Lebanon is a parliamentary, democratic republic, which implements a special system known as confessionalism.[49] This system, meant to insure
that sectarian conflict is kept at bay, attempts to fairly represent the demographic distribution of religious sects in the governing body.
As such, high-ranking offices in the government are reserved for members of specific religious groups. The President, for example, has to be
a Maronite Catholic Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, the Deputy Prime Minister an Orthodox Christian, and the Speaker of the
Parliament a Shi’a Muslim.
The Lebanese parliament building at the Place de l'ÉtoileThis trend continues in the distribution of the 128 parliamentary seats, which are
divided proportionally between Muslims and Christians. 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.
According to the constitution, direct elections must be held for the parliament every four years, although for much of
Lebanon’s recent history, civil war precluded the exercise of this right.
The parliament elects the president for a non-renewable six-year term. At the urging of the Syrian government, this constitutional rule has
been bypassed by ad hoc amendment twice in recent history. Elias Hrawi’s term, which was due to end in 1995, was extended for three
years.
This procedure, denounced by pro-democracy campaigners, was repeated in 2004 to allow Émile Lahoud to remain in office until
2007
The President appoints the Prime Minister on the nomination of the parliament (which is, in most cases, binding).
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.
The Grand Serail, the governement headquarters in downtown BeirutLebanon's judicial system is based on the Napoleonic Code. Juries are not
used in trials. The Lebanese court system consists of three levels: courts of first instance, courts of appeal, and the court of cassation.
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, divorce, and inheritance.
Lebanese law does not provide for Civil marriage (although it recognizes such
marriages contracted abroad); efforts by former President Elias Hrawi to legalize civil marriage in the late 1990s floundered on objections
mostly from Muslim clerics. Additionally, Lebanon has a system of military courts that also has jurisdiction over civilians for crimes of
espionage, treason, and other crimes that are considered to be security-related.[
These military courts have been criticized by human
rights organizations such as Amnesty International for "seriously fall[ing] short of international standards for fair trial" and having "very
wide jurisdiction over civilians".
generations) live outside Lebanon around the globe. Many Lebanese had successful achievements and became prominent figures in the countries
they ended in.
In Business there is Nicholas Hayek or "Mr. Swatch” was credited with revamping the Swiss watch-making industry in the 1980s and Carlos
Ghosn the President of Nissan Motor Company. Wajdi Mouawad is one of Canada's most prominent young writers. In fashion, Elie Saab is most
famous for designing the dress Halle Berry wore when she won the best actress Oscar in 2002.
Brian Peter Medawar is the Lebanese-Brazilian who won the Nobel Laureate in Medicine in 1960 for discovery of acquired immunological
tolerance.
In Politics and Public affairs there is Ellias Serrano the Former President of Guatemala and Bucaram the Former Ecuador President. Around 20%
of the Brazilian parliament are of Lebanese descent. Many other presidents, primers, governors, ministers and PM’s around the world are/were
from Lebanese origin.
Lebanon encompasses a great mix of cultures and ethnic groups which have been building up for more than 6000 years.
Most of
the Lebanese are descendants of the Phoenicians/Canaanites and/or West Aramaic (50-70%). The second largest ethnic group in Lebanon descends
from Arabs (20-30%). Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Hebrews, Kurds, Persians and others form about (10-20%).
There is no state religion in Lebanon . However, Lebanon officially recognizes 17 religious sects of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The
estimate of religion distribution in Lebanon now is about 1% minorities, 40% Christians and about 60% Muslims.
3 million Lebanese live in Lebanon (Estimate 2001, last official census 1932)
15 million Lebanese and Lebanese decedents are estimated to be living around the globe
(Largest: Brazil 7 million, USA 3 million)
Time: +02:00 GMT, +07:00 US EST
Located on the East coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon is at the meeting point of three continents: Europe , Asia and Africa . Lebanon has been the crossroad of many civilizations ; the traces of which can still be seen today. Its countryside is a place of rocks, cedar trees and magnificent ruins that look down from the mountains to the sea.
Visas
All foreigners must have a valid passport and visa to enter Lebanon. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Visas can be obtained
in advance at Lebanese embassies and consulates around the world. Nationals of many countries can also obtain business or tourist visas upon
arrival at the Beirut Airport and at other ports of entry on the Lebanese border. At the Beirut Airport, visa stamps can be purchased at a
window directly across from passport control. You can pay in cash in U.S. dollars or Lebanese pounds. The price of a 15-day visa is US$17
(LL25,000). A single entry, three-month visa is US$35 (LL50,000).
Contact the Lebanese embassy or consulate in your country or see the General Directorate of General Security website for additional visa
information.(http://www.general-security.gov.lb/Arabic/SiteUtils/HomePage/)
Important Note: Travelers holding passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel are likely to be refused entry into
Lebanon.
Customs
All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty.
The official Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound or lira (LL). Notes are available in denominations of: LL1,000; LL5,000; LL10,000;
LL20,000; LL50,000; and LL100,000. There are also LL250 and LL500 coins.
U.S. dollars are used widely throughout the country. Restaurants, hotels, and stores often quote their prices in U.S. dollars, and many
establishments will convert and provide U.S. dollar prices for you upon request. If you plan to use U.S. dollars, it is advisable to bring
small bills (US$1 to US$20 notes).
The US$/LL exchange rate is relatively stable, hovering around US$1=LL1,500. The appreciation of the Euro since early 2002 has benefited
European travelers. The Euro/LL exchange rate has fluctuated from €1=LL1,400 in June 2002 to €1=LL1,800 in April 2006. Check the Yahoo!
Currency Converter (http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u) for the latest exchange rate before you go.
Money or travelers checks can be exchanged at banks, private money exchange shops, and major hotels. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard,
American Express, Diners Club) are accepted at most large establishments throughout the country. ATMs are also widely available in Beirut and
larger cities and will usually dispense both U.S. dollars and Lebanese pounds.
