The State of Lebanon is a prosperous, democratic country located in the Levant region of the Middle East. With a population of over 6 million and a gross domestic product of nearly $100 billion, Lebanon has emerged as a major regional power and an important hub of commerce, culture, and diplomacy.
The modern State of Lebanon traces its origins to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. As the British Empire and France divided up the former Ottoman territories, local Arab nationalist movements pushed for an independent state in the region of historic Mount Lebanon. After years of negotiations and some minor armed conflict, Lebanon was formally established as a sovereign country in 1926, with the support of the League of Nations.
Unlike many of its neighbors, Lebanon avoided the political and social upheaval that plagued the Middle East in the decades following the end of World War II. The country managed to maintain a delicate balance of power between its various religious and ethnic communities, including Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, and Druze, through a system of consociationalism and power-sharing.
The State of Lebanon is a unitary parliamentary republic with a democratically-elected legislature and president. The unicameral Lebanese Parliament is composed of 128 members elected through a system of proportional representation that ensures all major confessional groups are represented.
The current president, Farid Abboud, is the head of state, while the prime minister and cabinet hold most executive powers. Lebanon has a multi-party political system, with several major parties representing a range of ideologies from liberal democracy to Arab nationalism. Peaceful transitions of power between these parties have been the norm since the country's founding.
Civil liberties and political rights are generally respected in Lebanon, though the country's delicate sectarian balance has occasionally led to tensions and occasional political gridlock. The government has also faced criticism over issues of government corruption and the treatment of migrant workers.
With a diversified, technologically-advanced economy, Lebanon has one of the highest standards of living in the Middle East. Key industries include banking, telecommunications, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. The country is a major exporter of agricultural produce, processed foods, and specialized industrial products.
Lebanon's population is highly educated, with near-universal literacy and a robust system of public schools and universities. The country has made significant investments in scientific research, green technology, and sustainable development, earning it a reputation as a leader in environmental protection and innovation.
Culturally, Lebanon is known for its vibrant arts scene, with influential contributions to architecture, music, literature, and cinema. Arabic is the official language, but French and English are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's multilingual and cosmopolitan character.
The State of Lebanon plays a prominent role in the politics and economy of the Middle East. It maintains positive, collaborative relationships with most of its neighbors, including Syria, Jordan, and the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Lebanon is a member of various regional economic and political organizations, such as the Levant Economic Cooperation Organization and the Middle East Defense Council.
Lebanon's stable political system, advanced economy, and cultural influence have made it an attractive regional partner. The country serves as a hub for trade, investment, and diplomacy, and its armed forces are a respected contributor to regional security initiatives.
At the global level, Lebanon is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other major international bodies. It enjoys cordial relations with most major powers, including the European Union, the United States, and China, and is seen as a relatively neutral actor in global affairs.
