Located on the Mediterranean coastline, the Republic of Lebanon is often referred to as the “gateway to the Middle East.” It is one of the smallest countries in the region, with a total area of 3,861 square miles (10,452 square kilometers). In 2010, Lebanon's population was approximately 4,228,000, and its gross national income per capita was $8,800. Throughout its history, Lebanon has experienced many internal and external political conflicts that have had a lasting influence on the country. However, the economic status of Lebanon is relatively high in comparison with many of its neighboring countries. The average gross domestic product growth is about 9 percent since 2008, one of the highest in the Middle East region. This growth is primarily a result of the construction ...