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{{redirect|Liban}}
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{{Infobox Country
|native_name = <big>{{lang|ar|الجمهورية اللبنانية}}</big><br/>''Al-Jumhūrīyyah al-Lubnānīyyah''</br>Lebanese Republic''
|common_name = Lebanon
|image_flag = Flag of Lebanon.svg
|image_coat = Coat of Arms of Lebanon.svg
|language = [[Arabic]]
|image_map = LocationLebanon.svg
|national_anthem = [[Lebanese National Anthem|''Lebanese National Anthem'']]
|official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]
|languages_type = Other common languages
|languages = French, English, [[Armenian language|Armenian]]
|demonym = [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]]
|capital = [[Beirut]]
|latd=33 |latm=54 |latNS=N |longd=35 |longm=32 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = [[Confessionalism (politics)|Confessionalist]],<br>[[Parliamentary democracy]]
|leader_title1 = [[President of Lebanon|President]]
|leader_name1 = [[Michel Suleiman]]
|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name2 = [[Fouad Siniora]]
|leader_title3 = [[List of Speakers of the Parliament of Lebanon|Speaker of Parliament]]
|leader_name3 = [[Nabih Berri]]
|area_km2 = 10,452
|area_sq_mi = 4,035 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|area_rank = 166th
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|percent_water = 1.6
|population_estimate = 4,196,453
|population_estimate_year = February 2008
|population_estimate_rank = 125th
|population_density_km2 = 358
|population_density_sq_mi = 948 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 26th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP = $40.5 billion
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $10,400
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP = $42.27 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 84th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $11,300
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 42nd
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI = 0.772
|HDI_rank = 88th
|HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from French-administered [[League of Nations]] mandate
|established_event1 = Declared
|established_date1 = 26 November 1941
|established_event2 = Recognized
|established_date2 = 22 November 1943
|currency = [[Lebanese pound]]
|currency_code = LBP
|time_zone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
|utc_offset = +2
|time_zone_DST = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
|utc_offset_DST = +3
|cctld = [[.lb]]
|calling_code = 961
}}


'''Jessica Vale''' is a [[multimedia]] artist and musician. She was born just outside of Philadelphia to a [[Germans|German]] father and an American mother. Her single "Disco Libido" from her debut release, ''The Sex Album'', climbed the Billboard chart. Her second album is ''Brand New Disease''. A similarly-titled single is scheduled.
'''Lebanon''' ({{IPAEng|ˈlɛbənɒn}} [[Arabic]]: {{lang|ar|لبنان}} ''Lubnān''), officially the '''Republic of Lebanon'''<ref>According to the website of the Embassy of Lebanon in the U.S. and the website of the Lebanese presidency</ref> or '''Lebanese Republic'''<ref> According to U.S. government sources such as the CIA and State Department country guides</ref> ({{lang|ar|الجمهورية اللبنانية}}), is country in [[Western Asia]], on the eastern shore of the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. It is bordered by [[Syria]] to the north and east, and [[Israel]] to the south. It is close to [[Cyprus]] through the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. Due to its [[sect]]arian diversity, Lebanon evolved in 1943 a unique political system, known as [[confessionalism (politics)|confessionalism]]<!-- Could the timeframe here please be made clearer? Thanks. -->, based on a community-based [[Consociationalism|power-sharing]] mechanism.<ref>Countries Quest. Jonathan Trumbull was born here [http://www.countriesquest.com/middle_east/lebanon/government.htm "Lebanon, Government"]. Retrieved 14 December 2006.</ref> It was created when the ruling French mandatory powers expanded the borders of the former autonomous Ottoman [[Mount Lebanon]] district that was mostly populated by [[Maronite]] Christians and [[Druze]].


== Band Members ==
Lebanon is the historic home of the [[Phoenicians]], a maritime culture which flourished for more than 2,000 years (2700-450 B.C.). Following the collapse of the [[Ottoman Empire]] after [[World War I]], the five provinces that comprise present-day Lebanon were [[French Mandate of Lebanon|mandated to France]]. The country gained independence in 1943, and French troops withdrew in 1946.<ref>http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm</ref>
* Jessica Vale - Vocals
* Ivan Evangelista - Guitar
* Matthew St. Joseph - Bass
* Randy Schrager - Drums


== Biography ==
Before the [[Lebanese Civil War]] (1975-1990), the country enjoyed a period of relative calm and prosperity, driven by the tourism, agriculture, and banking sectors of the economy.<ref>U.S. Department of State. [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Background Note: Lebanon (History) August 2005"] Retrieved 2 December 2006.</ref> It is considered the banking capital of the [[Levant]] and was widely known as the "[[Switzerland]] of the East" due to its financial power and diversity. Lebanon also attracted large numbers of tourists<ref name="tourism">Anna Johnson (2006). [http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4297143.html "Lebanon: Tourism Depends on Stability"]. Retrieved 31 October 2006.</ref> to the point that the capital [[Beirut]] became widely referred to as the "[[Paris]] of the East." Immediately following the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure.<ref>Canadian International Development Agency. [http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/lebanon#3 "Lebanon: Country Profile"]. Retrieved 2 December 2006.</ref>
Based out of New York City, Jessica Vale's music can be described as dark rock. She started Explicit Records with Ivan Evangelista on 2005 and released her debut album, The Sex Album. The concept of the album is that except for Jessica's vocals, the entire album was a recording of manipulated sex sounds. She found willing couples from clubs at NYC to participate. They engineered the sound and resulted product does not sound like sex at all. The album features the [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] charting single "Disco Libido"
Before July 2006, a considerable degree of stability had been achieved throughout much of the country, Beirut's reconstruction was almost complete,<ref>Center for the Study of the Built Environment. [http://www.csbe.org/saliba/essay1.htm "Deconstructing Beirut's Reconstruction: 1990-2000"]. Retrieved 31 October 2006.</ref> and an increasing number of foreign tourists were pouring into Lebanon's resorts.<ref name="tourism"/> This was until the one month long [[2006 Lebanon War]] with Israel which caused significant civilian loss of life and serious damage to Lebanon's civil infrastructure. The conflict lasted from 12 July 2006 until a cessation of hostilities call, by the UN Security Council, went into effect on 14 August 2006.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8808.doc.htm]</ref>


Following The Sex Album, Jessica released her second album, Brand New Disease (Explicit Records) on October 16, 2007, recorded entirely in Jessica's TriBeCa studio in NYC with a full band. Jessica also drew from her extensive travels for this record. Most notably, a trip to the former [[Yugoslavia]] inspired the song, "Night in [[Sarajevo]]," where the video was also recorded.
== Etymology ==
[[Image:faraya.jpg|thumb|left|Faraya, Mount Lebanon.]]
The name Lebanon ("Lubnān" in standard Arabic; "Libnén" in the local dialect) comes from the [[Canaanite languages|Canaanite]] (and common [[West Semitic languages|West Semitic]]) root "LBN", meaning "white",<ref name="Semitic roots">{{cite web|url=http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S177.html|title=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Semitic Roots Index|accessdate=2008-06-03}}</ref> which could be regarded as a reference to the snow-capped [[Mount Lebanon]].<ref name="name-origin">Antoine Harb (2004). [http://www.cedarseed.com/air/dsharb.html "Lebanon: A Name through 4000 Years"]. Retrieved 1 November 2006.</ref> Occurrences of the name have been found in three of the twelve tablets of the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]] (2900 BC), the texts of the library of [[Ebla]] (2400 BC), and 71 times in the [[Old Testament]].<ref name="name-origin"/><ref>Christian World News. [http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/080406biblical.aspx "Lebanon Historically Linked to the Bible"]. Retrieved 21 February 2007.</ref><ref>Roger Yazbeck. [http://www.yazbeck.com/roger/lebanon/bible.html "Lebanon was mentioned 71 times in the Holy Bible..."]. Retrieved 21 February 2007.</ref> The name is recorded in [[Egyptian language|Ancient Egyptian]] as ''Rmnn'', where ''r'' stood for Canaanite ''l''.<ref>Ross, Kelley L. "The Pronunciation of Ancient Egyptian". ''The Proceedings of the Friesian School, Fourth Series''. [http://www.friesian.com/egypt.htm].</ref>


Brand New Disease, the single, also charted on [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] dance as well as the [[Deutsche Alternative Charts|DAC - German Alternative Charts.]]
==History==
{{main|History of Lebanon}}
[[Image:Ahiram sarcophag from Biblos XIII-XBC.jpg|thumb|left|Sarcophagus of [[Ahiram]], king of [[Byblos]], now in the [[National Museum of Beirut]]]]
[[Image:Tomb in Tyre (small).JPG|thumb|left|Inscription in Greek on one of the tombs found in the Roman-Byzantine necropolis in Tyre]]


Jessica is a video producer as well, she has worked on projects for artists such as [[Zodiac Mindwarp|Zodiac Mindwarp and The Love Reaction]], [[The Four Horsemen (band)|The Four Horsemen]] and [[Francis Dunnery]].
===Ancient history===
{{main|History of ancient Lebanon}}
The earliest known settlements in Lebanon date back to earlier than 5000 BC. Archaeologists have discovered in [[Byblos]], which is considered to be one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world,<ref>[http://www.middleeast.com/byblos.htm "Byblos"]. Retrieved 31 July 2007.</ref> remnants of prehistoric huts with crushed limestone floors, primitive weapons, and burial jars which are evidence of the [[Neolithic]] and [[Chalcolithic]] fishing communities who lived on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea over 7,000 years ago.[http://destinationlebanon.gov.lb/eng/Byblos/History.asp]


== Discography ==
Lebanon was the homeland of the [[Phoenicians]], a seafaring people that spread across the Mediterranean before the rise of [[Cyrus the Great]].<ref>About.com (1987).[http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_lebanonphoenicians.htm "Lebanon in Ancient Times"]. Retrieved 17 December 2006.</ref> After two centuries of Persian rule, [[Macedonia]]n ruler [[Alexander the Great]] attacked and burned [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]], the most prominent Phoenician city. Throughout the subsequent centuries leading up to recent times, the country became part of numerous succeeding empires, among them [[Persian Empire|Persian]], [[Armenian Empire|Armenian]], [[Assyrian]], [[Macedon]]ian, [[Roman Empire|Roman]], [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]], [[Arab Empire|Arab]], [[Crusader States|Crusader]], and [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]].
#'''Brand New Disease''' (October 16, 2007)<br />
#Black and Blue<br />
#Lonely Life<br />
#Exit 12<br />
#Brand New Disease<br />
#No Soul<br />
#Verses from the Rooftop<br />
#Night in Sarajevo<br />
#Time Stand Still<br />
#You Don't Wanna Know<br />
#Mirror Check<br />
#Together Alone<br />


'''The Sex Album''' (2005)<br />
===French mandate and independence===
#Intro<br />
{{main|French Mandate of Lebanon}}
#Welcome<br />
Lebanon was part of the [[Ottoman Empire]] for over 400 years, in a region known as [[Greater Syria]],<ref> U.S. Library of Congress. [http://countrystudies.us/syria/2.htm "History: Present-Day Syria"]. Retrieved 2 May 2007.</ref> (not related to the country [[Syria]]), until 1918 when the area became a part of the [[French Mandate of Syria]] following [[World War I]]. On 1 September 1920, France formed the State of Greater Lebanon as one of several ethnic enclaves within [[Syria]].<ref>Chorbishop Seely Beggiani (2005). [http://www.stmaron.org/marhist11.html "Aspects of Maronite History (Part Eleven) The twentieth century in Western Asia"]. Retrieved 24 January 2007.</ref> Lebanon was a largely [[Christian]] (mainly [[Maronite]]) enclave but also included areas containing many [[Muslims]] and [[Druzes]]. On 1 September 1926, France formed the Lebanese Republic. The Republic was afterward a separate entity from Syria but still administered under the French Mandate of Syria.
#Boy in Black<br />
Lebanon gained independence in 1943, while France was occupied by Germany.<ref>Lebanese Global Information Center. [http://www.lgic.org/en/history_lebanon1516.php "History of Lebanon"]. Retrieved 9 December 2006.</ref> General [[Henri Dentz]], the [[Vichy]] [[High Commissioner]] for Syria and Lebanon, played a major role in the independence of the nation. The Vichy authorities in 1941 allowed Germany to move aircraft and supplies through [[Syria]] to [[Iraq]] where they were used against British forces. The United Kingdom, fearing that [[Nazi Germany]] would gain full control of Lebanon and [[Syria]] by pressure on the weak Vichy government, sent its army into Syria and Lebanon.
#The One Over There is All Mine<br />
#Look Pretty<br />
#Sweet 16<br />
#Breather<br />
#Sarajevo<br />
#Disco Libido (Radio Mix)<br />
#Microphone<br />
#Exit<br />
#Boy in Black (Saphin Remix)<br />
#Disco Boy (Infinite Volume Remix)<br />
#Disco Libido (Clean Radio Mix)<br />
#Boy in Black (Clean)<br />


'''Disco Libido Remixed EP''' (2006)<br />
[[Image:Lebanese French flag.svg|thumb|The flag of [[Greater Lebanon]] (1920-1943)]]
#Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Mix)<br />
#Disco Libido (Josh Harris Remix)<br />
#Disco Boy (Infinite Volume IDM Mix)<br />
#Disco Libido (Dirty Evangelist Mix)<br />
#Disco Libido (JL Cohen Dungeon Mix)<br />
#Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Edit)<br />
#Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Dub)<br />


== External links ==
After the fighting ended in Lebanon, General [[Charles de Gaulle]] visited the area. Under various political pressures from both inside and outside Lebanon, de Gaulle decided to recognize the independence of Lebanon. On 26 November 1941 General [[Georges Catroux]] announced that Lebanon would become independent under the authority of the [[Free French]] government. Elections were held in 1943 and on 8 November 1943 the new Lebanese government unilaterally abolished the mandate. The French reacted by throwing the new government into prison. In the face of international pressure, the French released the government officials on 22 November 1943 and accepted the independence of Lebanon.
* [http://www.jessicavale.com/ Jessica Vale's Web site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/jessicavale Jessica Vale's MySpace]
* [http://www.explicit-records.com/ Explicit Records Web site]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vale, Jessica}}
The [[Allies of World War II|allies]] kept the region under control until the end of [[World War II]]. The last French troops withdrew in 1946. Lebanon's unwritten [[National Pact]] of 1943 required that its [[president]] be Christian and its [[prime minister]] be Muslim.{{Fact|date=September 2008}}


[[Category:American artists]]
Lebanon's history since independence has been marked by alternating periods of political stability and turmoil (including a [[Lebanon crisis of 1958|civil conflict in 1958]]) interspersed with prosperity built on [[Beirut|Beirut's]] position as a regional center for finance and trade.
[[Category:German-American artists]]

[[Category:People from Philadelphia]]
=== 1948 Arab-Israeli war ===
[[Category:American rock musicians]]
{{main|1948 Arab-Israeli war}}

Five years after gaining independence, Lebanon joined the Arab League, although Lebanon is considered as [[Arab]] by culture and not by race according to findings by [[the Genographic Project]] of the [[National Geographic Society]], to defend [[Palestine]] shortly after the declaration of independence of [[Israel]].<ref name=ynet/><ref name="karsh">Karsh, Efraim (2002). The Arab-Israeli Conflict. The Palestine War 1948. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1841763721, p. 27</ref> during the [[1948 Arab-Israeli War]]. It took over logistical support of the [[Arab Liberation Army]] after it found itself cut off from its bases in Syria while going on an attack on the newly-proclaimed [[Jewish State]].<ref name="karsh"/> The Lebanese army gained nothing during the war, and the Israeli army managed to conquer territory west of the Naphtali Mountains.<ref name=ynet>[http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3284170,00.html Lebanon]</ref> After the defeat of the Arab Liberation Army in [[Operation Hiram]],<ref>Avi Shlaim. [http://www.fathom.com/course/72810001/session5.html "Israel and the Arab Coalition in 1948"]. Retrieved 9 December 2006.</ref> Lebanon accepted an [[armistice]] with Israel on 23 March 1949 and the conquered territory was returned. During the war, about 100,000 [[Palestinian refugees]] fled to Lebanon.

=== Civil war and beyond ===
{{main|Lebanese civil war}}
{{see also|1982 Lebanon War}}
{{see also|List of attacks in Lebanon}}

In 1975, civil war broke out in Lebanon. The [[Lebanese Civil War]] lasted fifteen years, devastating the country's economy, and resulting in the massive loss of human life and property. It is estimated that 150,000 people were killed and another 200,000 maimed.<ref>''Time'' (1991). [http://www.cedarland.org/time.html#9 "After the War, the Mop-Up"]. Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref> The war ended in 1990 with the signing of the [[Taif Agreement]] and parts of Lebanon were left in ruins.<ref>Council on Foreign Relations (2006). [http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20061101faessay85602/paul-salem/the-future-of-lebanon.html "The Future of Lebanon"]. Retrieved 18 December 2006.</ref>

During the civil war, the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) used Lebanon to launch attacks against Israel. Lebanon was twice invaded and occupied by the [[Israel Defense Forces]] (IDF) in 1978 and 1982,<ref>People's Daily (2000). [http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200008/10/eng20000810_47889.html "Lebanese Troops Patrol Near Fatma Gate Along Border With Israel"]. Retrieved 18 December 2006.</ref> with the PLO expelled in the second invasion. Israel remained in control of Southern Lebanon until 2000, when there was a general decision, led by Israeli Prime Minister [[Ehud Barak]], to withdraw due to continuous guerrilla attacks executed by [[Hezbollah]] militants and a belief that Hezbollah activity would diminish and dissolve without the Israeli presence.<ref>Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2000).[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Speeches+by+Israeli+leaders/2000/Withdrawal+from+Lebanon-+Press+Briefing+by+FM+Levy.htm "Withdrawal from Lebanon: Press Briefing by Foreign Minister David Levy"]. Retrieved 1 November 2006.</ref> The UN determined that the withdrawal of Israeli troops beyond the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|blue line]] was in accordance with [[UN Security Council Resolution 425]], although a border region called the [[Shebaa Farms]] is still disputed. [[Hezbollah]] declared that it would not stop its operations against Israel until this area was liberated.<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=11545 The key to Shebaa], [[Al-Jazeera]] online, Retrieved 1 April 2007. </ref><!-- Commenting these out until we can get some clarification – Neither reference says anything about the previous statement. [http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=214&ar=1150wmv&ak=null][http://switch3.castup.net/cunet/gm.asp?ai=214&ar=684wmv&ak=null]-->

===Recent history===
On 14 February 2005, former Prime Minister [[Rafik Hariri]] was assassinated in a [[car bomb]] explosion near the [[Saint George Bay]] in Beirut.<ref>Hariri.info (2005). [http://www.hariri.info/ "Rafik Hariri"]. Retrieved 10 December 2006.</ref> Leaders of the [[March 14 Alliance]] accused [[Syria]] of the attack<ref name="Syria-assassin">CBC News Indepth (2006). [http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/lebanon/lebanon_syria.html "Recent background on Syria's presence in Lebanon"]. Retrieved 10 December 2006.</ref> due to its extensive military and intelligence presence in Lebanon, and the public rift between Hariri and [[Damascus]] over the Syrian-backed constitutional amendment extending pro-Syrian President [[Émile Lahoud|Lahoud's]] term in office. Others, namely the [[March 8 Alliance]] and Syrian officials, claimed that the assassination may have been executed by the Israeli [[Mossad]] in an attempt to destabilize the country.<ref> See [http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=ia&ID=IA21005 this MEMRI bulletin], includes several statements and sources.</ref>

This incident triggered a series of demonstrations, known as [[Cedar Revolution]], that demanded the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and the establishment of an international commission to investigate the assassination. The [[United Nations Security Council]] unanimously adopted Resolution 1595 on 7 April 2005, which called for an investigation into the assassination of Rafik Hariri.<ref>[http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8353.doc.htm "United Nations Security Council Resolution 1595 (2005)"].</ref> The findings of the investigation were officially published on 20 October 2005 in the [[Mehlis report]].<ref>[[United Nations Security Council]] (2005). [http://domino.un.org/UNISPAl.NSF/fd807e46661e3689852570d00069e918/308be5d60f79289b852570a5005d0d00!OpenDocument "Letter dated 20 October 2005 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council"]. Retrieved 2 November 2006.</ref> Eventually, and under pressure from the West, Syria began withdrawing its 15,000-strong army troops from Lebanon.<ref>BBC News (2005). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4342705.stm "Syria begins Lebanon withdrawal"]. Retrieved 11 December 2006.</ref> By 26 April 2005, all uniformed Syrian soldiers had already crossed the border back to Syria.<ref>CNN (2005). [http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/26/lebanon/ "Last Syrian troops leave Lebanon"]. Retrieved 11 December 2006.</ref> The Hariri assassination marked the beginning of a series of assassination attempts that led to the loss of many prominent Lebanese figures.

Economic progress was halted on 12 July 2006, when the conflict, known in Lebanon as the [[July War]] began. [[Hezbollah]] captured two Israeli soldiers ([[Ehud Goldwasser]] and [[Eldad Regev]]) during a diversionary rocket attack. In response to the detentions of the two men the IDF attacked Lebanon with intense airstrikes and artillery fire alongside ground incursions by Israeli forces. The month long conflict caused significant civilian loss of life and serious damage to Lebanon's civil infrastructure (including Beirut's airport). The conflict lasted from 12 July 2006 until 14 August when the United Nations Security Council issued resolution 1701 ordering Israeli to cease hostilities.<ref>http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8808.doc.htm Un Security Council Resolution 1701 </ref> the country's economy is still struggling to recover.

In October 2007, [[Émile Lahoud]] finished his second term as president. The opposition conditioned its vote for a successor on a power-sharing deal, thus leaving the country without a president for over 6 months.

On 9 May 2008, [[Hezbollah]] and [[Amal]] militants, [[2008 conflict in Lebanon|in an armed attack]] triggered by a government decision on [[Hezbollah]]'s communications network, temporarily took over Western [[Beirut]].[http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/09/beirut.violence/index.html?eref=rss_latest] The situation was described by the government as an attempted coup and led many to fear the country was on the brink of [[civil war]].<ref>[http://www.tni.org/docs/200809111337472070.pdf? Walking the tight wire - Conversations on the May 2008 Lebanese crisis]</ref>

On 21 May 2008, all major Lebanese parties signed an accord to elect [[Michel Suleiman]] as President, to form a national unity government with 11 out of 30 seats for the opposition, thus enabling it to veto decisions, and to adopt a new electoral law, based on the 1960 law with amendments for the three Beirut constituencies. The deal was brokered by an [[Arab League]] delegation, headed by the Emir and Foreign Minister of [[Qatar]] and the Secretary General of the [[Arab League]], after five days of intense negotiations in [[Doha]]. Suleiman was officially elected president on 25 May 2008.

==Government and politics==
{{main|Politics of Lebanon}}

[[Image:BeirutParliament.jpg|thumb|right|The Lebanese [[Lebanese parliament|parliament]] building at the Place de l'Étoile]]

Lebanon is a [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[democratic]] [[republic]], which implements a special system known as [[confessionalism (politics)|confessionalism]].<ref>Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2002). [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18281.htm "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002: Lebanon"]. Retrieved 3 January 2007.</ref> This system is intended to ensure that sectarian conflict is kept at bay and attempts to fairly represent the demographic distribution of the 18 recognized religious groups in the governing body.<ref>Lijphart, Arend. ''Consociational Democracy'', in "World Politics", Vol. 21, No. 2 (January 1969), pp. 207-225.</ref><ref>Lijphart, Arend. ''Multiethnic democracy'', in S. Lipset (ed.), "The Encyclopedia of Democracy". London, Routledge, 1995, Volume III, pp. 853-865.</ref> As such, high-ranking offices are reserved for members of specific religious groups. The [[President of Lebanon|President]], for example, has to be a [[Maronite]] Catholic Christian, the [[Prime Minister of Lebanon|Prime Minister]] a [[Sunni Muslim]] and the [[Speaker of the Parliament of Lebanon|Speaker of the Parliament]] a [[Shi’a Muslim]].<ref name="confessional">United States Institute of Peace (March 2006). [http://www.usip.org/pubs/usipeace_briefings/2006/0330_lebanon_confessionalism.html "Lebanon's Confessionalism: Problems and Prospects"]. Retrieved 3 January 2007.</ref><ref>Marie-Joëlle Zahar. [http://www.prio.no/files/file46602_zahar_-_power_sharing_in_lebanon.doc "CHAPTER 9 POWER SHARING IN LEBANON: FOREIGN PROTECTORS, DOMESTIC PEACE, AND DEMOCRATIC FAILURE1"]. (DOC) Retrieved 3 January 2007.</ref>

Lebanon's national legislature is the [[unicameral]] [[Parliament of Lebanon]]. Its 128 seats are [[Reserved political positions|divided]] equally between Muslims and Christians, proportionately between the different denominations and proportionately between regions.<ref>{{cite web |url=unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan023179.pdf |title=Lebanon Public Administration Profile|accessdate=2008-09-11 |format=PDF |work=Division for Public Administration and Development Management, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations|month=October | year=2004}}</ref> Prior to 1990, the ratio stood at 6:5 in favor of Christians; however, the [[Taif Accord]], which put an end to the 1975-1990 civil war, adjusted the ratio to grant equal representation to followers of the two religions.<ref name="confessional" /> The Parliament is elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage although the civil war precluded the exercise of this right.

[[Image:Serail Hill.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Grand Serail]], the government headquarters in downtown Beirut]]

The executive branch constitute of the President, the [[head of state]], and the Prime Minister, the [[head of government]]. The parliament elects the president for a non-renewable six-year term by a two-third majority. The president appoints the Prime Minister.<ref>Lebanon2000.com. [http://www.lebanon2000.com/Factbook.htm "Factbook - Lebanon"]. Retrieved 3 January 2006.</ref> Following consultations with the parliament and the President, the Prime Minister forms the [[Cabinet]], which must also adhere to the sectarian distribution set out by confessionalism.

Lebanon's judicial system is a mixture of [[Ottoman law]], [[Napoleonic code]], [[canon law]] and [[civil law]]. The Lebanese court system consists of three levels: courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and the [[court of cassation]]. The [[Constitutional Council]] rules on constitutionality of laws and electoral frauds. There also is a system of religious courts having jurisdiction over personal status matters within their own communities, with rules on matters such as marriage and inheritance.

==Foreign Relations==
{{main|Foreign relations of Lebanon}}
Lebanon concluded negotiations on an association agreement with the [[European Union]] in late 2001, and both sides initialed the accord in January 2002. Lebanon also has bilateral trade agreements with several Arab states and is working toward accession to the [[World Trade Organization]]. Aside from Syria, Lebanon enjoys good relations with virtually all of the other Arab countries (despite historic tensions with Libya, the Palestinians, and Iraq), and hosted an [[Arab League]] Summit in March 2002 for the first time in more than 35 years. Lebanon is a member of the [[Francophone]] countries and hosted the Francophone Summit in October 2002.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm Lebanon (11/07)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== Governorates and districts ==
{{main|Governorates of Lebanon|Districts of Lebanon|Municipalities of Lebanon}}
Lebanon is divided into six [[governorate]]s (''mohaafazaat'', [[Arabic language|Arabic:]] محافظات &mdash;singular ''[[mohafazah]]'', [[Arabic language|Arabic:]] محافظة) which are further subdivided into twenty-five districts (''aqdya''&mdash;singular: ''[[qadaa]]'').<ref>USAID Lebanon. [http://lebanon.usaid.gov/(jakkco45gisweaychxvyoq55)/files/activities.aspx "USAID Lebanon&mdash;Definitions of Terms used"]. Retrieved 17 December 2006.</ref> The districts themselves are also divided into several municipalities, each enclosing a group of cities or villages. The governorates and their respective districts are listed below:
{{Lebanon Labelled Map|float=right}}
<table cellpadding="10px">
<td valign="top">'''[[Beirut Governorate]]
''The Beirut Governorate is not divided into districts and is limited to the city of [[Beirut]].''
</td>
<td valign="top">'''[[Nabatiyeh Governorate]]''' (''Jabal Amel'') - 4 districts
*[[Bint Jbeil District|Bint Jbeil]]
*[[Hasbaya District|Hasbaya]]
*[[Marjeyoun District|Marjeyoun]]
*[[Nabatieh District|Nabatieh]]
</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">'''[[Beqaa Governorate]]''' - 5 districts
*[[Baalbek District|Baalbek]]
*[[Hermel District|Hermel]]
*[[Rashaya District|Rashaya]]
*[[Western Beqaa District|Western Beqaa]] (''al-Beqaa al-Gharbi'')
*[[Zahle District|Zahle]]
</td><td valign="top">'''[[North Governorate]]''' (''al-Shamal'') - 7 districts
*[[Akkar District|Akkar]]
*[[Batroun District|Batroun]]
*[[Bsharri District|Bsharri]]
*[[Koura District|Koura]]
*[[Miniyeh-Danniyeh District|Miniyeh-Danniyeh]]
*[[Tripoli District|Tripoli]]
*[[Zgharta District|Zgharta]]
</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">'''[[Mount Lebanon Governorate]]''' (''Jabal Lubnan'') - 6 districts
*[[Aley District|Aley]]
*[[Baabda District|Baabda]]
*[[Byblos]] (''Jbeil'')
*[[Chouf District|Chouf]]
*[[Kesrwan District|Kesrwan]]
*[[Matn District|Matn]]
</td><td valign="top">'''[[South Governorate]]''' (''al-Janoub'') - 3 districts
*[[Jezzine District|Jezzine]]
*[[Sidon District|Sidon]] (''Saida'')
*[[Tyre District|Tyre]] (''Sur'')
</td></tr></table>

==Geography and climate==
{{main|Geography of Lebanon}}
[[Image:Satellite image of Lebanon in March 2002.jpg|thumb|Lebanon from space. Snow cover can be seen on the [[Lebanon Mountains|western]] and [[Anti-Lebanon Mountains|eastern]] mountain ranges]]

Lebanon is located in [[Western Asia]]. It is bordered by the [[Mediterranean Sea]] to the west along a {{convert|225|km|sing=on}} coastline, by [[Syria]] to the east and north, and by [[Israel]] to the south. The Lebanon-Syria border stretches for {{convert|375|km}} and the Lebanon-Israel border for {{convert|79|km}}. The border with the Israeli-occupied [[Golan Heights]] in Syria is disputed by Lebanon in a small area called [[Shebaa Farms]], but the [[Blue Line (Lebanon)|border]] has been demarcated by the [[United Nations]].<ref>Telegraph (2000) [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2000/06/19/wleb19.xml "Israel's Withdrawal from Lebanon Given UN's Endorsement"]. Retrieved 1 November 2006.</ref>

Most of Lebanon's area is mountainous terrain,<ref>Encyclopædia Britannica. [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9108463/Lebanon "Lebanon"]. Retrieved 10 December 2006.</ref> except for the narrow coastline and the [[Beqaa]] Valley, which plays an integral role in Lebanon's agriculture.

Lebanon has a moderate [[Mediterranean climate]]. In coastal areas, winters are generally cool and rainy whilst summers are hot and humid. In more elevated areas, temperatures usually drop below freezing during the winter with frequent, sometimes heavy snow; summers are warm and dry.<ref>(Bonechi et al.) (2004) ''Golden Book Lebanon'', p. 3, Florence, Italy: Casa Editrice Bonechi. ISBN 88-476-1489-9</ref> Although most of Lebanon receives a relatively large amount of rainfall annually (compared to its arid surroundings), certain areas in north-eastern Lebanon receive little due to the high peaks of the western mountain front blocking much of the rain clouds that originate over the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>Country Studies US. [http://countrystudies.us/lebanon/31.htm "Lebanon - Climate"]. Retrieved 5 November 2006.</ref>

In ancient times, Lebanon housed large forests of the [[Lebanon cedar|Cedars of Lebanon]], which now serve as the country's national emblem.<ref name="cedar">Blue Planet Biomes. [http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/lebanon_cedar.htm "Lebanon Cedar - Cedrus libani"]. Retrieved 10 December 2006.</ref> However, centuries of trading cedar trees, used by mariners for boats, and the absence of any efforts to replant them have depleted the country's once-flourishing cedar forests.<ref name="cedar" />

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Lebanon}}
{{Economy of Lebanon}}
The urban population in Lebanon is noted for its commercial enterprise.<ref> U.S. Department of State (1994) [http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/bgnotes/nea/lebanon9401.html Header: People, 4th paragraph]. Retrieved 3 December 2006.</ref> Over the course of time, emigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world.<ref>Background Note: Lebanon [http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/documents/41e1aa0d7d676.pdf "www.washingtoninstitute.org"] Retrieved 3 December 2006.</ref> Lebanon has a high proportion of skilled labor comparable to most European nations and the highest among Arabic speaking countries.<ref>[[United Nations Population Fund]].[http://www.unfpa.org/profile/lebanon.cfm?Section=1 "Lebanon - Overview"]. Retrieved 9 November 2006.</ref>

Although Lebanon is ideally suited for [[agriculture|agricultural]] activities in terms of water availability and [[fertility (soil)|soil fertility]], as it possesses the highest proportion of cultivable land in the Arabic speaking world,<ref name="agriculture>Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress, U.S.A. 1986-1988. [http://countrystudies.us/lebanon/71.htm]. Retrieved 2 December 2006.</ref> it does not have a large agricultural sector. Attracting a mere 12% of the total [[workforce]],<ref name="workforce">Jean Hayek et al, 1999. The Structure, Properties, and Main Foundations of the Lebanese Economy. In ''The Scientific Series in Geography, Grade 11'', 110-114. Beirut: Dar Habib.</ref> agriculture is the least popular economic sector in Lebanon. It contributes approximately 11.7% of the country's [[GDP]], also placing it in the lowest rank compared to other economic sectors. Major produce includes apples, peaches, oranges, and lemons.<ref name="GDP">[[US Department of State]] (2005). [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Lebanon"]. Retrieved 1 November 2006.</ref>

Lebanon's lack of [[material|raw materials]] for [[Secondary sector of industry|industry]] and its complete dependency on Arab countries for [[oil]] have made it difficult for the Lebanese to engage in significant [[manufacturing|industrial activity]]. As such, industry in Lebanon is mainly limited to small businesses concerned with reassembling and packaging imported parts. In 2004, industry ranked second in workforce, with 26% of the Lebanese working population,<ref name="workforce"/> and second in GDP contribution, with 21% of Lebanon's GDP.<ref name="GDP"/>

[[Image:2006 Kadisha Valley.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Kadisha Valley]] is a [[World Heritage Sites|World Heritage Site]]]]

A combination of beautiful climate, many historic landmarks and [[World Heritage Sites]] continues to attract large numbers of tourists to Lebanon annually, in spite of its political instability. In addition, Lebanon's strict [[bank secrecy|financial secrecy]] and [[capitalism|capitalist]] economy&mdash;unique in its area&mdash;have given it significant economic status among Arab countries. The thriving [[tourism]] and banking activities have naturally made the services sector the most important pillar of the Lebanese economy. The majority of the Lebanese workforce (nearly 65%)<ref name="workforce"/> take employment in the services sector as a result of abundant job opportunities and large paychecks. The GDP contribution, accordingly, is very large and amounts to roughly 67.3% of the annual Lebanese GDP.<ref name="GDP"/>

The economy's dependence on services has always been an issue of great criticism and concern,{{Fact|date=September 2008}} as it leaves the country subject to the instability of this sector and the vagaries of [[international trade]].

The 1975-1990 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic [[infrastructure]], cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a [[West Asia]]n [[entrepôt]] and [[bank]]ing hub.<ref name="cia" /> The subsequent period of relative peace enabled the central government to restore control in [[Beirut]], begin collecting taxes, and regain access to key port and government facilities. Economic recovery has been helped by a financially sound [[banking]] system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers, with family remittances, banking services, manufactured and farm [[export]]s, and international aid as the main sources of foreign exchange.<ref name="cia2001">[http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/reference/2001WorldFactbook/LEBANON.PDF ''CIA World Factbook 2001'']. Retrieved [[2006]]-[[12-04]].</ref>

Until the [[2006 Lebanon War]], Lebanon's economy witnessed excellent growth, with bank assets reaching over 75 billion US dollars.<ref name="economy-stat">Bank Audi (2006). [http://www.audi.com.lb/geteconomy/quarterly/lebanon.pdf "Lebanon Economic Report: 2nd Quarter, 2006"]. Retrieved 27 November 2005.</ref> By the end of the first half of 2006, the influx of tourists to Lebanon had already registered a 49.3% increase over 2005 figures.<ref name="economy-stat" /> Market [[capitalization]] was also at an all time high, estimated at $10.9 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2006, just weeks before the fighting started.<ref name="economy-stat">placeholder</ref>

The war severely damaged Lebanon's fragile economy, especially the tourism sector. According to a preliminary report published by the Lebanese [[Ministry of Finance]] on 30 August 2006, a major economic decline was expected as a result of the fighting.<ref>Lebanese Ministry of Finance (2006).[http://www.lebanonundersiege.gov.lb/documents/ImpactonfinanceReport-Englishversion-06.pdf "Impact of the July Offensive on the Public Finances in 2006"]. Retrieved 24 September 2006.</ref>

Beirut's airport, [[Rafiq Hariri]] International Airport, re-opened in September 2006 and the efforts to revive the Lebanese economy have since been proceeding at a slow pace. Major contributors to the reconstruction of Lebanon include [[Saudi Arabia]] (with US$ 1.5 billion pledged),<ref>Cyprus News (2006). [http://www.cynews.com/news/7005070415/ "Saudi Arabia Key Contributor To Lebanon's Reconstruction"]. Retrieved 26 November 2006.</ref> the [[European Union]] (with about $1 billion)<ref>Lebanon Under Siege (2006). [http://www.lebanonundersiege.gov.lb/english/f/eNews/NewsArticle.asp?CNewsID=261 "Donors pledge more than $940 million for Lebanon"]. Retrieved 26 November 2006.</ref> and a few other Gulf countries with contributions of up to $800 million.<ref>Ain-Al-Yaqeen (2006). [http://www.ain-al-yaqeen.com/issues/20060825/feat2en.htm "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Reviews with the Jordanian King the Situation in Lebanon..."]. Retrieved 27 November 2006.</ref>

==Education==
{{main|Education in Lebanon}}
===Schools===
All Lebanese schools are required to follow a prescribed curriculum designed by the Ministry of Education. Private schools, approximately 1,400 in all,<ref>Samidoun (2006). [http://www.samidoun.org/?q=node/812 "Aid groups scramble to fix buildings, fill backpacks before school bell rings"]. Retrieved 9 December 2006.</ref> may also add more courses to their curriculum with approval from the Ministry of Education. The main subjects taught are mathematics, sciences, history, civics, geography, Arabic, and at least one secondary language (either French or English). The subjects gradually increase in difficulty and in number. Students in Grade 11, for example, study up to eighteen different subjects.

The government introduces a mild form of selectivity into the curriculum by giving 11<sup>th</sup> graders choice between two "concentrations": sciences, humanities, and 12<sup>th</sup> graders choose between four concentrations: life sciences, general sciences, sociology and economics, and humanities and literature. The choices in concentration do not include major changes in the number of subjects taken (if at all). However, subjects that fall out of the concentration are given less weight in grading and are less rigorous, while subjects that fall within the concentration are more challenging and contribute significantly to the final grade.

Students go through three academic phases:

* [[Elementary education|Elementary]]: Six years.
* Intermediate: Three years; students earn Intermediate Certification (Lebanese ''Brevet'') at completion.
* [[Secondary education|Secondary]]: three years, students who pass official exams earn a Baccalaureate Certificate (''Baccalauréat Libanais'') in the concentration they chose in 12th grade. Students studying at French-system schools may also graduate with a French Baccalaureate that is considered equivalent to the Lebanese Baccalaureate.

These three phases are provided free to all students and the first eight years are, by law, compulsory.<ref>US Department of State (2005). [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35833.htm "Lebanon"]. Retrieved 15 December 2006.</ref> Nevertheless, this requirement currently falls short of being fully enforced.

===Higher education===
Following secondary school, Lebanese students may choose to study at a university, a college, or a vocational training institute. The number of years to complete each program varies. While the Lebanese educational system offer a very high quality and international class of education, the local employment market lacks of enough opportunities, thus encouraging many of the young educated to travel abroad.

Lebanon has forty-one nationally-accredited universities, several of which are internationally recognized.<ref>Infopro Management. [http://www.opportunities.com.lb/Lebanon/bhb/initdoc.asp?catId=21 "Lebanon Opportunities - Business Information"]. Retrieved 30 January 2007.</ref><ref>{{ar icon}}Lebanese Directory of Higher Education. [http://www.higher-edu.gov.lb/Marasim.html "Decrees"]. Retrieved 30 January 2007.</ref> The [[American University of Beirut]] (AUB) and the [[Université Saint-Joseph]] (USJ) were the first Anglophone and the first Francophone universities to open in Lebanon, respectively.<ref>eIFL.net Regional Workshop (2005). [http://www.eifl.net/docs/collaborative_management_of_electronic_resources.ppt "Country Report: Lebanon"]. Retrieved 14 December 2006.</ref><ref>Université Saint-Joseph. [http://www.usj.edu.lb/english/history.php "125 years of history - A timeline"]. Retrieved 8 December 2006.</ref> The universities, both public and private, largely operate in French or English.<ref>Yalla!. [http://yalla10.yalla.com.lb/students/abroad/english/lebanon.html "Yalla! Students"]. Retrieved 15 December 2006.</ref>

At the English universities, students who have graduated from an American-style high school program enter at the [[freshman]] level to earn their baccalaureate equivalence from the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education. This qualifies them to continue studying at the higher levels. Such students are required to have already taken the [[SAT I]] and the [[SAT II]] upon applying to college, in lieu of the official exams. On the other hand, students who have graduated from a school that follows the Lebanese educational system are directly admitted to the [[wiktionary:sophomore|sophomore]] year. These students are still required to take the SAT I, but not the SAT II. The university [[academic degrees]] for the first stage are the [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor]] or the [[Licentiate|Licence]], for the second stage are the [[Master's degree|Master]] or the [[DEA (former French degree)|DEA]] and the third stage is the [[doctorate]].

The [[United Nations]] assigned Lebanon an education index of 0.84 in 2005.<ref name=undp>{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2005/pdf/HDR05_HDI.pdf |title=Human development indicators |accessdate=2006-11-16 |format=PDF |work=United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Reports}}</ref>

==Demographics and religion==
{{main|Demographics of Lebanon}}
[[Image:3133 (16).JPG|right|thumb|[[Our Lady of Lebanon]].]]
No official census has been taken since 1932, reflecting the political sensitivity in Lebanon over confessional (i.e. religious) balance. The [[CIA World Fact Book]] gives the following distribution: '''Muslim''' - 59.7% (Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri),''' Christian''' - 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syriac Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Coptic, Protestant), other 1.3% including the "Israelite sect" (official name), basically the members of the Lebanese Jewish community.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html#People] CIA World Factbook - Lebanon.</ref>
[[Image:Mohammad al-Amin Mosque.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque]] in Martyrs' Square, [[Beirut]].]]
There are 17 religious sects recognized.<ref name="cia">[[CIA]], the World Factbook (2006). [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html "Lebanon"]. Retrieved 7 November 2006.</ref>. An 18th sect, the Copts was added recently to make the total official religious sects in Lebanon 18. Some followers of the [[Druze]] religion do not consider themselves to be [[Muslim]]; however, the state legally recognizes [[Druze]] followers as [[Muslim]].

The number of those inhabiting Lebanon proper was estimated at 3,925,502 in July 2007.<ref name="cia" /> There are approximately 18 million people of Lebanese descent spread all over the world, with [[Brazil]] having the largest Lebanese community abroad (8 million).<ref>Marina Sarruf (2006). [http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/117345.php "Brazil Has More Lebanese than Lebanon"]. Retrieved 30 November 2006.</ref> [[Argentina]], Australia, [[Canada]], [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], [[Chile]], [[Sweden]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Kuwait]], France, Spain, Germany, [[Great Britain]], [[Mexico]], [[Venezuela]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[West Africa]], [[South Africa]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]], [[Haiti]], and the [[Dominican Republic]] also have large and considerable Lebanese communities.

In 2007, Lebanon hosted a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 325,800. 270,800 refugees and asylum seekers were from [[Palestine]], 50,200 from [[Iraq]], and 4,500 from [[Sudan]]. Lebanon forcibly returned more than 300 refugees and asylum seekers in 2007.<ref name="World Refugee Survey 2008">{{cite news|title=World Refugee Survey 2008|publisher=U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants|date=2008-06-19|url=http://www.refugees.org/survey}}</ref>

==Language==
Article 11 of Lebanon's Constitution states that "[[Arabic language|Arabic]] is the official national language. A law determines the cases in which the [[French language]] may be used".<ref name="article_11">"Article 11 of the Lebanese Constitution" http://www.servat.unibe.ch/law/icl/le00000_.html#A011_ Retrieved 28 June 2008.</ref> The majority of Lebanese people speak [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and either French or English fluently. Moreover, Lebanese people of [[Armenian diaspora|Armenian]] or [[Greek diaspora|Greek]] descent also speak [[Armenian language|Armenian]] or [[Greek language|Greek]] fluently. Also in use is [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] spoken by some of the Kurdish minorities in Lebanon, and [[Syriac language|Syriac]] by the Syriac minorities.

The [[colloquial]] language used in Lebanon, which is known as [[Lebanese Arabic|Lebanese]], is one part of a grouping of dialects called [[Levantine Arabic]]. It differs from the literary [[Modern Standard Arabic]], owing its historical blend to [[Phoenician]], [[Aramaic]], [[Syriac]], [[Arabic]], [[Turkish language|Turkish]], and [[Persian language|Persian]]. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for Lebanese people, especially the better educated, to converse in a combination of Lebanese, English and French, whereby the same sentence would include words or expressions from the different languages. In the 1960s Lebanese linguists proposed 37 letters for the Lebanese dialect based on the Latin alphabets. The [[Arab League]] rejected the idea, putting pressure on the Lebanese government to refuse such a project. Lebanese Arabic is a "language continuum"; teams of linguists{{Fact|date=September 2008}} have agreed that 45% of the Lebanese vocabulary is of [[Aramaic]] or [[Syriac]] origins.

In the Christian communities, until the Lebanese Civil War, it was seen as a mark of status not to speak Arabic.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} The reason for this is that Christians generally do not relate to Arabs{{ww}} or their language, and many of them consider it as an imposed language, which overran their own [[Syriac language]] ([[Western Aramaic]]).

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Lebanon}}

===Overview===
[[Image:PhoenicianTrade.png|thumb|[[Phoenicia]] and its colonies.]][[Image:Tyre Triumphal Arch.jpg|thumb|The Triumphal Arch in [[Tyre (Lebanon)|Tyre]].]]
The area including modern Lebanon has been home to various civilizations and cultures for thousands of years. Originally home to the [[Phoenicians]], and then subsequently conquered and occupied by the [[Assyrians]], the [[Persians]], the [[Greeks]], the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], the [[Arabs]], the Crusaders, the [[Ottoman Turks]] and most recently the French, Lebanese culture has over the millennia evolved by borrowing from all of these groups. Lebanon's diverse population, composed of different ethnic and religious groups, has further contributed to the country's festivals, musical styles and literature as well as cuisine, and numerous violent clashes amongst different religious and ethnic groups. When compared to the rest of the [[Western Asia]], Lebanese society as a whole is well educated, and as of 2003 87.4% of the population was literate.<ref>Lebanon CIA World Fact Book. [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html]. 18 December 2006.</ref> Lebanese society is very modern and similar to certain cultures of [[Mediterranean]] Europe. It is often considered to serve as Europe's gateway to Western Asia as well as the Asian gateway to the Western World.<ref>Lebanon Culture. [http://hangoverguide.com/lebanon/]. 18 December 2006.</ref>

===Creative arts===
{{main|Music of Lebanon}}
Lebanese music is known around the world for its soothing rhythms and oriental beats. Traditional and folk music are extremely popular as are western rhythms.

One of the most well-known Lebanese singers is [[Fairuz]]; her songs are broadcast every morning on most radio stations and many TV channels, both in Lebanon and the Arab world in general. Other prominent artists include [[Julia Boutros]], composer and [[oud]] player [[Marcel Khalife]], [[Majida El Roumi]], [[Sabah (singer)|Sabah]], [[Wadih El Safi]], and the important nun and singer Sister [[Marie Keyrouz]], founder of The Ensemble of the Peace.

Some Lebanese artists, such as [[Najwa Karam]] and [[Assi Hellani]], remain loyal to a traditional type of music known as 'jabali' ("from the mountains"), while other artists incorporate Western styles into their songs. Lebanese performers are among the most popular in the Arab world alongside Egyptian artists{{Fact|date=September 2008}}, and the star scene includes prominent figures like [[Najwa Karam]], [[Nancy Ajram]], [[Elissa (singer)]], Ragheb Alame, [[Myriam Fares]], Wael Kfoury, [[Nawal Al Zoghbi|Nawal al Zoghbi]], [[Carole Samaha]], [[Julia Boutros]], Marwan Khouri, Waleed Tawfeek, [[Amal Hijazi]] and [[Majida El Roumi]].

===Sports===
{{main|Sports in Lebanon}}
Because of Lebanon's unique geography, both summer and winter sports thrive in the country. In autumn and spring it is sometimes possible to engage in both during the same season, skiing in the morning and swimming in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] during the afternoon. At the competitive level, [[basketball]], [[football (soccer)|football]], and [[hip ball]] are among Lebanon's most popular sports. In recent years, Lebanon has hosted the [[Asian Cup]] and the [[Pan-Arab Games]]; the country will host the Winter [[Asian Games]] in 2009.

Lebanon has six [[skiing|ski]] resorts, with opportunities also available for [[cross-country skiing]], [[snowshoeing]], and [[snowmobiling]]. In the summer, skilifts can be used to access [[hiking]] trails, with views stretching as far as [[Cyprus]] to the west and [[Syria]] to the east on clear days. [[Canoeing]], [[cycling]], [[rafting]], [[climbing]], [[swimming]], [[sailing]] and [[spelunking]] are among the other common leisure sports in Lebanon. Adventure and extreme sports are also possible throughout the country. The [[Beirut Marathon]] is held every fall, drawing top runners from Lebanon and abroad. Race day is promoted as a fun, family event, and it has become a tradition for many to participate in costumes or outlandish clothing.

===Arts and literature===
Lebanon's contribution to the Arab Rennaissance during the middle of the 19th century is immense{{Fact|date=September 2008}}. This flowering allowed for the modernisation of the Arabic language moving it away from its Koranic classical dictums, and allowing for the creation and adaptation of previously unknown terms/ words as Al-Watan (the nation), Al-Watania (Nationalism).
The first theatre production in the Arab world was performed at the Al-Kahzen household in 1862, a Lebanese aristocratic family who were also representatives of France.

By the turn of the 20th century, Beirut was vying with Cairo as the major centre for modern Arab thought, with many newspapers, magazines, and literary societies.

[[Image:Baalbek-Jupiter.jpg|thumb|Temple of Jupiter in [[Baalbek]].]]

In literature, [[Gibran Khalil Gibran]], who was born in [[Bsharri]], is particularly known for his book ''[[The Prophet (book)|The Prophet]]'', which has been translated into more than twenty different languages.<ref>The Hindu (5 January 2003). [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lr/2003/01/05/stories/2003010500320500.htm "Called by life";]. Retrieved 8 January 2007.</ref> Several contemporary Lebanese writers have also achieved international success; including [[Elias Khoury (writer)|Elias Khoury]], [[Amin Maalouf]] and [[Hanan al-Shaykh]].

In art, Moustafa Farroukh was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century. Formally trained in Rome and Paris, he exhibited in venues from Paris to New York to Beirut over his career. His work was applauded for its representation of real life in Lebanon in pictures of the country, its people and its customs. Farroukh became highly regarded as a Lebanese nationalist painter at a time when Lebanon was asserting its political independence. His art captured the spirit and character of the Lebanese people and he became recognized as the outstanding Lebanese painter of his generation. He also wrote five books and taught art at the American University of Beirut.

===Festivals===

[[Image:Beiteddine Palace InnerCourtyard.jpg|left|thumb|[[Beiteddine Palace]], the venue of [[Beiteddine Festival]].]]
Several international music festivals are held in Lebanon, featuring world-renowned artists and drawing crowds from Lebanon and abroad. Among the most famous are [[Baalbeck International Festival]], [[Beiteddine Festival]], [[Byblos International Festival]], and the Al-Bustan Festival. [[Beirut]] ([[Beirut Nights]]) in particular has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous performances, exhibits, fashion shows, and concerts held throughout the year in its galleries, museums, theatres, and public spaces.

==See also==
* [[List of Lebanese businessmen]]

;Non-Governmental Organizations
*[http://www.democracyinlebanon.org The Center for Democracy in Lebanon]

{{portalpar|Lebanon|Flag of Lebanon.svg}}
;Articles about recent events:
*[[2007 Lebanon conflict]]
*[[2006–2007 Lebanese political protests]]

;Miscellaneous
*[[:Category:Settlements in Lebanon|Settlements in Lebanon]]
*[[Communications in Lebanon]]
*[[Military of Lebanon]]
*[[Shebaa Farms]]
*[[South Lebanon conflict]]
*[[Transport in Lebanon]]
*[[List of banks#Lebanon|List of Lebanese Banks]]
*[[List of Lebanese people]]
*[[List of Lebanon-related topics]]
*[[List of universities in Lebanon]]

;Tourism
*[[Beirut Nights]]

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist|2}}

== Book References ==

* Fisk, Robert. ''Pity the Nation: The Abduction of Lebanon.'' New York: Nation Books, 2002.
* Firzli, Nicola Y. ''Al-Baath wa-Lubnân'' [Arabic only] ("The Baath and Lebanon"). Beirut: Dar-al-Tali'a Books, 1973
*[[Philip Khuri Hitti|Hitti Philip K.]] ''History of Syria Including Lebanon and Palestine, Vol. 2'' (2002) (ISBN 1-931956-61-8)
* Holst, Sanford. ''Phoenicians: Lebanon's Epic Heritage.'' Los Angeles: Cambridge and Boston Press, 2005.
* Norton, Augustus R. ''Amal and the Shi'a: Struggle for the Soul of Lebanon.'' Austin and London: University of Texas Press, 1987.
*Sobelman, Daniel. New Rules of the Game: Israel and Hizbollah After the Withdrawal From Lebanon, Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, Tel-Aviv University, 2004.
* Riley-Smith, Jonathan. ''The Oxford Illustrated History of the Crusades.'' New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
* Salibi, Kamal. ''A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered.'' Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990.

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Lebanon}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
; Web portals
*[http://www.discoverlebanon.com/ Lebanon tourism guide] Lebanon panorama tours
*[http://www.leb.org/ Lebanese White Pages]
*[http://www.lebconnection.com/ www.lebconnection.com] Business networking site for the lebanese community
*[http://www.naharnet.com Naharnet]
*[http://www.lebanesetag.com Lebanese Tag] News and events from Lebanon
*[http://yalibnan.com Ya Libnan] Live news from Beirut
*[http://www.lebmoon.com LebMoon.Com] Arabic Lebanese Forum

; Government
*[http://www.informs.gov.lb/EN/Main/index.asp? The Lebanese Governmental Portal for Information & Forms]
*[http://www.presidency.gov.lb/ Official site of the President of the Lebanese Republic]
*[http://www.lp.gov.lb/ Official site of The Lebanese Parliament] {{ar icon}}{{fr icon}}
*[http://www.cas.gov.lb/ Central Administration for Statistics]
*[http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ The Lebanese Armed Forces]
*[http://www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb// Ministry of Tourism]
*[http://www.isf.gov.lb/ Internal Security Forces]
*[http://www.general-security.gov.lb/English/English.htm General-security.gov.lb]
*[http://www.customs.gov.lb/customs/index.htm Lebanon Customs site]
*[http://www.bdl.gov.lb/ Central Bank of Lebanon]
*[http://www.bse.com.lb/ Beirut Stock Exchange]
*[http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/lebanon/ Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations]

; Non-Governmental Organizations
*[http://www.democracyinlebanon.org The Center for Democracy in Lebanon]

; News
*[http://www.otv.com.lb OTV]
*[http://www.almanar.com.lb Al-Manar TV]
*[http://www.annaharonline.com/ AnNahar newspaper] {{ar icon}}
*[http://www.lorientlejour.com/ L'Orient-Le Jour] (Lebanese daily newspaper in French) {{fr icon}}
*[http://www.lbcgroup.tv/lbc/en/main/ LBC]
*[http://www.futuretvnetwork.com Future TV]
*[http://www.libanpress.com Liban Press] (Lebanese news headlines) {{ar icon}} {{en icon}} {{fr icon}}
*[http://www.liban3000.com/ Liban3000.com]
*[http://www.lebanesetag.com Lebanese Tag] {{ar icon}}{{en icon}}
*[http://yalibnan.com Ya Libnan] {{en icon}}
*[http://www.nowlebanon.com NOW Lebanon] {{ar icon}}{{en icon}}
*[http://www.un.org/news/dh/docs/mehlisreport/ United Nations - Mehlis Report] official report of the investigation into Rafiq al-Hariri's assassination
{{col-break}}
; Culture and education
*[http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/lb UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lebanon]
*[http://www.albustanfestival.com/ Al-Bustan Festival, Beit Meri]
*[http://www.baalbeck.org.lb/ Baalbek Festival]
*[http://www.beiteddine.org/ Beiteddine Festival]
*[http://www.tyrefestival.com/ Tyre Festival]
*[http://www.byblosfestival.org/ Byblos Festival]
*[http://www.lcnj.com/ Lebanese Cultural Journal]
*[http://www.beirutnationalmuseum.com The National Museum of Beirut]
; Festivals
*[http://www.baalbeck.org.lb Baalbeck]
*[http://www.beiteddine.org Beiteddine]
*[http://www.byblosfestival.org Byblos]
*[http://www.tyrefestival.com Tyre]
*[http://www.deirelqamarfestival.com Deir el Qamar]
; General information
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/le.html Lebanon] at [[The World Factbook]]
*[http://www.libanvote.com/eventshandler/libanvote/lebanese9296/ LibanVote] (comprehensive electoral database)
*[http://www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/c2414.htm US State Department - ''Lebanon''] includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports

; Travel and Tourism
*{{wikitravel}}
*[http://www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb Ministry of Tourism] - Official website of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism
*[http://www.lebanontravel.webs.com/ Guide of Lebanon] - General Guide of Lebanon
*[http://www.lebanontravel.webs.com/ Travel Agency in Lebanon]
*[http://tyros.leb.net/ Lebanon, the Cedars' Land] - Clickable Maps of Lebanon in 7 Languages with famous historic and touristic cities.
{{col-end}}

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{{Lebanon topics}}
{{Template group
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{Countries of Southwest Asia}}
{{Countries of Asia}}
{{Countries and territories bordering the Mediterranean Sea}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{Member states of the Arab League}}
{{La Francophonie}}
{{OIC}}
{{Afro-Asiatic-speaking}}
}}

<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Lebanon| ]]
[[Category:Levant]]
[[Category:Arab League member states]]
[[Category:Member states of La Francophonie]]
[[Category:Arabic-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Near Eastern countries]]

{{Link FA|ur}}
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[[af:Libanon]]
[[als:Libanon]]
[[ang:Lebanon]]
[[ar:لبنان]]
[[an:Libano]]
[[arc:ܠܒܢܐܢ]]
[[frp:Liban]]
[[ast:Líbano]]
[[az:Livan]]
[[bn:লেবানন]]
[[zh-min-nan:Lī-pa-lùn]]
[[be-x-old:Лібан]]
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[[ga:An Liobáin]]
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[[hak:Lì-pâ-nun]]
[[ko:레바논]]
[[hy:Լիբանան]]
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[[ja:レバノン]]
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[[uz:Livan]]
[[ps:لېبنان]]
[[km:ប្រទេស លីបង់]]
[[pms:Lìban]]
[[nds:Libanon]]
[[pl:Liban]]
[[pt:Líbano]]
[[crh:Lübnan]]
[[ro:Liban]]
[[qu:Libanu]]
[[ru:Ливан]]
[[se:Libanon]]
[[sa:लेबनान]]
[[sq:Libani]]
[[scn:Lìbbanu]]
[[simple:Lebanon]]
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[[sl:Libanon]]
[[sr:Либан]]
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[[tl:Lebanon]]
[[ta:லெபனான்]]
[[kab:Lubnan]]
[[te:లెబనాన్]]
[[th:ประเทศเลบานอน]]
[[vi:Liban]]
[[tg:Лубнон]]
[[tr:Lübnan]]
[[udm:Ливан]]
[[uk:Ліван]]
[[ur:لبنان]]
[[vo:Lubnän]]
[[wo:Libaa]]
[[yi:לבנון]]
[[diq:Lubnan]]
[[bat-smg:Lėbans]]
[[zh:黎巴嫩]]

Revision as of 20:37, 10 October 2008

Jessica Vale is a multimedia artist and musician. She was born just outside of Philadelphia to a German father and an American mother. Her single "Disco Libido" from her debut release, The Sex Album, climbed the Billboard chart. Her second album is Brand New Disease. A similarly-titled single is scheduled.

Band Members

  • Jessica Vale - Vocals
  • Ivan Evangelista - Guitar
  • Matthew St. Joseph - Bass
  • Randy Schrager - Drums

Biography

Based out of New York City, Jessica Vale's music can be described as dark rock. She started Explicit Records with Ivan Evangelista on 2005 and released her debut album, The Sex Album. The concept of the album is that except for Jessica's vocals, the entire album was a recording of manipulated sex sounds. She found willing couples from clubs at NYC to participate. They engineered the sound and resulted product does not sound like sex at all. The album features the Billboard charting single "Disco Libido"

Following The Sex Album, Jessica released her second album, Brand New Disease (Explicit Records) on October 16, 2007, recorded entirely in Jessica's TriBeCa studio in NYC with a full band. Jessica also drew from her extensive travels for this record. Most notably, a trip to the former Yugoslavia inspired the song, "Night in Sarajevo," where the video was also recorded.

Brand New Disease, the single, also charted on Billboard dance as well as the DAC - German Alternative Charts.

Jessica is a video producer as well, she has worked on projects for artists such as Zodiac Mindwarp and The Love Reaction, The Four Horsemen and Francis Dunnery.

Discography

  1. Brand New Disease (October 16, 2007)
  2. Black and Blue
  3. Lonely Life
  4. Exit 12
  5. Brand New Disease
  6. No Soul
  7. Verses from the Rooftop
  8. Night in Sarajevo
  9. Time Stand Still
  10. You Don't Wanna Know
  11. Mirror Check
  12. Together Alone

The Sex Album (2005)

  1. Intro
  2. Welcome
  3. Boy in Black
  4. The One Over There is All Mine
  5. Look Pretty
  6. Sweet 16
  7. Breather
  8. Sarajevo
  9. Disco Libido (Radio Mix)
  10. Microphone
  11. Exit
  12. Boy in Black (Saphin Remix)
  13. Disco Boy (Infinite Volume Remix)
  14. Disco Libido (Clean Radio Mix)
  15. Boy in Black (Clean)

Disco Libido Remixed EP (2006)

  1. Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Mix)
  2. Disco Libido (Josh Harris Remix)
  3. Disco Boy (Infinite Volume IDM Mix)
  4. Disco Libido (Dirty Evangelist Mix)
  5. Disco Libido (JL Cohen Dungeon Mix)
  6. Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Edit)
  7. Disco Libido (Dave Aude Future Disco Dub)

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lebanon&oldid=244441454"