Lebanon
Lebanon – the Cedar Country
Lebanon is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia,
and it is also known as the Republic of Lebanon. The country's name
comes from the territory of Mount Lebanon. Covering an area of
10,450 square kilometers, it has a population of 3.68 million, most
of whom are Arabs. Residents are Muslim and Christian. Arabic is the
official language, though French and English are also spoken. The
currency is the Lebanese pound. The capital is Beirut (Bayrut).
National Flag
The middle of the red flag is white. In the white part is the
Lebanese cedar in reference of the central government. Red
symbolizes self-sacrifice. White symbolizes peace, and the cedar
strong force on behalf of eternal purity.
History
In 2000 BC, Lebanon was Phoenician. Lebanon has been ruled by Egypt,
Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Rome. From the 7th to 16th century, it
was part of the Arab Empire. In 1517, Lebanon was occupied by the
Ottoman Empire. It become a French mandate after World War I until
its November 1943 declaration of independence, which established the
Republic of Lebanon.
Economic and Cultural Customs
Major industries include clothing, food, tobacco, wine and other
light industry. Agriculture primarily involves growing citrus
fruits, olives, vegetables, tobacco, and other cash crops. The
business and services industry accounted for over 70% of the gross
domestic product. Foreign trade occupies a very important position
in the national economy.
The cedar is a symbol of Lebanon. Across the entire country of
Lebanon, tall and straight cedar are everywhere. Phoenicians called
them "God's sacred trees." In the National Museum, the world's first
invention of the alphabet, the Phoenician hieroglyphics, is
preserved.
Angel
The famous ancient city, located in the Bekaa area by the Caliph
Walid I, it was initially construction in the 8th century AD. The
city is surrounded by four majestic buildings, a tower on both
sides, and Fei Castle protection. The city has mosques, baths,
granaries, palaces, and residences. On both sides of the street,
five meters wide, are arcades. The ancient city embodies the
architectural style of Byzantine art, which also highlights the
characteristics of Arab Art Color.
Baalbek Temple
Located 80 kilometers northeast of Beirut, Lebanon, the Baalbek
Temple has well-known monuments. In 2000 BC, the Phoenicians began
the construction of a temple dedicated to Apollo. When the Roman
Empire took over, the emperor Augustus used more than 20,000 slaves
and spent a few decades to build up the temple site, building
temples to the Phoenician god of gods, Bacchus vacas, Venus, and so
on. Although it is dilapidated, it is still the world's best
preserved Roman temple.
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