Lebanon

Located in the Southwestern part of Asia and the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the colorful country of Lebanon is home to approximately six million citizens and a rich, vibrant culture. The country was originally under rule of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years before being occupied by the Allied Forces. Following World War I, Lebanon was colonized by the French until they gained their independence on November 22, 1943.

The official language of the country is Arabic, although other languages such as Kurdish, English, and French are also spoken. Festivals celebrated in the country include the Mar Maron Festival, Easter, Assumption Day, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas observed by Lebanese Christians as well as Eid-I-Kebir, Ras-as-Sana, Ashura, Milad-An-Nabi, Ramadan, and Eid-al-Fitr observed by Lebanese Christians.

Tourist attractions in the country include the Temple of Bacchus an ancient ruin which once was a temple dedicated to the Roman God of wine, the Temple of Jupiter an ancient ruin which once was a temple dedicated to the Roman God of the sky, and the National Museum of Beirut which contains artifacts from the history of the country. Lebanon’s natural attractions include the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, a natural reserve located in the Chouf Mountains, and Jeita Grotto, a cave located in the central area of the country.