Lebanon

Lebanese authorities have committed in a significant programme of structural reforms in order to straighten out the country's tough economic situation. Lebanon's growth was sustained during the reconstruction period in the 1990s. It gradually crumbled between 1996 and 2000 and has revived since then. GDP growth rate was 4.9% in 2003 and 6.3% in 2004. Lebanese political situation deteriorated, following Rafik Hariri's assassination on february, 14th of 2005. In 2005, the GDP growth rates was 0%. The IMF forecasts a 3% growth in 2006. The main challenge to be faced by the government is the country's debt, given that its public debt amounts to 180% of its GDP. A plan was designed to pull the country out of the crisis, including two main parts. First, international credits with reduced rates, decided in the end of 2002 during Paris II's conference, will help the public revenue Department to lower debt servicing. Second, a privatisation programme for telecommunications, electricity and water sectors should allow the country to reduce its public debt amount. The private sector, traditionally dynamic, is experiencing a growth revival.

The agriculture sector employs 15% of the active population. Cereals (mainly wheat and barley), vegetables, potatoes, fruits and wine are the main crops. Mining natural resources are limited and are only exploited for domestic consumption. The manufacturing sector accounts for 17% of the GDP. The main industrial activity is building and civil engineering, but other activities such as jewellery and food processing are dynamics. The banking sector is successful. Services provide two thirds of the GDP. Tourism is undergoing a strong growth as a result of huge investments. Similarly, computing services (especially software) have also goods prospects, including export prospects.

Lebanon has proved its opennessto international trade by signing an Association Agreement with EU, making procedures to access WTO membership and by signing a free-trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in May 2004. Lebanon's three largest import countries are Italy, Germany and France. Its top three export partners are Switzerland, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. Lebanon mainly imports hydrocarbons, transport vehicles and capital goods.

Population

Main Cities Population Beirut   1,500,000   Tripoli   300,000   Sidon   165,000   Zahl?   125,000   Tyre   110,000   Total population (millions): 4.6 Source: World Bank 2004   Urban population: 88% Source: World Bank 2004   Average annual population growth: 1.2% Source: World Bank 2004   Surface area (km²) : 10,452 km?   Population origin Origin of the population % Of the population Arab 95 Armenian 4 Other 1 Languages Official language: Arabic. Spoken languages: French, English and Armenian Business language: French and Arabic.   Free translation tools in Lebanon : Arjeeb Free English-Arabic-English translation of texts and web pages Ectaco Free Arabic-English-Arabic dictionary Religion Religious practises : Muslims (shiites and sunni) 70% Christians (othodox, armenians, gregorians) 30% Political system Lebanon is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system, independent since 1943. The President of the Lebanese Republic, is elected for 6 years by the National Assembly, he must be a Maronite Christian. Head of State: President: General Emile Lahoud, since november 24th of 1998.   The Prime Minister who holds more and more powers, is chosen jointly by the President of the Republic and by the President of the National Assembly. He must be a Sunni Muslim. The National Assembly is composed of 128 representatives who are elected by universal suffrage for 4 years and whose seats are shared out among Christians and Muslims. The President of the National Assembly must be a Shiite Muslim. The Current national Assembly President is Nabih Berri since October the 20th 1992 and Najib Mikati since April 15, 2005 The constitution is based on the separation of executive, legislative and legal powers. Climate   Tourism Number of visitors in Lebanon 2002 2003 2004 World rank Number of visitors (1000) 956   1016   1278   n.a. Source : World Tourisme Organization, data available in November 2005   Tourist sites Anjar, Baalbek, Byblos, Tyr. As for the relief: there are 4 successive zones parallel to the shore: -The narrow coastal plain of Sahel, limited by a coast which is favorable to the establishment of ports. -The massif of the Lebanon Mount-Djebel Liban - slightly bent southward down to Galilee mountains. The rivers digged deep gorges in the mountain. -The high inland plain of Bekaa - 900 m high; it is prolonged with Akkar. -Finally the massif of Anti-Lebanon: a desert plateau reaching its highest point at 2,300 m . For more information about tourism in Lebanon , check out the following web site(s) : Lebanese Tourism Board Lebanese Ministry of Tourism Food Traditional dishes Falafel: fried balls made of dry beans and chickpeas, traditionally served hot with chopped parsley sprinkled on top; they are served with slices of tomatoes and a sesame sauce. Falafels can constitute a meal or they can be served as an appetizer in smaller portions. Tabouhl?or Tabbouleh: The famous Lebanese tabouhlé is famous for its energy-giving properties: it is a healthy salad, that you can either enjoy in a pita bread or as a side dish. Hummus bi Tahina (Arabic Countries): it is a classic of Arabic countries, a chickpeas mush spread on pita bread; it replaces the mayonnese in an oriental " sandwich "; perfectly served with chicken or shish kebab; it is also used as a "quick dip" for mixed-salad. Lahm Mishwi Mouttabal.   Food-related taboos Culinary taboos may vary with the religions of each community.