Country Guide • Lebanon

Flag of Lebanon

Lebanon is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the Middle East. It is bound by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.

Official NameRepublic of Lebanon
Area10,452km² (4,036mile²)
Population3,726,000
ContinentMiddle East
Population per mile²928
Capital CityBeirut
Religions40% - Christians mainly Maronite or Greek Orthodox, Assyrian Catholic, Roman Catholic and Protestant. 60% - are either Sunni, Shiite or Druze Muslims
LanguageArabic is the official language although French and English are also spoken
GovernmentRepublic
CurrencyLebanese Pound
GDP$19.3 billion
GDP per Head$5,400
Natural ResourcesLimestone, iron ore and salt but it is also a water-surplus state in a water-deficit region
Land UseArable Land 17.5%
AgricultureApples, citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco and sheep
IndustryAgriculture, Cement, Cotton, Fertilizers, Food Processing, Oil Refining, Trade and Banking, Textiles and Tobacco Products
TourismLebanon with its Mediterranean climate is becoming a destination for sun worshippers, and the best time to come to Lebanon is the summer season from June to mid-September. Lebanon is also becoming increasingly popular as a winter sports destination. It has a number of ski resorts and the ski season runs from December to May
Natural HazardsEarthquakes, although none recently
Health RisksVaccinations are recommended for polio, tetanus and typhoid
ClimateLebanon has a Mediterranean climate with a wide variation in climatic conditions. Summers are generally hot and dry while winters are warm and moist. Temperatures and precipitation vary depending on altitude, while winters are cooler on the central plateau region and on the coast. Precipitation, in general, decreases from west to east, with most rainfall occurring in the winter months. Average annual precipitation in Beirut is 920 mm (36 inches) and average temperature ranges are from 11 to 17°C (52 to 63°F) in January to 23 to 32°C (73 to 90°F) in August
TimeGMT/UTC+2 hours
National DaysNovember 22
VisasVisas are required for Lebanon. These can be obtained for a fee from Lebanese representation. At the moment British citizens and various other countries can also obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport and at road crossings from Syria. However, as recent changes - for British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons - have shown, requirements are subject to change and so you should contact the Lebanese Embassy for up to date information. Overstaying without the proper authority is considered to be a serious matter. You may be refused permission to leave until a fine has been paid. If your passport contains Israeli stamps or you are holding a used or unused, expired or valid visa for Israel,you will be refused entry to Lebanon, even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa
British EmbassyEmbassy Details

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