Lebanon: Difference between revisions
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==History== | ==History== | ||
In antiquity, Lebanon was the homeland of the [[Phoenicians]]. They probably first came into Lebanon from south of the area sometime around 2000 BC. The Phoenicians were known for their sailing skills and established a network of trading centers that spanned the entire Mediterranean, some of which ([[Carthage]], for instance) eventually became great powers in their own right. | |||
In about 1800 BC, Phoenicia was conquered by the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptians]]. Over the ensuing centuries, the region would be fought over by empires such as the [[Hittites]] and [[Assyrian Empire|Assyrians]]. Eventually it was conquered by the [[Persian Empire|Persians]]. In 332 BC, Lebanon, along with the rest of Persia, fell to [[Alexander the Great]]. Alexander's empire broke up after his death. In 64 BC, the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] took control of Lebanon. | |||
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
Revision as of 11:10, 18 November 2007
Lebanon is a country in the Middle East. It borders Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Its official languages are Arabic and French. Lebanon was created in its present form after World War I and administered by the French as a mandated territory until World War II. Lebanon a religiously diverse country,containing Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Maronite Christians, Druze, and various smaller religions. Lebanon went through a long civil war from the 1970's until the 1990's that was caused by differances among its religious groups and tensions between Syria and Israel. It was further damaged by a war in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah, an Islamist terrorist organization. The war ended with both sides claiming victory, and many issues in Lebanon's politics are still unresolved.
History
In antiquity, Lebanon was the homeland of the Phoenicians. They probably first came into Lebanon from south of the area sometime around 2000 BC. The Phoenicians were known for their sailing skills and established a network of trading centers that spanned the entire Mediterranean, some of which (Carthage, for instance) eventually became great powers in their own right. In about 1800 BC, Phoenicia was conquered by the Egyptians. Over the ensuing centuries, the region would be fought over by empires such as the Hittites and Assyrians. Eventually it was conquered by the Persians. In 332 BC, Lebanon, along with the rest of Persia, fell to Alexander the Great. Alexander's empire broke up after his death. In 64 BC, the Romans took control of Lebanon.
Politics
Political power in Lebanon is shared among the country's many religious groups(confessionalism). Specifically, the President is always a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister is always a Sunni, and the Speaker of Parlament is always a Shia. Additionally, all of the religions are guaranteed a fixed number of seats in the Lebanese parliament.
Culture
Section will contain information on the culture of Lebanon.
Demographics
Section will contain information about the population and population makeup of Lebanon
Economy
Section will contain information about the Lebanese economy.