Lebanon’s diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine peaks and green, fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km long and 46km wide.

Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Beirut commands a magnificent position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are towering mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down. The Corniche seafront boasts beaches, restaurants, theatres and a dazzling variety of shops and restaurants.

Beirut suffered greatly from Lebanon’s 16-year civil war, but following an impressive and ongoing process of reconstruction, the city was poised to become one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the Middle East before the Israeli attacks of 2006.

Beirut’s Central District, known as Solidere (the company in charge of the reconstruction programme), has seen a spectacular number of modern buildings and office blocks springing up everywhere. After massive landfill, two new marinas, a new seaside promenade and a green park are also planned.

The cities and ruins of Aanjar, Baalbeck, Byblos, Tyre and the Qadisha Valley/Cedars Forest are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are also worth visiting.

Lebanon now faces the massive task of rebuilding and maintaining a ceasefire. If this proves possible, the country could find itself back on the tourist radar.

10,452 sq km (4,036 sq miles).

3.8 million (UN estimate 2005).

363.6 per sq km.

Beirut. Population: 1.17 million (2003).

Republic.

The official language is Arabic, followed by French as the second language; English is widely spoken. Armenian is spoken by a small percentage of the population.

Islam and Christianity are the main religions. Islam (predominantly Shi’ite) accounts for approximately 40% of the population’s beliefs. Christian denominations, mainly Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian and Protestant, account for another 40%. Other religions account for the remaining 20% (including a very small Jewish community).

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Lebanese people are known for their hospitality. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. It is acceptable to give a small gift, particularly if invited home for a meal. As far as dress is concerned, casual dress is suitable for daytime wear, except in main towns where dress tends to be rather formal. Smarter hotels and restaurants often require guests to dress for dinner. Since Lebanon is almost evenly divided between those adhering to the Muslim faith, and those adhering to the Christian faith, visitors should dress according to the custom of the majority in the individual places being visited. Smoking is common and acceptable unless specified otherwise.

230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Prime Minister Fouad Siniora since 2005.

President Emile Jamil Lahoud since 1998.