South Lebanon
The main cities of the region are Tyre, Sidon, Jezzine and inland Nabatiyeh. The cazas of Bint Jbeil, Tyre, and Nabatieh in Southern Lebanon are known for their large Shi'a Muslim population with a minority of Christians. The city of Sidon is predominately Sunni with a considerable Christian minority. The cities of Jezzine and Marjeyoun have a Christian majority. The cities of Hasbaya has a Druze majority.
The south was once home to the ancient Phoenicians and Romans. Alexander the Great reportedly connected Tyr—once an island on its own—to the Lebanese mainland by closing off the sea with mountains of sand. Southern Lebanon has featured prominently in the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Click to see a map of the South.
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The Bekaa
Located in the northeastern part of the country, the Bekaa valley is situated between the eastern and western Lebanese mountain ranges and is home to some of the most impressive Roman temples of Baalbeck. Baalbeck, "Heliopolis" (The City of the Sun) is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. The City of the Sun is 89 km away from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. It takes between one and a half to two hours to reach Baalbeck from Beirut, following the Damascus road and passing the towns of Alay, Bhamdun, Sofar, Chtaura and Zahle.
Click to see a map of the Bekaa.
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