Is Lebanon the Land of Milk and Honey? Quiz

Answer: Beirut

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Beirut is the capital and cultural center for the country of Lebanon. A visit to Beirut will allow you to see the St. George Maronite Cathedral which stands right beside the Mohammad al-Amin Mosque. These two beautiful houses of worship are symbols of the great religious diversity to be found in Lebanon.

The Sursock Museum is home to a wonderful collection of modern art, Islamic art and Japanese engravings. There are many things to do in this ancient city including museum trips, attending professional sports, and touring many architectural wonders. Beirut is one of the most popular cities for tourism in the Middle East.

Answer: The Cedars of Lebanon

The Cedars of Lebanon once covered a large portion of the country and were a very important source of income for the country. For thousands of years, the cedar trees were used in the building of railways, temples, and ships. Only a small portion of these woods still remain.

The cedar tree is a symbol for the country and can be found on their flag. These forests are accessible only with an authorized tour group that is led by a well-trained guide. Efforts at reforestation have been in place since 1985, but the efforts will take a while to be seen as the cedar tree is a very slow growing plant.

Answer: Phoenician

The Phoenician culture lived in this area for thousands of years. They made use of the natural gifts this land provided for them. They colonised Rhodes, Carthage, Cyprus and Sicily. This maritime culture has left its footprints all over modern Lebanon. Many of the ancient ruins found in Lebanon are from the Phoenician culture.

Answer: Fossils

Found in the northeastern coastal area of the country, these locations have produced some of the most unique fossils ever found. Today, these locations are more than 2,000 ft. above sea level. Many of the species that have been found have been located nowhere else in the world. One of the most unusual fossils found in these areas is that of a two-legged snake.

At least sixty unknown species of sea life fossils have also been found. Tectonic plate movement has subjected this country to many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The subsequent rise and fall of sea levels provided the conditions needed for fossilization.

Answer: It falls into a cave

Located in the western part of the country, the Baatara gorge waterfall drops 837 ft. (255m) falls into a cave known as the Baatara Pothole. This waterfall originates as melting snowfall from the local mountains. The water is exceptionally pure and there are three natural bridges to add to the panoramic view.

It is a breathtaking example of some of the beauty to be found in Lebanon, and is often listed as one of the world's ten most beautiful waterfalls for its unique attributes.

Answer: Kiwi

Kiwi are not grown in Lebanon. The other three options are the top three crops exported by Lebanon around the turn of the 21st century. Major importers of these crops are the U.S. and Canada. Other important crops are olives, potatoes, nuts, wheat, and beans. Lebanon has many areas of very fertile land that produces more than enough food for the local population and provides an important source of income for the country.

Answer: Lake Qaraoun

Lake Qaraoun is a man-made lake that was created by damming the longest river in the country, the Litani River. Temperate weather keeps tourists coming in all year around. The lake boasts some of the finest motels and restaurants in the country. Scenic boat tours are available and the fishing is wonderful.

The area is also popular among bird-lovers, who come to see the many heron, egret, storks and larks that make the lake their winter home.

Answer: True

The Temple of Jupiter, built in Baalbek, Lebanon, in 27B.C. is often cited as the largest Roman temple ever built. Why Roman Emperor Augustus ordered this massive temple built in the middle of nowhere is anyone's guess. Some of the stones used to build this temple weigh more than 800 tons each.

At the time this ancient monument was built, the city was known as Heliopolis. This site is also home to the beautiful Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Venus. All of these temples have the highly decorative Corinthian columns, so very reminiscent of ancient Roman temples.

These ruins do not lay in ruin. While they have been damaged by time, nature and by war, these magnificent pantheons rank among the best to be seen in the Middle East.

Answer: Coffee

Coffee drinking is a part of Lebanese culture. It is served very dark and thick in texture with a dash of cardamom. As a matter of routine, any visitor is offered coffee when they arrive. This offer is made no matter how short the visit is expected to be. To refuse to drink coffee when offered is usually considered very rude as is the failure to offer it by the host. Lebanese coffee is made in a rakwe, which looks like an elongated, often highly decorated coffee pot.

It is served in small demitasse cups and with optional cream and sugar with which to sweeten this thick, and somewhat bitter brew.

It is rare in Lebanon for drink of any kind to be served without food, so expect a bowl of fresh fruit, croissants and some sort of nut to be a part of this wonderful Lebanese experience.

Answer: False

Lebanon does not export its mineral resources. These resources are limited and are produced for domestic consumption only. The main sources of income for Lebanon are tourism, agriculture, banking and shipping. Lebanon boasts one of the highest standards of living in the Middle East, and is moving progressively forward. They have much to be proud of.