Fact 1: The City that Never Sleeps
Beirut, Lebanon's capital, is often referred to as "The Paris of the Middle East." It is a vibrant city, serving as Lebanon's largest and main seaport, and it's known for its lively nightlife. It's a city that doesn't sleep, highlighted by its multitude of nightclubs, pubs, and street festivals that make it an ever-buzzing hub of activity.
Fact 2: A Nation of Most Literate People
Lebanon is known to have one of the highest literacy rates in the Arab world, estimated at 93.9% for adults, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. The Lebanese place a high value on education, boasting one of the highest gross enrollment rates in the Middle East.
Fact 3: Phenicia – The Origin of Alphabet
Phoenicia, an ancient civilization located in modern-day Lebanon, is believed to have been the birthplace of the modern alphabet. This seafaring civilization produced a simple 22-letter alphabet that was later adapted by the Greeks and Romans.
Fact 4: Ancient and Priceless Cedars of Lebanon
Lebanon is famous for its cedar trees, which are a national symbol and appear on the Lebanese flag. These ancient trees, known as the Cedars of God, are thousands of years old and are protected in a forest reserve in the mountains of Lebanon.
Fact 5: The Land of Diversity
Despite being a small country, Lebanon is home to 18 different religious sects. Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims, and Shia Muslims are the dominant groups. This diversity is reflected in the country's politics, culture, and festivals.
Fact 6: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Lebanon has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Byblos, the Roman ruins in Baalbek, the Qadisha Valley, and the 5,000-year-old Forest of the Cedars of God.
Fact 7: Lebanese Cuisine – A Gastronomic Delight
Lebanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel. Lebanon is also one of the oldest sites of wine production in the world, with vineyards in the Bekaa Valley dating back over 6,000 years.
Fact 8: The Longest Inhabited City In The World
Byblos, located on the coast of modern Lebanon, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Archaeologists have found artifacts dating back more than 7,000 years.
Fact 9: The First Law School
The world's first known law school was established in Beirut, around the 3rd century AD. This places Lebanon squarely at the forefront of legal education in the ancient world.
Fact 10: Lebanon's National Flower
The national flower of Lebanon is the Iris Sofarana. This beautiful, rare blue Iris can only be found in the mountains of Lebanon, particularly in the village of Sawfar.
Fact 11: The Phenomenal Jeita Grotto
Lebanon houses the incredible Jeita Grotto, a compound of two separate but interconnected karstic limestone caves. They have an overall length of nearly 9 kilometers, making them among the longest caves in the Middle East.
Fact 12: Lebanon at the Olympics
Lebanon made its Olympic debut in 1948 and has taken part in almost all Summer Games since then. The country has earned a total of four medals, with its first medal, a silver, won in Greco-Roman wrestling in 1952.
Fact 13: Land of White
Lebanon's name translates as "white," likely referring to the snow-capped Mount Lebanon range. The mountains are a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, making Lebanon one of the few Middle Eastern countries where you can ski.
Fact 14: The Iconic Lebanese Dabke Dance
Dabke is a traditional Lebanese dance, often performed at weddings and other joyous occasions. Participants hold hands and dance in a circular or semi-circular formation. It's a symbol of unity and tradition.
Fact 15: Home to One of the Oldest Universities
The American University of Beirut, established in 1866, is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the Middle East. It has consistently ranked among the top universities in the Arab world.
Fact 16: The Game of Tawle
Tawle, a traditional Lebanese game similar to backgammon, is a common sight in Lebanese cafes. Older men often gather to play the game, drink coffee, and socialize.
Fact 17: The Lebanese Wine History
Lebanon, with a viticulture history dating back to the Phoenicians, has long been famed for its wine production. Today, the country boasts over 40 wineries producing high-quality wines, primarily in the Bekaa Valley region.
Fact 18: Noteworthy Statues and Monuments
The iconic Raouche Rock (also known as Pigeon Rocks) and the statue of "The Lady of Lebanon" in Harissa are among Lebanon's most photographed landmarks. These sites reflect the country's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Fact 19: The Zouk Mikael International Festival
Zouk Mikael International Festival, held annually in August, hosts national and international artists and is considered one of the most significant festivals in Lebanon, contributing to the nation's reputation as a hub for music and arts in the Arab world.
Fact 20: Saluting Lebanon's Women
Lebanon became the first Arab country to have a female minister in 2004. Since then, women have begun playing an increasingly active role in Lebanon's political life, with several women holding ministerial positions and participating in the country's parliament.