Pollution of water resources is a major problem, as is urban air pollution, mostly from automobiles. Nevertheless, with the exception of the areas subject to urban sprawl, most of the environmental damage that has been sustained is reparable if measures to mitigate are taken now. Although the Syrian presence and the strictures of the Ta'if accord do not lend themselves to dynamic reform, progress is being made. Municipal elections, held in 1998 for the first time in 35 years, have produced dynamic local governments that should prove to be an element for positive change. Lebanon enjoys a free press, and political debate is remarkably open given the political climate.
Bilateral assistance is more varied, but also tilts toward urban infrastructure or trade financing.
In 1998, Italy was the largest bilateral donor, followed by Saudi Arabia and France. National Geographic Country Maps State Dept. Visit our contact page to find the appropriate resource.