Lebanon and commonly spoken but English is very widely spoken and used.