Despite the threats of violence due to civil wars happening in Lebanon, this country could still offer a tourist spot worth your visit. It has a very rich history because of the diverse ethnic groups populating the area. Lebanon was known to have the greatest number of population during old ages and up to now, their population is exponentially increasing, which made the country as one of the most populated places in the world. What you could see in this place are actually the ancient structures of buildings like mosques, churches, and synagogues. Beirut as the capital is a vibrant city, offers nightlife experience and more adventures, especially for tourists.
Important and Interesting Facts About Lebanon
- Beirut, Labanon is the 10th most popular shopping destination in the world.
- Lebanon is one of the most populated countries in its archaeological sites in the world.
- Lebanon is the only Arab and Asian country that has absolutely no desert.
- Israel and Lebanon share their seas; they are literally separated by a giant cable. The Israeli and Lebanese parts of the ocean can be seen from an Israeli geologic formation – the Rosh Hanikra. These caves are amazing rock formations in Israeli territory. Train tunnels made years ago for transportation between the countries and now inactive can be seen in the outside of the caves. Lebanon is “just around the corner” of Israel. Rosh Hanilkra, although Israeli territory, shows the ocean divided in two, and the military bases of Israel that prohibit civilian entry, as Lebanon is just steps away.
- One of the main exports of Lebanon is jewelry. Authentic jewelry is one of the most exported goods from Lebanon to the world, especially other Middle Eastern countries.
- Lebanon is known to have the highest gold reserve in the Middle East.
- Impressive archaeological treasures site in the Beqa’a valley. The temple of Bacchus is the best preserved ancient temple in the world. It is larger than the Parthenon. The most famous sight in Baalbeck is the Temple of Jupiter with six large columns. Baalbek is a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Jeita grotto. The caves are situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley close to Beirut, about 20 km. You could combine the visit with a visit to the zoo if you’re travelling with kids. The caves are situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley close to Beirut, about 20 km. You could combine the visit with a visit to the zoo if you’re travelling with kids.
- The Mzaar resort right above the village of Faraya is a large ski resort (top 2465m) with modern facilities and a luxurious Intercontinental hotel. It has 42 slopes and 80 kilometers of ski tracks. It’s about a 40 minutes drive from Beirut. So you could on the perfect day, swim in the morning and ski in the afternoon.
- While in Lebanon absolutely do not miss the impressive palace of Beit ed-Din, built in the 19th century over a period of 30 years by Emir Bechir II. It is a gorgeous example of the Lebanese architecture in that time. It’s only about 40 km from Beirut so it’s an easy daytrip (best combined with a visit to the village of Deir el-Qamar).
- The name Deir el-Qamar means “Monastery of the Moon”. It’s a picturesque Maronite village and also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. They might as well have added the whole Lebanon as World Heritage Site at once!
Cool, Funny, and Fun Facts About Lebanon
- The name LEBANON appears 75 times in the Old Testament.
- The name CEDAR (Lebanon’s tree) appears 75 times too in the Old Testament. King Solomon’s temple was built with Lebanon’s cedars.
- Lebanon’s Sky Bar voted number 1 night club in the world.
- Beirut was named “World Book Capital” in 2009.
- The first alphabet was created in Byblos (city in Lebanon).
- Lebanon is the country that has the most books written about it.
- The creators of Tom & Jerry are originally Lebanese. (Joseph Barbara & William Hanna)
- Egypt’s Pharaohs imported Lebanon’s cedars, marble and timber.
- In springtime, and on the same day, you can ski in the mountains and/or swim in the sea.
- The creator and the production manager of the iPod is originally Lebanese. (Tony Fadel)
- The richest man in the world comes from a Lebanese descent. (Carlos Slim, from 2010-2013)
- The Lebanese Hassan Kamel Al-Sabbah was a technological leader whose inventions in electricity had a great impact on the development of the 20th century technology and he was the first one who was working on creating electricity from sunlight.
Historical and Cultural Facts About Lebanon
- Byblos (city in Lebanon) is the oldest continuously living city in the world.
- The country’s name is known to be the oldest in the world and has remained unchanged for over 4000 years.
- The Phoenicians (Original People of Lebanon) built the 1st boat, and they were the first to sail ever. They also reached America long before Christopher Columbus did.
- The 1st law school in the world was built in Lebanon, in Downtown Beirut.
- Qurnat as Sawda’ is a very important place in Lebanon. What is so special about it? It is the highest peak of Lebanonat 3,088 meters above sea level. It has cold weather and frequent snowfall. According to medieval religious literature, Noah planted a tree in the summit of Mount Lebanon, Qurnat as Sawda.
- Traditional pottery-making is still popular in the coastal towns of Lebanon, such as Al-Minaa in the north, and Sidon in the south.
- When you are visiting someone at home, they usually offer you coffee, chocolate, candy (bonbons, in French)… beware, people tend to insist that you take at least one piece, so it is the custom that they offer it 3 times for fear that you should refuse out of shyness… so, you do not really have to take any if you do not want to; they will not be offended (as long as you accept at least one or two things they have offered you during your visit…)
- The town of Jezzine, located in the south of Lebanon, is known for its cutlery. The cutlery is made of gold, silver and other precious metals. Many have handles made of bone or ivory. Some have the shape of a firebird.
- Grass weaving is yet another ancient tradition that exists in Lebanon. People use palm leaves, agarwood (oud) and other materials to make furniture, hats, mats and baskets. Places famous for such objects are Aaakkar and Aamchit.
- Lebanese wedding can last for up to three consecutive days. The most impressive is the day of Zaffeh. Nowadays this term means wedding celebration in general. The wedding starts with two parties – one in groom’s home and one in bride’s home. With the arrival of groom to bride’s home the third party starts.
