Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times throughout its 5,000-year history, earning it a reputation as a city that refuses to die. Once known as the 'Paris of the Middle East' for its vibrant culture, fashion, and French-influenced architecture, it remains a center of banking and education. Lebanon is the only country in the Arab world that does not have a desert; it is dominated by the Lebanon Mountains and the Anti-Lebanon range. The country is famous for its ancient Cedar trees, which are the national symbol and appear on the flag. Beirut's history is deeply tied to the Phoenicians, the ancient seafaring civilization that gave the world the first alphabet. Today, the city is a melting pot of 18 recognized religious sects, making it one of the most socially complex and diverse cities in the Mediterranean.