I came across this listing posted in Facebook from “The Travel Bible” website. I thought it may interest readers. Next installment will be Armenians in Lebanon. Vahe H Apelian
1. Lebanon is one of the oldest countries in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back at least 7,000 years. The cities of Byblos, Beirut, and Sidon are among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
2. The country was home to the Phoenicians, a maritime civilization that emerged in the second millennium BC. The Phoenicians were known for their seafaring skills, trade networks, and the creation of the first alphabetic writing system.
3. Lebanon is known for its cedar trees, which are a national symbol and were historically used in building temples, palaces, and ships. The Cedars of God Forest, a remnant of ancient forests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. The Lebanese flag features a cedar tree in the center, symbolizing peace, immortality, and tolerance. The red stripes represent the blood shed for liberation, and the white stripe symbolizes the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon and purity.
5. Lebanon has 18 officially recognized religious sects, making it one of the most religiously diverse countries in the Middle East. The country operates under a confessionalist political system, where power is divided among the major religious communities.
6. Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is often called the "Paris of the Middle East" because of its vibrant cultural life, historical sites, and nightlife.
7. The American University of Beirut, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Middle East.
8. Lebanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its variety and flavor, with famous dishes including hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh. Lebanon is also known for its wines, particularly those from the Bekaa Valley.
9. The Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world and is larger than the Parthenon in Athens.
10. Lebanon participated in the first-ever Olympic Games of the modern era in Athens in 1896.
11. The Jeita Grotto, a system of two separate but interconnected karstic limestone caves, is a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
12. Lebanon's location at the meeting point of three continents has made it a cultural melting pot, reflected in its architecture, language, and traditions.
13. The country has a high literacy rate, one of the highest in the Arab world.
14. Lebanon was the first Arab country to have a constitution, press, radio station, and library.
15. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lebanon was a financial hub and a tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
16. The Beirut Central District, also known as Solidere, has undergone extensive reconstruction since the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, restoring its status as a cultural and commercial center.
17. The Lebanese dialect of Arabic is known for incorporating many French words, a remnant of the French Mandate period from 1920 to 1943.
18. The Byblos port is one of the oldest ports in the world, which contributed to the spread of the Phoenician alphabet.
19. The National Museum of Beirut houses thousands of artifacts, offering a comprehensive overview of Lebanon's history from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period.
20. Lebanon's Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in the country, representing 5% of the Lebanese territory and containing 25% of the country's green area.
21. Despite its small size, Lebanon has a diverse geography that includes mountains, beaches, and fertile valleys, making it a destination for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and beachgoing.
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