Religion
Muslim 70% (including Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 30% (including Orthodox Christian, Catholic, Protestant),

Climate
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and alpine in the mountains, with long sultry summers and short mild winters. January and February are the coldest months of the year when the average temperature in the capital is 14 °C (55 °F) and unknown to many, Lebanon has a number of good quality ski resorts.

Geography
Lebanon is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bounded on the north and east by Syria (375 km) and on the south by Israel (79 km). From east to west it averages only 50 km, meanwhile the coastline stretches over 225 km from north to south; its greatest width from west to east is 85km.

The terrain is a narrow coastal plain backed by Lebanon Mountains, the fertile Bekaa valley, and the anti-Lebanon mountains that extend to the Syrian border. The highest altitude in the country, Qurnet Al-Sauda rises to over 3,080 meters and is covered by snow for most of the year.

Business Hours
Government: 08.00-14.00 (Mon to Thurs), 08.00-11.00 (Fri), 08.00-13.00 (Sat)
Private Sector: 08.30-17.00 (Mon to Fri).08.00-13.00 (Sat).
Banking Hours: 08.30-14.30 (Mon to Fri).08.30-12.00 (Sat)

During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are shorter with most offices closed in the afternoon. Friday is the weekly official holiday. Shops are generally open from 09.00-18.00 on weekdays. They close earlier on Saturday (15.00).

Visa Requirements
For visiting Lebanon entry visas are required by nationals of all countries except Syria. Nationals of several countries including the member states of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council may obtain a visitor's visa upon arrival at the airport, as long as their passport does not contain any Israeli stamps.

 For residence or longer term stays, foreigners intending to work in Lebanon should have a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.  The Lebanese government site www.general-security.gov.lb (in the Citizens Services section) outlines a number of criteria upon which residency or long term stays may be applied for in Lebanon. 

As visa regulations are subject to change, we strongly recommend visitors check with Lebanese consular authorities prior to finalizing travel arrangements.

Local Laws & Customs
Lebanon is less conservative than other countries in the Middle East. Lebanese women are amongst the most liberated (by western standards) in the Middle East and the chador is rarely seen, although some Muslim women cover their heads, legs and arms (usually veiled women do not shake hands with men). Visiting businesswomen should have few problems in the business environment and most forms of Western dress are acceptable for women in Beirut. 

Business attire is formal, and men should wear suits in all seasons. The handshake is the common form of greeting.

Driving Licenses
An international driving license is valid in Lebanon and a valid national license from any country can be endorsed for use in Lebanon for six months (twice only). Long term expatriate residents require a local license however and a current license from your home country will help avoid a driving test.