Pass The Passport

Places / Asia

Lebanon

Visited

At a glance

Region
Western Asia
Capital
Beirut
Population
5.8 million (2025)
Area
10,452 km²
Languages
Arabic, French
Currency
Lebanese pound (LBP)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+961
Visited: Lebanon

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Before you go

Overview

Lebanon also called the Lebanese Republic is located in Western Asia. The country was anciently known as Phoenicians.

By 2018 it recorded a population of 6.849 million and covers an area of 10,452 km2. The capital is Beirut.

Tripoli is home to the country’s largest crusader fortress called Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles. It is the second-largest city in the country after Byblos.

Third-largest city is Sidon.

Decorative umbrellas at an outdoor café in the Gemmayze neighbourhood of Beirut, Lebanon.

History

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.

Festivals & events

Independence Day is celebrated on 22nd 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.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Run a marathon in Lebanon

Beirut Marathon

Beirut · usually November

Runs along the Corniche seafront. Check the Foreign Office advice before going.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon

0 of 7 visited. See every site I've been to.

My photos from Lebanon

October 2019 Overlanding East Africa - Oasis Overland + Extras

Beirut

Whole trip gallery
  • The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque in central Beirut.
  • Two tall limestone sea stacks, one with a natural arch, in clear turquoise Mediterranean water.
  • Colourful I love Beirut letters in front of an old stone building with a dome.
  • A large cluster of bright pink rhodochrosite crystals displayed in a dark museum case.
  • Several vivid green crystal specimens displayed on stands in a dark glass case.

Plan your trip to Lebanon

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Lebanon

None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.