page_title: Lebanon
section_title: Administrative divisions
hierarchical_section_title: Lebanon / Government and politics / Administrative divisions
caption_attribution_description: English: Baalbek (Lebanon) Français&#160;: Baalbek (Liban) Español: Baalbek 日本語: バールベック 中文: 巴勒贝克 Nederlands: Baalbek Русский: Древний город Баальбек العربية: بعلبك Română: Baalbek (Liban)
context_page_description: Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has contributed to its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. At just 10,452 km², it is the smallest recognized sovereign state on the mainland Asian continent.
  The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than seven thousand years, predating recorded history. Lebanon was home to the Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for almost three thousand years. In 64 BC, the region came under the rule of the Roman Empire, and eventually became one of its leading centers of Christianity. The Mount Lebanon range saw the emergence of a monastic tradition known as the Maronite Church. As the Arab Muslims conquered the region, the Maronites held onto their religion and identity. However, a new religious group, the Druze, established themselves in Mount Lebanon as well, generating a religious divide that has lasted for centuries.
context_section_description: Lebanon is divided into eight governorates (muḥāfaẓāt, Arabic: محافظات‎; singular muḥāfaẓah, Arabic: محافظة‎) which are further subdivided into twenty-six districts (aqdyah Arabic: أقضية‎; singular: qadāʾ Arabic: قضاء‎). The districts themselves are also divided into several municipalities, each enclosing a group of cities or villages. The governorates and their respective districts are listed below:
  Beirut Governorate
  The Beirut Governorate is not divided into districts and is limited to the city of Beirut
  Akkar Governorate
  Akkar
  Baalbek-Hermel Governorate
  Baalbek
  Hermel
  Beqaa Governorate
  Rashaya
  Western Beqaa (al-Beqaa al-Gharbi)
  Zahle
  Mount Lebanon Governorate (Jabal Lubnan/Jabal Lebnen)
  Aley
  Baabda
  Byblos
  Chouf
  Keserwan (Keserwen)
  Matn
  Nabatieh Governorate (Jabal Amel)
  Bint Jbeil
  Hasbaya
  Marjeyoun
  Nabatieh
  North Governorate (ash-Shamal/shmel)
  Batroun
  Bsharri
  Koura
  Miniyeh-Danniyeh
  Tripoli
  Zgharta
  South Governorate (al-Janoub/Jnub)
  Jezzine
  Sidon (Saida)
  Tyre (Sur)
caption: Corinthian capitals in Baalbek
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