Lebanon’s political map shows the international boundaries, provincial boundaries with names, the national capital, provincial capitals, and major cities of the country.
Geography of Lebanon
Situated on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is an attractive and small country. As the country is located at the meeting point of three continents namely Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has also been the junction of various civilizations; the traces of which can be seen even today. The Map of India describes the length of Lebanese coastline as 225km long and 45km wide, hosting the 5 popular cities of Byblos, Beirut, Tripoli, Tyre, and Sidon. It is surrounded by Syria in the East and North and by Palestine in the South. The beauty of Lebanon is described by its landscape that includes the narrow ‘coastal’ plain and the 2 corresponding South/North ‘foothills’ (the foothills of Lebanon & anti-Lebanon). The lush ‘Bekaa valley’ as well as the Orontes and Litani Rivers, separate the 2 mountains and nurtures the land.
Demography of Lebanon
The total population of Lebanon as per the UN data is approx. 6,820,633 as of Aug 2020; equal to 0.09% of the overall population of the world. The country’s population density is 667/SqKm on an overall land area of 10,230SqKm. Around 78.4% of the entire population is urban in Lebanon. Life expectancy at birth is 79.27 years for both males and females; the infant mortality rate is 8.9deaths/1000 births; while the death rate under age 5 is 10.3deaths per 1000 births.
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Culture of Lebanon
Lebanon has experienced several invasions, introducing new languages and cultures in the country; Arabic, Armenian, English, and French are the primary languages spoken across the nation. Though religious diversity can be found in the country; Id Il-Jaysh is the national holiday that commemorates the achievements of the Lebanese Army. People in the country are monotheistic and religious and the majority of Lebanese belong to Christian and Muslim sects. Hence, the nation has Muslim Sunnis, Shiites, Druzes; Armenian and Greek Orthodox, and the Christian Maronites. Art and craft, especially painting is highly motivated in the country.
Best places to visit in Lebanon
The AUB (American University of Beirut)
Considered the most esteemed university across the city, AUB is highly popular amongst the visitors that visit Lebanon. The historic architects are sprinkled with a bird sanctuary; botanic gardens and a secluded beach across 61 acres of land comprising the AUB. The historical museum of Beirut is a must-see spot that houses a huge collection of significant antique items. The hospitable AUB even offers excursions to its campus; you may contact them as you plan your trip to Beirut.
Byblos
Byblos, an hour away from Beirut is one of the most amazing locations to visit in Lebanon if you love archaeology and history. This ancient city has continuously been settled since 5000 BC. Another must-visit spot in Byblos is the National Museum of Obelisks; built around 3200 to 3600 years ago, the Museum gives a dreamlike experience to the visitors.
Beirut Souks
If you want to just relax; Beirut Souks is the place you must visit. In Arabic, Souk means the market; the souks in Beirut are fully unique and exotic items inspiring visitors from across the world. The modern part of Souks sells luxury brands; however, you must certainly visit the Souk al Ahad, one of the most stimulating places to find varieties of clothes; furniture; lamps; jewelry, and many more.
The most ideal time to visit Lebanon is during December through March and April to May when the climate is milder and the scenery is extremely beautiful with the limited crowd at the archaeological spots.
