| Welcome To Lebanon |
| Country Overview |
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Lebanon’s 10,452 square kilometers hug the Mediterranean with a narrow, 210-kilometer strip of coastline, which rises gently up pine-blanketed slopes to Lebanon’s legendary snow-capped mountains. From these mountain peaks, you can see the Holy Land of Palestine to the South, Syria to the North and the East and an endless expanse of blue Mediterranean to the West. Despite its small size, Lebanon is a land of diverse geography, landscape, culture and history.
Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Lebanon’s spectacular natural environment; the archaeological wonders; the cosmopolitan flair of modern-day Beirut; the gastronomic renown of the country’s food; and the distinctive personality and friendliness of the Lebanese people. Lebanon is a land that implores exploration.
Sanabel has coordinated with a local travel agency to offer conference participants various tours which highlight Lebanon’s most famous landmarks. To learn more about these specific tours and Lebanon’s tourist sites, please visit Lebanon Tours.
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| Important Facts About Lebanon |
| Weather |
The month of May is spring in Lebanon. Temperatures average between 20-25º Celsius.
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| Time Zones |
GMT + three hours in the summer season (from April to September) |
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Population |
4,200,000 citizens. Population growth rate is estimated at 1.62%. |
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| Languages |
Although Arabic is the official language, many Lebanese are fluent in English and French. A small percentage of the population (around 5%) speaks Armenian. |
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| Major Cities |
Beirut is the capital and the largest city in Lebanon. Tripoli and Jbeil (Byblos) are on the North coast. Saida (Sidon), Nabatieh and Sour (Tyre) are on the South coast. Chtaura, Zahle and Baalbeck in the East. |
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Airport |
Most international airlines operate frequent connections to Beirut International Airport from Europe, Africa and the rest of the Middle East. LeRoyal-Beirut, the site of Sanabel’s 2009 Conference, is located 15 km from the Beirut International Airport.
Taxis from the airport to Beirut typically cost US$25. Airport pick-up and drop-off can be arranged in advance through the hotel in which you plan to stay. For information on airport transportation, visit the Airport Transportation page |
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| Transportation |
Taxicabs and service (collective taxi) operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi stations at the airport, main hotels or shopping centres. Taxi travel is normally shared. Fares range from LL1,000 (US$0.66) for a service to LL5,000 (US$3.3) and LL10,000 (US$6.3) for taxicabs depending upon the distance within Beirut. Fares outside Beirut will differ from the above fares. |
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Food & Drinks |
Lebanon is well known for their mezzas, appetizers or a collection of small dishes such as hommos, tabbouleh, grape leaves, etc., as well as arak, a strong liquor distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses. There are also numerous restaurants throughout the country which offer European, American, Japanese, Taiwanese and Mexican food in addition to all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. |
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Currency |
The official currency is the Lebanese pound (called lira). 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 1,507.5 liras (Feb. 2008).
Paper denominations are as follows: 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; and 100,000 liras. Coin denominations are as follows: 50; 100; 250; and 500 liras.
Both the Lebanese pound and US dollar are widely used and equally accepted throughout Lebanon (i.e., restaurants, shops, taxis, etc.). Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, restaurants and retail outlets. |
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Voltage |
The voltage is 220 in Lebanon. If you travel to Lebanon with a device that does not accept 220 Volts, you will need a voltage converter. |
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Mobile Phone |
Participants who have the roaming options from their perspective countries can use their cell phones in Lebanon. SIM cards can be purchased at LibanPost offices at the official sales rate of $53 USD or at any cell phone shop for a higher rate ($60-100 USD). For more information on Lebanese SIM card providers, please visit one of the following sites:
• Alfa
• Mtctouch
• LibanPost
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