Lebanon officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a
country in the Levant region of Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to
the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west
across the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's location at the crossroads of
the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has contributed to
its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic
diversity.
At just 10,452 km2 (4,036 mi2), it is the smallest recognized sovereign
state on the mainland Asian continent. The official language, Lebanese
Arabic, is the most common language spoken by the citizens of Lebanon.
The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than seven thousand years, predating recorded history. Lebanon was home to the Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for almost three thousand years (c. 3200–539 BC). In 64 BC, the Roman Empire conquered the region, and eventually became one of its leading centers of Christianity. The Mount Lebanon range saw the emergence of a monastic tradition known as the Maronite Church. As the Arab Muslims conquered the region, the Maronites held onto their religion and identity. However, a new religious group, the Druze, established themselves in Mount Lebanon as well, generating a religious divide that has lasted for centuries. During the Crusades, the Maronites re-established contact with the Roman Catholic Church and asserted their communion with Rome. These ties have influenced the region into the modern era...
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