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The Geography of Beirut
The rugged terrain of Lebanon has historically aided in the physical division of people along ethnic, clan and religious lines. True to this historic trend and largely influenced by the events of the Civil War, Beirut is divided into East (Christian) Beirut and West (Muslim) Beirut. As the capital and primate city of Lebanon, this physical division is indicative of largely-held ideological divisions in the country. However, through restoration efforts and the building of such public places as Peace Park, post-war reconstruction is working to create public places of co-existence and communality.
Quick Facts
- 7 square miles (18 square kilometers), area governate
- 26 square miles (67 square kilometers), city
- City population in 1998, estimate: 1, 500, 000
- Urban agglomeration population in 2001, estimate: 2, 115, 000
Location
A chief port city, Beirut is positioned on an isthmus extending into the Mediterranean Sea. It has taken on a triangular shape, largely influenced by its situation between and atop two hills: Al-Ashrafiyeh (East Beirut) and Al-Musaytibah ( West Beirut).
Beirut has strong connections to its immediate hinterland, particularly its narrow coastal plain, Al-Sahil which extends from the mouth of the Nahr Al-Kalb (Dog River) in the north to the Nahr Al-Damur (Damur River) in the south.
Climate
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Beirutis enjoy a subtropical climate with cool, temperate winters and hot, humid summers. January, the coolest month, has an average maximum temperature of 62˚F (17˚C) and a minimum of 51˚F (11˚C). On the other hand, the hottest month, July, has a maximum temperature of 87˚F (31˚C) and minimum of 73˚F (23˚C). Beirut has a strong rainy season, from mid-autumn to early spring, which averages an annual rainfall of 36 inches (914 mm).
Environment
In the post-war reconstruction environment degradation is not high on the city’s list of priorities. However, it should be. With one of the highest per capita rates of auto ownership in the world coupled with the on-going burning of industrial waste, Beirut suffers from heavy air pollution. Its coast is also visible polluted from raw sewage dumping and oil spills. Also due to the destroyed infrastructure, garbage collection and disposal continue to be a problem for the city.
Long Distance and Poor Transport Make Waste Disposal a Problem for Beirut,
Landfill Highlighted in Green
People
According to official government records, the population of Beirut is evenly divided between Christians and Muslims; however, the accuracy of these numbers is highly debated. Most likely, wartime migrations of Shi’ites to West and center Beirut tipped the balance in favor of the Muslim population.
Selling Ka'ak on the Corniche
The city is home to 17 religious sects, many of these sects also providing ethnic identities to its followers. The Maronites and Greek Orthodox comprise the majority of Christians in the city; while, Armenians, Greek Catholics, Protestants and Roman Catholics make-up the minority. Historically Sunnis dominated the Muslim demographic, however due to the influx of Shi’ites this has probably changed. There is also a small community of Jews who were once centralized in the downtown neighborhood Wadi Abu Jamil. Throughout the war, though, their numbers have waned and the remaining community now lives adjacent Christian suburbs and in East Beirut. Although the city is largely divided, there does exist some mixed neighborhoods which have a distinctly cosmopolitan tone.
Shi'ite Women
Ethnically, the city can broadly be described as Arab, but as noted before Beirutis have a much more nuanced understanding of their ethnic identities which usually follows sectarian lines. Within the Arab population there are Syrians, Palestinians and Lebanese. There is also a growing community of South Asian laborers.
