Lebanon is a small, mountainous country in the Middle East. After independence in 1943, Lebanon prospered as a banking, resort, and university center. It is estimated that two-thirds of the resident population are Muslim, with the rest being Christian. No census has been taken since 1932 due to political sensitivity over religious affiliation. Fighting between Christian and Muslim militias escalated into civil war from 1975 to 1991. Democracy was restored in 1992—allocating government positions based on religion. During the civil war both Israel and Syria sent troops into Lebanon. Israel withdrew its army in 2000; some 16,000 Syrian soldiers remain.

ECONOMY

Industry: banking, food processing, jewelry, cement, textiles, mineral and chemical products.
Agriculture: citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples; sheep.
Exports: foodstuffs and tobacco, textiles, chemicals, precious stones, metal products.

Text source: National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004