Beqaa Governorate
| Beqaa Governorate البقاع | |
|---|---|
 Map of Lebanon with Beqaa highlighted | |
| Coordinates: 33°50′N 35°54′E / 33.833°N 35.900°ECoordinates: 33°50′N 35°54′E / 33.833°N 35.900°E | |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Capital | Zahlé |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4,429 km2 (1,710 sq mi) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
Beqaa (Arabic: البقاع Al-Biqā') is a governorate in Lebanon with a population of 750,000 inhabitants.
Geography
The Beqaa governorate covers an area of 4,429 km². Béqaa is the primary center of Lebanon's agriculture. The Beqaa governorate forms the main geographical extension of Lebanon and it lies between the Western and Eastern Lebanese Mountain ranges. Two rivers run through Béqaa: the Litani River and the Asi River
It encompasses Beqaa Valley.
Climate and tourism
The temperature ranges from -10 °C to 35 °C throughout the year. Béqaa receives heavy rain and snow during the winter.
The villages of Zahlé, Baalbeck, Machgara, Niha, Anjar, Qab Elias, Kfar Zabad, Karaon Dam, Chtaura, and Furzul are the area's main tourism destinations. The Béqaa Governorate lies on an ancient route between Lebanon, Syria, and the rest of the Arab world. The governorate is known for its wine industry, summer festivals, and its cuisine.
Religion
The population is 42% Shia, 30% Christian, 25% Sunni, and 3% Druze.
Districts
Cities
- Zahlé
- Majdal Anjar
- Barelias
- Fourzol
- Baalbek
- Bodai
- Rayak
- Joub Jannine
- Al-Bireh, Lebanon
- Shmistar
- Anjar
- Kherbet Rouha
- Nabi Ayla
- Kasarnaba
- Al Karoun
- Khirbet Qanafar
- Machgara
- Deir El Ghazal
- Qabb Ilyas
- Qusaya
- Deir El Ahmar
- Sawiri
- El Ain
- Mdoukha
