Tourism:

Lebanon has been called many things such as the "Pearl of the Middle East" and the "Switzerland of the East." Everyone from the East and the West has enjoyed living here, because of the country's natural beauty, pleasant climate, rich  culture, open social system, and active financial markets. All that was built after its independence in 1943 continued until the start of the civil war which began in mid 1975 and lasted for seventeen years. 

The war ended in the early 1990s and reconstruction began. In bringing down old buildings, the city's past was unveiled, particularly  the Phoenician wall. Otherprojects that are being rebuilt are in the North, South, Mount Lebanon, and the Bekaa valley, including roads, highways, telecommunications, water, electricity, and the preservation of the environment.

Lebanon is defined by two mountain ranges running broadly parallel from north to south, known as the Lebanon (Mount Lebanon) and the Anti-Lebanon. Mount Lebanon is the larger of the two ranges and runs 48 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast, reaching an altitude of 3,090 meters at the summit of Qornet es-Sauda. 

To the east of Sidon, the Mount Lebanon range extends into the Chouf mountains - a largely terraced, arable region - and to the south it merges into the hills of Galilee. The Anti-Lebanon marks the eastern border with Syria, and the southern continuation of the range forms Mount Hermon, which reaches 2, 814 meters at its highest point. 

The majority of Lebanon's major cities are situated along the coastal plain, wedged between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mount Lebanon range. The coastal strip, which is composed of sandy bays and rocky headlands, is well irrigated and fertilized and includes orange groves and palm trees. 

Between the two mountain ranges lies the 15 kilometer wide fertile Bekaa Valley, which in Roman times was known as the "Bread Basket of the Roman World." Lebanon's main cities are the capital Beirut (Beyrouth), Zahle, Tripoli, Sidon, Jounieh and Tyre.

There is always something entertaining to do in Lebanon. Traditional dances such as Dabbke are popular in villages and they perpetuate costumes of the distant past. Both in nightclubs and at private parties and celebrations, oriental or "Belly Dancing" is always a great attraction. Known for its nightlife, Lebanon capital is still the place to go for excellent nightclubs, discotheques.

Lebanese folklore musical shows are on always and offer the tourist a taste of the local rhythms and traditional dances in a very colorful presentation. Art galleries are scattered throughout the city and the suburbs, and know no language limitations; most emphasize contemporary Lebanese painting and sculpture.

There are many traditional Coffee Shops featuring the Nargileh (Hubbly-Bubbly) and backgammon matches. All kinds of settings can be found in Beirut, from English pubs to French side-walk cafes, most in a beautiful surrounding.

The Beirut race course, set in its pine woods, is a favorite with race goers. Only in Lebanon can you swim in the sea in winter as well as spring and an hour later ski at 1,900 meters. Lebanon is thus one of the few winter sports centers in the Middle East.

Beirut's chromatic nightlife has earned the city its reputation as the Paris of the Orient, with liberated floorshows ranging from juggling acts and sleight-of-hand to dancing bears.

Beirut's younger set packs the dimly lit, high-decibel underground discos, while the other half dance to Latin Rhythms, combos from Trinidad and the laments of Parisian chanteuses.

24 km north of Beirut, you can enjoy top international shows and luxurious gaming facilities at the Casino du Liban in Maameltein area with its several gambling rooms, 5 restaurants, and its theater which regularly feature European symphony orchestras, concerts, artists and dramatic groups.

Public transportation is available and buses go to nearly every town. Large cities have service taxis, taxis and buses. There are no trains or subways in Lebanon. Some towns have an open shopping area where no cars are allowed to drive or park. Lebanese cannot drive a car until age 18, and they have to obtain a driving license, driving schools are available. Usually, on the freeway, the speed limit is 90 km/hr (55 miles).

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