Lebanon is in the Middle East, where it borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, and Syria to the north. Lebanon shares a border with Israel.

               Lebanon consists of a narrow strip of territory, and is one of the world’s smaller sovereign states. The capital is Beirut. Lebanon has a heterogeneous society composed of numerous ethnic, religious, and kinship groups.

               Lebanon became an independent state in 1943, after gaining its sovereignty from France. Lebanon was the site of some of the oldest human settlements in the world. Lebanon has been a member of the UN since its founding.

               The currency of Lebanon is the Lebanese pound. Lebanon has a moderate Mediterranean climate. With its high literacy rate and traditional mercantile culture, Lebanon has traditionally been an important commercial hub for the Middle East. It was the first Arab country to permit private radio and TV.