Casa Dor

	-Identity card
	With its outstanding natural beauty and rich architectural and cultural heritage, its ski slopes and beaches, its innumerable restaurants and shopping centers, Lebanon promises an Indisputably Unforgettable Stay; Lebanon is a liberal country, which was founded on private initiative. The foundation of its economy has always allowed it to attract capitals, companies and people of all nations and continents who find the infrastructures that enable them to work harmoniously in Lebanon and its neighboring countries. Lebanon is the land of: 1. Soaring mountains and plunging valleys threaded with many rivers 2. Ancient cities and modern technological achievements 3. Cosmopolitan, hospitable people and delicious food
	- Name
	The Republic of Lebanon
	- Flag
	Three horizontal bands - Red/White/Red and a cedar tree in the middle
	- Area
	10,452 square kilometers. Highest mountain summit: Qornet El Saouda (the Cedars) 3,083 meters
	- Time
	Local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2 GMT) from October to March, and 3 hours (+3 GMT) from April to September
	-Geography
	Lebanon falls on the Eastern Mediterranean between 33o & 34.40o latitude 35o & 36.40o longitude east - with a maritime front of 210 km on that beautifully blue Mediterranean Sea. All regions are within easy reach: it will take a maximum of 4 hours by car to reach the most far-flung places from Beirut. Beirut, Tripoli, Byblos, Sidon, Tyre and other major cities are situated on the narrow coastal plain, only 6 Km2 at the widest point. Mount Lebanon, a rugged and rocky landscape, rises steeply from the coastal plain, with the highest peak at 3,360m. The Anti-Lebanon Mountains are almost of the same height and length, and form a natural border with the neighboring countries to the East. In between is the Beqaa Valley with a central plateau at an average of 760 m above sea level. Throughout history, the Beqaa Valley has been considered a major agricultural region, rich with historical sites.
	-Climate and packing tips
	on its coastal area, Lebanon enjoys a Mediterranean climate (hot summers and mild winters). Summer temperatures in the capital (Beirut) range from 29o C to 32 o C (84oF to 90oF). Winter temperatures range from 16oC to 20oC (61oF to 66oF).The most pleasant months are April, May. Late October and November. In the summer, mountain regions, with their cooler and less humid weather, attract many residents. In winter, temperatures at higher altitudes can drop below zero and many mountaintops remain covered with snow throughout most of the year. Since Lebanon enjoys a summery climate from May to October, pack some light cotton and linen cloths. Don't forget your bathing suit! If you're planning on visiting Lebanon during the winter (November to April), it would be advisable to wear warmer cloths (woolens, polo-necks�). We also recommend you bring a coat and scarf. Don't forget to pack a couple of smart evening outfits, for dining out in Lebanon can be a very stylish affair!
	- Natural Resources
	Limestone, iron ore, salt. Lebanon is a water-surplus state in a water-deficit region.
	- Population
	4,200,000 citizens Population growth rate is estimated at 1.62%.
	- Religion
	17 religious communities, most of which are Christian, Muslim and Druze
	-Languages
	Arabic is the official language. English & French are widely spoken

	-Political System
	A Parliamentary Democracy
	- Major Cities
	Tripoli, Jbeil (Byblos) on the North coast. Saida (Sidon). Nabatieh and Sour (Tyre) on the South coast. Chtaura, Zahle and Baalbeck in the east.
	- Food & Drinks
	Well known Lebanese mezzes and arak but also a multiple choice of European, American, Japanese, Taiwanese, Mexican food in addition to all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
	- Currency
	The local currency is Lebanese Pound or Lira (L.L or LBP), You can pay in dollars as well: US$ 1.00 = L.L 1,500.00 Notes are in denominations of LL1,000 - LL5,000 - LL10,000 - LL20,000 - LL50,000 - LL100,000, coins are in pieces of LL50 - LL100 - LL250 - LL500
	- National Product
	Agriculture 10% Industry & Construction 20% Trade & Services 70%
	-GDP
	US$ 14.5 billion in 1999 (approx)
	--Infrastructure
	Modern telecommunication systems, extensive road networks and modern port facilities
	- Financial & Other
	High skilled human capital, diversification opportunities with various types of business entities, new free trade zones, extensive local banking services and bank secrecy, free exchange regime, advantageous fiscal frame work, open entry for foreign investment and guarantees for investment
	- Industries
	Banking, food processing, textiles, cement, oil refining, chemicals, jewelry, metal fabricating
	- -Agriculture
	The principal products are citrus fruits, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, sheep, goats
	-Beirut International Airport
	The new airport was modernized recently at a total cost of US$ 380 million, and can handle a 6- million passenger yearly traffic
	- Customs
	All ordinary personal effects are exempt from custom duty. Visitors are allowed to import 2 bottles of alcohol and 500 gms of tobacco
	- Visas
	Visas to Lebanon can be obtained at Beirut International Airport and on the Lebanon/Syria borders for nationals of the following countries: • Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. • Other Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, USA and Venezuela. Visas are issued at the immigration counter at the airport at a nominal fee and are valid for 90 days from date of entry. Kindly note the following conditions for obtaining the visa: no Israeli stamp or visa to appear in the passport, passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months and a valid return ticket must be presented. Visa Fees: Fifteen-days visa: 25,000 LBP Three-months visa, single entry: 50,000 LBP Multi-entry tourist visa: 100,000 LBP
	- Returning Lebanese Nationals:
	Requirements for customs clearance (at the airport or the port): Proof of residency in a foreign country, change of residency certificate (attested by the Lebanese embassy in the country of former residence), proof of residency in Lebanon (a rent contract attested by the municipality or an ownership deed certified by the mayor).
	- Non-Nationals moving to Lebanon:
	Requirements to avoid paying import duty on personal effects are the following: A certified letter from former/present employer stating change of residence, job title, nature of work you will be doing in Lebanon, legalised by the Lebanese embassy in country of origin and by the local authorities. Also, you will need a detailed packing list, a rent contract (legalised by local municipality), a work permit and a residence visa. In case you are bringing a pet with you, make sure to have an international health certificate from your local vet. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies (not more than 30 days).
	- Medical checklist before arrival
	You will require the following: up to date tetanus injection, hepatitis A, valid medical insurance and current medical report from your doctor.
	- Tourist Refund - Value added Tax - VAT
	Starting 01 February 2002, tourists departing from Lebanon are entitled to a VAT refund on goods purchased during their stay. During the February Shopping Festival, and until the management of the tourist refund mechanism is handed over to a private company, the customs administration will handle the VAT refund claims. Which purchases do not entitle the tourist to a VAT refund? All kinds of services (hotels, telecommunications, car rentals, guided tours All kinds of foods and beverages (restaurants, caf�s, supermarkets Fuel and tobacco.
	- What are the conditions required for a VAT refund?
	The goods must be transported in the tourist's personal luggage. The tourist must have bought the goods from a VAT registered retailer. The total value for each invoice from each store must exceed 150,000 LBP per year. The purchases should be exported from Lebanon within three months of the date of purchase i.e. the date of the invoice. The goods don't necessarily have to be transported upon the tourist's first departure from Lebanon as long as he is still within the time limit determined above. The purchases should be new and not used in Lebanon (except used cars).
	- What should the tourist do in order to claim a VAT refund?
	The tourist must ask the VAT registered retailer to issue, an invoice containing the retailer's VAT registration number, his name and address, the tourist's name and address, the description and value of the transaction, and the amount of VAT paid. The tourist must obtain a refund claim from the registered retailer (or at the airport when departing) and must fill it out. The tourist must present the customs administration at the point of departure with the goods, the VAT refund claim, and the invoices related to that refund. It should be noted that the customs administration will keep the original invoices. Therefore, any tourist wishing to retain copies of these invoices must photocopy them in advance or ask the retailer to issue another copy upon purchase of the goods. The customs administration will inspect the goods for which a refund is claimed in order to ensure that they match the related invoices. It will also stamp the refund claim and all its attachments.
	- When is the decision of acceptance or refusal of the request issued?
	The refund claims shall be handled by the unit that will be in charge of the management of the tourist refund. When the required conditions are met, the tax is refunded, either by check or credit card transfer, after deduction of the company's commission. If the refund claim is rejected, then the tourist is notified of the rejection of the claim, as well as the reason for the refusal.
	- Useful Numbers while you are in Lebanon
	-Fire Brigade 175 -Civil Defense 125 -Internal Security 112 -Police 160 -Red Cross 140 -Operator 100 -Information 120 -Airport 01.628000 -Tourist Police 01.350901 - 01.343286 - 01.343209
	- Figure & Facts
	Amazing Figures and Facts about Lebanon
	- Historical
	The Phoenicians were the first sea traders The first law school in the world was built in Beirut (Berytus) Byblos is the oldest city in the world The first Alphabet was created by Cadmus in Byblos Lebanon's name has been around for over 4000 years Beirut was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times. (This is why it's compared to the Phoenix)
	- Cultural
	40 Daily Newspapers 42 Universities 70% of the students are in private schools Gibran Khalil Gibran, author of the Prophet, is Lebanese Lebanon is the country with the most published books about it
	- Geographical & Demographical
	There are 15 rivers in Lebanon. All of them, generating from its mountains Over a 100 Banks There are 4,000,000 Lebanese in Lebanon There are 12,000,000 Lebanese outside Lebanon