Beirut is the capital of Lebanon. It is situated on the Mediterranean Sea and is the country's chief port and largest city. Beirut was once the most modern city in the Middle East. However, a 16-year civil war that ended in 1991 caused a lot of damage. Beirut is spread over two hills. East Beirut is located on one and West Beirut is located on the other. The land is flat along the coast, from the mouth of the Dog River in the north to the mouth of the Damur River in the south. The Lebanon Mountains are to the east of the city, while beaches line the coast to the west. CityscapeBeirut is a large city. In most places, modern high-rise buildings, low-income apartments, and old-style two-story houses with red-tiled roofs stand side by side. East Beirut is almost solidly Christian while West Beirut is mostly Muslim. The downtown area of central Beirut (the old city) was destroyed during the civil war. Because of the fighting that occurred between rival factions, central Beirut could not be reconstructed during the war. All business moved out of the area to establish new premises in the Christian and Muslim sides of the city. When the war ended in 1991, strong divisions remained between the various groups. Reconstruction of the city has been slow. For many years Beirut was a center of Arab social and cultural life in the Middle East. The city's schools, including the American University of Beirut, attracted students from many Arab countries. The city worked to regain that position after the war. EconomyBefore the 1970s Beirut was a major center for sea and air traffic. For years the city was an important port in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Beirut was also a major banking and tourism center. The city continued to manufacture products, even during the war. Food and beverages are particularly important to the economy. Other industries include textiles and banking. Among the city's exports are farm animals, cement, and fruit. HistoryThrough the centuries, Beirut has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt a number of times. The city became a Roman colony in 14 BC and was a center of trade and education. Earthquakes destroyed the city in the 6th century AD. Through the centuries that followed, Beirut was ruled by Arabs, Christian Crusaders, the Turks, the British, the French, and the Egyptians. By the 17th century the city had become an important exporter of Lebanese silk to Europe. Beirut began to grow rapidly in the mid-1800s. The economy became based on manufacturing, and the city became a trade link between Europe and the Middle East. After World War I (1914–18), the French ruled Beirut. It became the capital of the State of Greater Lebanon, which in 1926 became the Lebanese Republic. The city became the capital of the Republic of Lebanon in 1941. Tensions between Muslims and Christians in Lebanon led to fighting in 1958 and eventually the civil war in 1975. During the civil war Beirut became divided. In effect, two cities appeared—a Christian East Beirut and a Muslim West Beirut. The city remained divided after the war ended in 1991. Population (1994 estimate), 1,100,000. |