Flag Description

three horizontal bands consisting of red (top), white (middle, double width), and red (bottom) with a green cedar tree centered in the white band; the red bands symbolize blood shed for liberation, the white band denotes peace, the snow of the mountains, and purity; the green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity

Background:Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French demarcated the region of Lebanon in 1920 and granted this area independence in 1943. Since independence the country has been marked by periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its position as a regional center for finance and trade. The country's 1975-90 civil war that resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities, was followed by years of social and political instability. Sectarianism is a key element of Lebanese political life. Neighboring Syria has long influenced Lebanon's foreign policy and internal policies, and its military occupied Lebanon from 1976 until 2005. The Lebanon-based Hizballah militia and Israel continued attacks and counterattacks against each other after Syria's withdrawal, and fought a brief war in 2006. Lebanon's borders with Syria and Israel remain unresolved.

Total Area: 10,400 sq km

Land Area:10,230 sq km

Water Area:170 sq km

Land Boundries Total:484 km

Border Countries:Israel 81 km, Syria 403 km

Coastline:225 km

Lowest Point:Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Highest Point:Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

Population:5,882,562 (July 2014 est.)

Population Growth Rate:9.37% (2014 est.)

Religion:Muslim 54% (27% Sunni, 27% Shia), Christian 40.5% (includes 21% Maronite Catholic, 8% Greek Orthodox, 5% Greek Catholic, 6.5% other Christian), Druze 5.6%, very small numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, Hindus, and Mormons

Literacy(%):0.896

Literacy(%) Male:0.934

Literacy(%) Female:86% (2007 est.)

Independence Day:22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

National Holiday:Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

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