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FROM its Mediterranean coast to its snowcapped mountains Lebanon (Lubnan in Arabic) has a unique identity in the Middle East. The country's 250km of Mediterranean coastline is packed with history, archaeology, natural beauty and a handsome population of fun-loving people whose hospitality and warmth extends the length and breadth of its mountains. |
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Overview
Lebanon's geographic position
as a crossroads linking the Mediterranean Basin with the great Asian IT Overview The telecommunication infrastructure of Lebanon was devastated during 17 years of war. Ten years of reconstruction, still underway, have improved the infrastructure considerably. The areas of fixed, mobile, terrestrial and satellite telecommunication services have seen considerable advancement since 1990. Lebanon accounts for 40% of internet traffic in the Arab world and was one of the first countries in the region to "go online". The internet has helped businesses and stimulated the economy.
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Political Environment |
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Lebanon has made progress towards rebuilding its political institutions and regaining its national sovereignty since 1991 and the end of the devastating 16-year civil war. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have conducted several successful elections, most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the country.
Hizballah retains its weapons. Syria maintains about 25,000 troops in Lebanon based mainly in North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Syria's troop deployment was legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the Ta'if Accord. Damascus justifies its continued military presence in Lebanon by citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests, and the failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if Accord. Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in May of 2000, The World Bank Report : Lebanon at a glance The US Embassy in Lebanon: Commercial Guide 2001 |
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hinterland
has conferred on it a cosmopolitan character and a multicultural legacy. At
different periods of its history, Lebanon has come under the domination of
foreign rulers, including Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans,
Arabs, Ottomans, and French. Lebanon was never subdued, the Lebanese
take pride in their culture. Lebanon's mountainous terrain has
provided it with a certain protective isolation, enabling it to survive with
an identity all its own. Its proximity to the sea has ensured that
throughout its history Lebanon has held an important position as a trading
center. This tradition of commerce began with the Phoenicians and continued
through many centuries, remaining almost unaffected by foreign rule and the
worst periods of internal strife.