Lebanon

History of Lebanon

It was part of the Ottoman Empire between 1516 and 1918.

United Nations gave authority to France to govern the country in 1920.

France ruled until 1944 when they handed over power to the Lebanese government.

Food/ culture

Lebanese culture is grounded in Arabic norms.

The major crops include wheat, barley, olives, vegetables, grapes and tobacco. The foods mainly comprise of fruits, whole grains, starches, seafood and vegetables.

Wildlife

The most common wildlife include wild cats, striped hyenas, Egyptian mongoose, jackals, least weasel, honey badger, Syrian brown bear, grey wolf, marbled polecat, jungle cat, caracal, red foxes, squirrels and porcupines.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

Independence Day is celebrated on 22^nd November as a commemoration of when the country became independent from France.

Byblos International Festival is celebrated in Byblos with an international attendance including tourists.

Al Bustan Festival has activities such as music and art performance.

Other festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Beiteddine Arts Festival, Tyre and South Festival and Baalbeck International festival.

Things to see

The country is home to a variety of historical architectural marvels such as the ancient Roman ruins, ancient castles, limestone caves, historical Churches and Mosques.

The country also has beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea with a continuous nightlife.

National Museum of Lebanon, MIM Mineral Museum and Sursok Museum in Beirut preserves the history and culture of the country.

Interesting facts

Byblos city in Mount Lebanon is one of the oldest consistently inhabited cities in the world and the country’s largest city.

Lebanese official language is Arabic; English is also a common language.

Borders

Lebanon is bordered on the north and east by Syria, on the south by Israel and the west across the Mediterranean Sea by Cyprus.