INTRODUCTION

Lebanon is a country of beauty, not only in its appearance, but in its culture and everyday way of life.  Its sophisticated European cuisine, wines, and music distinguishes Lebanon as the cultural center of the Arab world. After 15 years of turmoil and war, Lebanon is recovering and rebuilding. As of three months ago Tatler magazine featured Lebanon as one of the most desirable places in the world to visit; 3.5 million people are expected to visit this year alone. The beaches of Lebanon and extraordinary nightlife draw in people from all over the world.

Lebanon possesses an extraordinarily rich and vibrant culture. Its wide array of ethnic and religious groups contributes to the country's rich cuisine, musical and literary traditions, and festivals. World- renowned Middle-Eastern chef Orhan Yegen, owner of Sip Sak Restaurant, will provide an assortment of Lebanese dishes for the June 21, 2006 event in New York City.  In addition Lebanon’s notorious collection of fine tasting wines will be featured.

Various artists portray the beauty of Lebanon; one in particular—Sumayyah
Samaha—a native of Beirut, expresses some of the country’s most breathtaking
scenery.  “I spent the first thirteen years of my life in Shweir, a village
north east of Beirut. My play grounds were the woods and church yards. I was
privileged to grow up surrounded by incredible beauty.” Artwork by Sumayyah
Samaha, Denise Nassar, Hanna Fluk and other artists inspired by the Lebanese and Middle Eastern culture will be displayed. For more information on these artists please visit:
http://www.sumayyahs.com/index.html, http://www.denizart.com/.

After spending several years in war, Lebanon is just starting to recover from the effects, with foreign investment and tourism on the rise. Foreign forces occupied large areas of the country until April 2005, and continue to influence in the Beqaa Valley and Southern Lebanon. Nevertheless, areas of Lebanon and Beirut in particular are moving toward a sense of normality and stability. Lebanese civil society enjoys significantly more freedoms than elsewhere in the Arab world. After twelve years, the reconstruction of downtown Beirut is largely complete. For more information on Lebanon visit http://www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb/.

Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and
Syria.
Capital: Beirut
Population: 3,777,218
Population growth rate: 1.3%
Languages: Arabic, French, Armenian, English
Government type: Republic
Learn more about Lebanon here!

Celebrate Lebanon and Its People Cocktails on Wednesday, June 21 in New York.