| Total Area: |
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10,400 sq. km
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Population:
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3,727,703 (est. July 2003)
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Ethnicity:
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Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
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| Language: |
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Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
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| Religion: |
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Muslim 70%, Christian 30%
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| Government Type: |
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Republic
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| Capital: |
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Beirut
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| Population Below Poverty Line: |
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28% (1999)
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 After sixteen years of civil war between Christian and Muslim elements ended in 1991, there has been considerable rebuilding. However, the tension between the groups continues and predominantly Christian villages have been the targets of Islamic guerrilla groups. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell if the problems are political or religious.
Freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution and generally it is respected. Article 473 of the Penal Code does stipulate that one who "blasphemes God publicly" will face imprisonment for up to a year. The major danger faced by Christians in Lebanon is from militant elements within the populace.
In November 2002, an American missionary, Bonnie Weatherall, 31, was shot and killed at a Christian medical clinic. The clinic had previously received threats because of their attempts to convert Muslims. On May 6, 2003, a Jordanian convert from Islam was killed while attempting to diffuse a bomb planted at the home of a missionary couple in a suburb of Tripoli. Authorities believe the bombing was related to their missionary activities in the country.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for protection for Christians ministering in Lebanon.
- Pray that continuing tensions within the country will ease.
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