Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943. Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Israel and Syria, the country is one of the smallest in the Middle East by area.
A history in pictures —
Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943. Located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Israel and Syria, the country is one of the smallest in the Middle East by area.
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The formation of neighbouring Israel in 1948 led to an exodus of Palestinian refugees into southern Lebanon.
Cultural and religious mix —
The formation of neighbouring Israel in 1948 led to an exodus of Palestinian refugees into southern Lebanon.
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The civil war broadly pitted Palestinian and pro-Palestinian Muslim militias against Lebanon's Christian militias, devastating the country in the process.<br /><br /> An estimated 150,000 people were killed during the course of the conflict whilst thousands more fled the country.
Civil conflict —
The civil war broadly pitted Palestinian and pro-Palestinian Muslim militias against Lebanon's Christian militias, devastating the country in the process.

An estimated 150,000 people were killed during the course of the conflict whilst thousands more fled the country.
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Instability in Lebanon has drawn in soldiers from neighbouring Israel and Syria at various points in the country's history.
Outside influence —
Instability in Lebanon has drawn in soldiers from neighbouring Israel and Syria at various points in the country's history.
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The Ta'if Accord, signed under the auspices of the Arab League in 1989, officially ended the civil war in 1990. To balance power among Lebanon's three main religious groups the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament is always a Shia Muslim. Pictured are the current president Michel Suleiman, (center), prime minister Najib Mikati, (right) and speaker of the parliament Nabih Berri, (left).
Reconciled political process —
The Ta'if Accord, signed under the auspices of the Arab League in 1989, officially ended the civil war in 1990. To balance power among Lebanon's three main religious groups the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament is always a Shia Muslim. Pictured are the current president Michel Suleiman, (center), prime minister Najib Mikati, (right) and speaker of the parliament Nabih Berri, (left).
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Lebanon's peace has at times been a fragile one.
A delicate peace —
Lebanon's peace has at times been a fragile one.
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Lebanon has been rebuilding its economy and infrastructure since the end of the civil war in 1990.
Rebuilding the economy —
Lebanon has been rebuilding its economy and infrastructure since the end of the civil war in 1990.
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Despite the turmoil of its recent history, Lebanon plays host to some of the liveliest cities in the Middle East.
Beirut by night —
Despite the turmoil of its recent history, Lebanon plays host to some of the liveliest cities in the Middle East.
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In recent years Lebanon has rebranded itself as a trendy tourist destination, catering for a wide variety of religious, historic and leisure visitors. The country has six UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as 300 kilometers of beaches and seashore.
Tourism destination —
In recent years Lebanon has rebranded itself as a trendy tourist destination, catering for a wide variety of religious, historic and leisure visitors. The country has six UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as 300 kilometers of beaches and seashore.
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Lebanon is one of the few independent states in the world to feature a tree in its national flag (alongside Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Belize and Fiji). The cedar tree is an important symbol in the country's history, representing happiness, prosperity and resilience. It has been adopted by many Lebanese political parties and the country's national airline, Middle East Airlines.
Cedar tree symbol —
Lebanon is one of the few independent states in the world to feature a tree in its national flag (alongside Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Belize and Fiji). The cedar tree is an important symbol in the country's history, representing happiness, prosperity and resilience. It has been adopted by many Lebanese political parties and the country's national airline, Middle East Airlines.
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Internal conflict in neighboring Syria spilled over into Lebanon earlier this year, prompting fears that renewed factional rivalries could reopen the wounds of past conflicts.
Syrian conflict and refugees —
Internal conflict in neighboring Syria spilled over into Lebanon earlier this year, prompting fears that renewed factional rivalries could reopen the wounds of past conflicts.
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