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On Sept. 1, 1920, French-administered
Lebanon adopted a flag based on the French tricolor. The current
red-white flag was established by the constitution of 1943,
which divided power among the Muslim and Christian sects.
On the central stripe is a cedar tree, which is a biblical
symbol for holiness, peace, and eternity. |
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Official name: Al-Jumhuriyah al-Lubnaniyah
(Republic of Lebanon).
Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one
legislative house (National Assembly [128]).
Chief of state: President.
Head of government: Prime Minister.
Population (1998): 3,506,000.
Population projection: (2000) 3,620,000; (2010) 4,164,000.
Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 19.8
(world avg. 15.7).
Land use (1994): forested 7.8%; meadows and pastures 1.0%;
agricultural and under permanent cultivation 29.9%; wasteland and
other areas 61.3%.
Gross national product (1996): U.S.$12,118,000,000 (U.S.$2,970
per capita). |
