The Land of Khalil Gibran, Byblos, The Sea Castle

& The Holy Qadicha Valley

Information on Relocating to Lebanon

• The capital city of Lebanon is Beirut with about 1.3 million people. The political centre is also in Beirut. Lebanon is a Republic.

• Languages: The languages spoken are Arabic (official), followed by French as the second language; English is widely spoken. Armenian is spoken by a small percentage of the population. The TV programs are in their original language and some programs are also in English. Cable TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 3.9 million people - 95% are Arab 95, 4% Armenian, 1% other.

• Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Beirut.

• Housing: Housing is mainly apartments with nice high ceilings and balconies. Both furnished and unfurnished apartments are available. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1800 - US$ 3500 for a 3 bedroom apartment to US$ 5000 - US$ 7000 for a 4 bedroom apartment and higher. The local currency is Lebanese Pound (L£).

• Schools: We have the American, the French and the International school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Public bus services are available in Beirut, where bus services have recently been expanded, although service taxis remain the most widely used option. It is very important that you agree the fee with the driver.

• Bank: The banks are open from Monday-Friday 8.30 am - 4.00 pm. Saturdays 8.00 am -13.00 pm.

• Shopping: Monday-Saturday 8.00 am - 6.00 pm.

• Climate: The coastal strip is hot and humid in the summer, with the beach season lasting from May to October. Temperatures often exceed 33°C (91°F) in Beirut. Winter on the coast is cool and rainy. The mountains have cool and refreshingly breezy summers, but the winters can be extremely harsh, with heavy snowfalls and treacherously icy mountain roads.

• Culture: Nightclubs spice up the evenings in Beirut and mountain resorts. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras and floor shows. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world. The internationally renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain (22km/14 miles north of Beirut) is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.

• Public holidays: January 1st New Year's Day; January 6th Orthodox Armenian Christmas; January 6th Islamic New Year; January (date varies) Ashoura; February 9th Feast of St Maroun; March (date varies) Mawlid al-Nabi(Prophet's Birthday); April-March (date varies) Good Friday; March (date varies) Easter Sunday; April (date varies) Orthodox Good Friday; April (date varies) Orthodox Easter; May 1st Labor Day; May (date varies) Martyrs' Day; May (date varies) Resistance and Liberation Day; August 15th Assumption of the Virgin; September - October (date varies) Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); November 1st All Saints' Day; November 11th Independence Day; November - December Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); December 25th Christmas Day; December (date varies) Islamic New Year.