Located on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Beirut is Lebanon's cultural center and largest city. Founded over 5,000 years ago, Beirut is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its long history has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims, Christians, Ottomans, Italians, and the French. Despite centuries of foreign influence, Lebanon, and its greatest city Beirut, has managed to preserve its unique identity. The city's architecture reflects this independent identity and storied history as its streets are lined with Parisian-style boulevards, Roman ruins, medieval churches, and Arabesque homes.

With increased European trade and an influx of Maronite Christians during the second half of the nineteenth century, Beirut was transformed into a major commercial hub and soon gained further autonomy under the Ottoman Empire, laying the foundations of modern Beirut. Thanks to preferential treatment by the French and the light hand of the Italian colonial government Beirut has had the space and opportunity to grow.

Despite growing sectarian divides between the Muslim and Christian populations, Beirut is booming into one of the greatest cities of the Mediterranean. A major tourist destination with a thriving financial sector, Beirut is home to businessmen, workers, artists, and philosophers alike. More than just a city, Beirut is a gateway to the Middle East, a region of great change and opportunity.