Lebanon

Following the capture of Syria from the Ottoman Empire by Anglo-French forces in 1918, France received a mandate over this territory and separated out a region of Lebanon in 1920. France granted this area independence in 1943. A lengthy civil war (1975-1990) devastated the country, but Lebanon has since made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater voice in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, Lebanon has conducted several successful elections, most militias have been disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have extended authority over about two-thirds of the country. Hizballah, a radical Shi'a organization listed by the US State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, retains its weapons. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Damascus justified its continued military presence in Lebanon by citing Beirut's requests and the failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if Accord. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000, however, encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The passage of UNSCR 1559 in early October 2004 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - further emboldened Lebanese groups opposed to Syria's presence in Lebanon. The assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI and 20 others in February 2005 led to massive demonstrations in Beirut against the Syrian presence ("the Cedar Revolution"). Syria finally withdrew the remainder of its military forces from Lebanon in April 2005. In May-June 2005, Lebanon held its first legislative elections since the end of the civil war free of foreign interference, handing a majority to the bloc led by Saad HARIRI, the slain prime minister's son. Hizballah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers in July 2006 leading to a 34-day conflict with Israel. UNSCR 1701, which passed in August 2006, called for the disarmament of Hizballah.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 3,925,502 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Lebanese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Lebanese

Official Language(s): Arabic

Major Languages Spoken: Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, English, French

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Lebanese Republic

Country Name (short form): Lebanon

Country Name (local long form): Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

Country Name (local short form): Lubnan

Name of Capital: Beirut

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Lebanon: Syria, Israel, Cyprus

Land Area: 10230 sq km

Water Area: 170 sq km

Comparative Area: about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Total Land Boundry: 454 km

Coastline: 225 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

International Phone Code: 961

Currency Code: Lebanese pound (LBP)

Internet Country Code: .lb

US Embassy Location: Awkar, Lebanon; (Awkar facing the Municipality)

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; PSC 815, Box 2, FPO AE 09836-0002; from US: US Embassy Beirut, 6070 Beirut Place, Washington, DC 20521-6070

Services In, and Related to Lebanon

ALS provides translation support equipped for all situations. Whether it is for personal documents, legal, or corporate needs, ALS has certified translators for more than 150 languages and dialects. All bilingual professionals are certified for interpreting languages in spoken and written form. Translations are done in a timely manner with the option of rush delivery. ALS International can also provide a free quote for many our interpreting services.