Lebanon, officially the Lebanese Republic, is a small, highly mountainous country situated in the Levant region of Western Asia. It is geographically positioned at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. With an area of 10,452 km², the nation is characterized by a complex blend of historical influences, diverse ethnic groups, and a vibrant, though often politically volatile, culture. Beirut serves as the capital and the country's largest urban center, making it a major hub for trade and culture in the Eastern Mediterranean.