Lebanons capital Beirut is an increasingly attractive city and gives the appearance of wealth. Are people in Lebanon really impoverished?
Lebanon is a land of contradictions: on the surface Beirut seems to be an attractive modern city, but within a short distance from the luxurious shops one can witness the insolvency of the Lebanese people. Lebanon suffered from a 16-year war. After the war, the Lebanese government focused on securing funds for a huge reconstruction project, while the rehabilitation of social infrastructure focusing on education, health, housing and social security was and still is largely neglected. Widespread displacement also impoverished much of the population who lost their homes and jobs. As a result, there is great disparity between the wealthy few and the poor majority. Geography also plays a large part in poverty- rural areas and the capitals suburbs lack basic infrastructure such as sewers and sewage treatment facilities. Moreover, some areas in Lebanon have no access to mains water and rely heavily upon rainwater.
