World Cinema Locations: A Profile of Lebanon

This month, our film club is screening a film from Lebanon. Here’s a detailed look at the country behind the movie.

Key Facts

Capital: Beirut
Area: 10,452 km²
Population: ~5.7 million (2025 est.)
Official Languages: Arabic, French, English
Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions

• Byblos: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos is a living museum of ancient ruins and vibrant culture.
• Baalbek: Known as the “City of the Sun,” Baalbek’s Roman temples are among the best-preserved in the world.
• Tyre: A historic Phoenician city with ancient ruins, including a Roman Hippodrome and picturesque seaside landscapes.
• Anjar: A unique Umayyad-era city offering a glimpse into early Islamic civilization.
• The Cedars of God: A UNESCO-listed forest of ancient cedar trees that symbolize Lebanon’s heritage.
• Jeita Grotto: A stunning limestone cave system and a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
• Qadisha Valley: A serene UNESCO-listed valley filled with ancient monasteries and hiking trails.
• Beirut: The cosmopolitan capital, often referred to as “The Paris of the Middle East,” combining vibrant nightlife, exquisite cuisine, and a rich cultural scene.
• National Museum of Beirut: Houses a collection of archaeological artifacts tracing Lebanon’s history from prehistoric times to the Ottoman era.
• Zaitunay Bay: A modern and upscale marina in Beirut, offering a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, cafes, and luxury yachts.

Timeline of History

• c. 3000 BCE: Phoenician city-states like Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon emerge as major maritime trading centers.
• 64 BC: Roman General Pompey conquers the region, incorporating it into the Roman Empire.
• 634 CE: Arab conquest brings Islam to the region, though Christian communities persist, particularly the Maronites.
• 1516: Lebanon becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, remaining under its rule for over 400 years.
• 1920: Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, France establishes the state of Greater Lebanon under a League of Nations mandate.
• 1943: Lebanon gains independence from France, establishing a unique confessional political system.
• 1975-1990: A devastating civil war tears the country apart, fueled by internal sectarian tensions and regional interventions.
• 2005: The Cedar Revolution, a series of demonstrations, leads to the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon after nearly 30 years of presence.

Culture

Lebanon’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from Phoenician, Greek, Armenian, and Arab influences, creating a unique blend of East and West.

Family ties are strong, and hospitality is deeply ingrained in their traditions. Lebanese cuisine, a highlight of Mediterranean fare, features dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kibbeh, often enjoyed during vibrant festivals celebrating music, arts, and religious heritage.

Politics

Lebanon operates as a parliamentary democratic republic under a unique system known as confessionalism, which allocates political power among its recognized religious communities. The president, prime minister, and speaker of parliament are traditionally drawn from specific religious groups, aiming to ensure representation and balance.

However, this system can also lead to political stalemates and challenges in governance.

Film Connection

Nadine Labaki’s ‘Caramel’ beautifully captures the lives of five women in a Beirut beauty salon, offering a poignant glimpse into Lebanese society and the challenges and solidarity faced by women.

The film subtly explores themes of female identity, societal expectations, and personal freedoms within a vibrant, yet often restrictive, cultural context, reflecting the ongoing journey of women in Lebanon towards greater equality and self-determination.

😜Fun Fact: Lebanon is the only country in the Middle East with no desert, boasting lush mountains, forests, and a Mediterranean coastline instead.