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Modern states /
Lebanon
Arabic:
lubnān
Play national anthem
Search 'Lebanon'
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Status
| Independent republic, but under great control and partial occupation of Syria. Lebanon is divided into 6 governorates (muhafaza(t)).
Day of independence: November 22, 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration).
| Government
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Head of state: President Michel Sleiman.
Prime minister: Fouad Saniora. There are 37 ministeries.
Speaker of parliament: Nabih Berri.
The president of Lebanon must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the Speaker of parliament a Shi'i Muslim.
National Assembly: 128 members.
| Geography
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Inhabitants: 4.0 million (2009 estimate).
Population growth rate: 1.4%
Total area: 10,452 kmē
Density: 359 per kmē
Water: 170 km²
Border: 454 km (Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km).
Coastline: 225 km.
Highest point: Qurnat as-Sawda 3,088 m
Arable land: 17.6%
Capital: Beirut
| Human Development Index
| World rank (of 182): 83
Index (1.0 max): 0.803
Explanation
| Demography
| Ethnic groups: Arabs (Phoenicians), Armenians and others.
Languages: Arabic (official), Armenian, English.
Religions: Christianity, Sunni Islam, Shi'i Islam, Druze, Isma'ili Islam, Alawites.
| Economy
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Currency: Pounds (LBD)
1,000 Pounds=US$0.67. US$1=1,502 Pounds (Sep. 2008)
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Climate and Geography
Lebanon is one of the smallest countries of the Middle East, and the change in nature is not connected to geographical distances, but altitudes. Lebanon is historically defined from the mountains, which have provided for protection for the local population.
While some areas can be arid, the valleys between the mountains are green.
Most of the population is live along the coast, living primarily of fishing, agriculture and trade.
© Copyright 1996-2009 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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