country profile lebanon official name lebanese republic context once the financial centre of middle east was devastated by a protracted civil war from 1975 to 1990 and has been struggling recover ever since s risk outlook is high ariel sharon architect israel invasion in early 1980s elected prime minister remains caught military dispute between syria moreover israeli palestinian conflict could easily spread given sizeable population prominence hizbollah south withdrawal left beirut re establish government control rebuild reconstruction costs are estimated at 1 billion over next 10 years also increasingly danger suffering meltdown its public debt burden 145 gdp however peaceful resolution situation lead heavy inflows capital world aid communities making it easier for tackle dire fiscal spark an economic revival general description total area sq km