Welcome to the land of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine – Lebanon! This small but mighty country on the Mediterranean coast is a true gem of the Middle East, offering visitors a unique blend of Arab hospitality, French influence, and Mediterranean charm. From the snow-capped mountains of the north to the golden beaches of the south, Lebanon is a country of contrasts that never fails to surprise and delight. Whether you’re a culture vulture looking to explore the ancient ruins of Byblos and Baalbek, a food lover eager to sample the country’s famous mezze and sweet pastries, or an adventure seeker ready to hit the slopes or hike the trails, Lebanon has something for everyone.
1-10 Interesting Facts About Lebanon
1. Lebanon, ranking as the third smallest country in the Middle East after Bahrain and the Palestinian Territories, stands out for its unique characteristics. Notably, it is the only country in the region without a desert.
2. Despite its compact size, Lebanon is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3. Multilingualism is a way of life here, with the majority of the population conversing in three languages. Arabic takes the lead as the official and most widely spoken language, with French following closely behind (40%–45%), and English making a respectable showing (30%).
4. Due to political sensitivity over religious affiliation, no census has been undertaken in Lebanon since 1932, making it challenging to get accurate population data.
5. 60% of Lebanese identify as Muslim and 40% as Christian.
6. Once upon a time, Lebanon basked in the moniker “Switzerland of the Middle East.” Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t just the picturesque mountains that earned it this title. Before the Lebanese Civil War, Lebanon thrived as a financial and banking hub, boasting a stable economy. Its cultural diversity and political stability further solidified its claim to being the “Switzerland of the Middle East.”
7. Lebanon wears the heavyweight title for hosting the largest number of refugees per capita globally. A staggering 1.5 million Syrian, 200,000 Palestinian, and 16,000 refugees of Ethiopian, Iraqi, Sudanese, and other origins have found refuge within its borders.
8. Surprisingly, there are more people of Lebanese descent living in Brazil than there are people currently living in Lebanon.
9. Lebanon is prominently mentioned in the Bible between 65 and 75 times, often in reference to Mount Lebanon and its renowned cedar trees.
10. In Lebanon, the country’s political system mandates that the President must be a Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shi’a.
11-20 Fun Facts About Lebanon
11. Did you know that in Lebanon, a piece of land can have two legal owners? It’s true! One person owns the land, and another owns the crops growing on it. So, if you want to be the sole owner, you’ve got to settle with both parties.
12. Here’s a quirky fact: In Lebanon, a man can make out with animals, but only if they’re of the opposite s#x. Quite an unusual rule, don’t you think?
13. However, the legal landscape has its oddities; if someone attempts suicide by jumping off a building and lands on someone’s car, it’s the car owner who faces punishment.
14. In Lebanon, it’s forbidden to raise flags other than the Lebanese one. Funny enough, this law from 1945 stems from the Lebanese Civil War, though hardly anyone pays it any mind these days.
15. On a more serious note, there used to be a jaw-dropping law that let Lebanese rap#sts off the hook if they tied the knot with their victims. Fortunately, sanity prevailed, and this peculiar law got the boot.
16. When you’re in a Lebanese home, you can’t refuse what they offer—it’s considered rude. Politeness is key, especially when you’re a guest in their homes.
17. Lebanese greetings are a bit more affectionate too. While some countries settle for one or two cheek kisses, Lebanon goes all in with three!
18. Kibbeh, a popular Lebanese dish, holds the status of the national dish. This emulsified paste of bulgur wheat and fresh lamb, seasoned with various spices, is shaped into nuggets and either stuffed into vegetables or grilled on charcoal.
19. Did you know that in Lebanon, you receive two electricity bills? And, It’s not for extra service; it’s for the state-run electricity (which may not be running) and a backup generator. Double the bills, not double the power!
20. Even more puzzling, employees at non-functional train stations in Lebanon continue to receive salaries, a situation that has persisted for decades. The German embassy even took a dig at Lebanon’s government for this in the 2020 budget law, highlighting 16 billion LBP in questionable allocations.
