Beirut has a wide range of geographical regions. The city is situated atop two hills, the Al-Ashrafiyah and the Al-Musaytibah, which meet to create a triangular peninsula protruding into the Mediterranean Sea.

It is estimated at 1.8 million people, according to the government. It is the primate city of Lebanon with almost five times the population of the second largest city, Tripoli. It is approximately equally divided among Christians and Muslim residents. These figure are however very difficult to calculate due to the civil war and the large Shi'ite immigrants into west and central Beirut.
 

As well, it is difficult to classify this city. The alarming rate of urbanization has created an increase in the commercial and financial functions of Beirut, especially due to its stable currency and "secrecy banking" that would permit Beirut to be classified as having primarily commercial and financial functions. However, throughout history Beirut has continued to be a major port city of the Middle East and engage in sea trade with nations from all over the world.
 

Beirut could also be classified as an intellectual and cultural center as it is home to the internationally recognized American University of Beirut as well as the many other universities and colleges that exist in Beirut - a population with a wide range of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, and a widespread liberalism and social acceptance. Modern Beirut offers a series of baffling contradictions. It carries the reputation of being an extremely cosmopolitan city yet much of the original grid pattern of the city, created around the 7th century, still exists. Beirut is also known for its liberal and tolerant way of life even in the midst of destruction, violence, and hostility.
 
Beirut is perpetually redefining itself: Mediterranean and Arab, cosmopolitan and nationalist, secular and religious, liberal and conservative, political and hedonistic, superficial and genuine.
 
More information on Beirut's economic features
 

Tourism
 
The strategic position of Lebanon, its mild climate and natural beauty, consisting of snow-capped mountains, valleys and the Mediterranean Sea, make it a natural tourist attraction. Apart from its privileged geographical and natural situation, Lebanon benefits from qualified and experienced human resources in the tourism industry.
More information on the tourism structure in Beirut

 
 
Strategic Planning
 
The Municipality did not adopt any strategic planning for the city nor develop any; all these schemes are in the power of the Government.
 
A private development corporation, SOLIDERE, was commissioned to build the entire infrastructure and public space of the city center and deliver it to the public authority.
 
However, the belt of BCD remains excluded from the urban and architectural plans because they contradict the esthetical paradigm underlying within Beirut's existing fabric.
 
Therefore, the project ARCHIMEDES might be a stepping stone in establishing a wider project of strategic planning that takes into consideration the whole city.
More information on Strategic Planning in Beirut

 
 
Departments involved in Archimedes Project
 
The main departments that play effective roles in this project in Beirut are:
- the International Relations department at the Municipality
- the technical service department (urban development) at the Municipality: this department plays a major role in what is related to urban developments, city plans etc. Its contribution is to coordinate the development of the project. This service as well will help in organising the final conference in Beirut in 2008.