Lebanon Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Land of the Cedars

Lebanon’s entire western side is coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, stretching for about 225 km. This strategic location made Lebanon a center for the ancient Phoenician civilization, known for their maritime trade and navigation.

The Phoenicians were an ancient seafaring people based in modern-day Lebanon. They spread across the Mediterranean, founding colonies such as Carthage, and are credited with developing one of the earliest alphabets.

Lebanon has a wine-making tradition dating back to Phoenician times. Today, the Bekaa Valley is the heart of the country’s wine industry, producing internationally recognized wines.

Arabic is the official language, but French and English are also widely spoken due to Lebanon’s colonial history and international trade links. Many Lebanese are trilingual, which contributes to the country’s cosmopolitan culture.

Baalbek hosts some of the most impressive Roman ruins outside Rome, including the Temple of Bacchus and Temple of Jupiter. The site demonstrates Lebanon’s importance during the Roman Empire.

The Cedars of God, located near Bsharri in the North Governorate, are some of the last survivors of the ancient cedar forests that once covered much of Mount Lebanon. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Litani River, about 140 km long, is Lebanon’s longest. It flows entirely within Lebanon and is a major source of irrigation and hydroelectric power, especially in the fertile Bekaa Valley.

The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is famous in history and even mentioned in the Bible. Its timber was used by ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians for building ships and temples. Today, the cedar tree is proudly displayed on Lebanon’s national flag.

Shakira, the Colombian pop star, has Lebanese roots through her father’s side. Many Lebanese emigrated to Latin America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Lebanese Civil War was a devastating conflict that lasted 15 years, involving multiple religious and political factions as well as foreign interventions. It ended with the Taif Agreement in 1990.

Byblos, along with Baalbek, Tyre, and the Cedars of God, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites highlight Lebanon’s role in ancient history and its cultural significance to human civilization.

Lebanon is unique in the Middle East for its religious diversity. The population is roughly divided between Muslims (Sunni and Shia) and Christians (Maronite, Orthodox, Catholic, etc.), along with a small Druze community.

The Lebanese Pound (LBP), also called the Lira, has been the official currency since 1939. However, due to recent economic crises, the currency has lost much of its value, and US dollars are often used alongside it in daily life.

Lebanon is a small country located between Syria (north and east) and Israel (south). Its western side faces the Mediterranean Sea. This positioning has given Lebanon both strategic importance and geopolitical challenges.

Byblos (modern-day Jbeil) is believed to have been inhabited since at least 5000 BC. It is famous for being a key center of the Phoenician alphabet and papyrus trade, from which the word “Bible” is derived.

Lebanon’s coastal climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland regions, however, can have snowy winters due to the mountains.

The Mount Lebanon range extends across the country and has historically provided cedar wood, fresh water, and natural protection. The country itself takes its name from this mountain chain.

Tripoli is the second-largest city after Beirut. Located in the north, it has a rich Islamic heritage, including mosques, crusader castles, and souks. It has long been an important trade center due to its port.

Beirut is Lebanon’s capital and largest city. It has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years and has historically served as a major center of trade, finance, and culture in the Middle East. Despite wars and conflicts, Beirut remains the country’s political and economic hub.

Tabbouleh is a traditional Lebanese salad made mostly of parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur, and fresh mint, seasoned with olive oil and lemon juice. It is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and popular across the Middle East.

Lebanon was under French mandate after World War I. It officially gained independence on 22 November 1943, which is now celebrated as the country’s national independence day.

Lebanese University is the country’s largest and only public university, with multiple campuses nationwide. It serves hundreds of thousands of students and plays a key role in higher education.

In 2020, Zeina Akar became Lebanon’s first female Minister of Defense. This was a historic appointment, as few Arab nations have had women in such high-level defense positions.

Lebanon’s population is around 6 million, though this number fluctuates due to emigration and the large presence of refugees, particularly from Syria and Palestine.

Located in Beirut, this airport is the country’s sole operational international airport. It is named after former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.