Geography

Dhour Choueir is a mountain town in Lebanon, ‘dhour’ meaning summit, or top of a mountain. It lies slightly north of the main Beirut – Damascus highway and overlooks the city of Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea. It is 30 km from Beirut and 42 km from Beirut International Airport.

Economy

The economy of Lebanon is a developing economy, with a private sector that contributes to 75% of aggregate demand and a large banking sector that supports this demand. The major industrial sectors include metal products, banking, agriculture, chemicals, and transport equipment. Lebanon has a competitive and free market regime and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange or capital movement.

Entertainment

Beirut may be the nightlife capital of Lebanon, but there also is plenty of entertainment for the high-energy individuals in other parts of Lebanon following a day of sightseeing or outdoor adventures. For example, after a morning tour of the ruins of Aanjar or Baalbek, stop in at one of the Békaa’s wineries for some food and wine tasting.

In the summer, there are large festivals extending over several days or weeks in Baalbek, Jbail (Byblos), Beiteddine, Sour (Tyre), and Dhour Choueir, headlining big name acts (both Lebanese and international performers). The festivals create a lively atmosphere in the cities that host them.

Towns along the coast or in the mountains are increasingly popular spots for entertainment, especially in the busy summer season, when people want to escape the heat of the city. The nightlife on the coast north of Beirut, such as Jounié and the Casino du Liban is definitely worth trying.

In winter, the ski resorts, such as Faraya-Mzaar, accommodate the jet-set crowd.

Language

While Arabic is Lebanon’s official language, English and French are widely spoken. Most Lebanese speak at least two or three languages, and visitors will face no problems communicating. Many establishments provide signs, menus, and information in Arabic, French and English.

Currency

The official Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound or Lira (LL); however, U.S. dollars are also widely used throughout the country. Restaurants, hotels and stores often quote their prices in U.S. dollars, and many establishments will convert and provide U.S. dollar prices for you upon request. The US$/LL exchange rate is relatively stable, hovering around US$1=LL1,500.

Religion & customs

Located in the heart of the two major world religions, Christianity and Islam, Lebanon has an old and rich religious background with diverse traditions. This is evident in the multicultural blend that can be seen till present times and which gives a unique identity to the Lebanese society.

Climate

Lebanon has a moderate Mediterranean climate. In coastal areas, winters are generally cool and rainy whilst summers are hot and humid. In more elevated areas, temperatures usually drop below freezing during the winter, with a heavy snow cover that remains until early summer on the higher mountaintops.